South Australian startup Paladin Space will continue developing a reusable space debris remover in Adelaide after landing a $100,000 grant from the state government.
The company will work with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) on the build ahead of an expansion to the United States.
Founded by Harrison Box, Paladin Space is a world-first reusable space debris remover taking aim at dangerous objects stuck in orbit like defunct satellites and rocket parts.
On Monday, the state government announced Paladin had received a $100,000 ‘Seed Start’ grant from the South Australian Government’s Research and Innovation Fund.
The support will go to refining its capture technology for a prototype slated for mid 2025.
“With an estimated 9,000 metric tons of space debris currently scattered in orbit, and moving at extremely high speeds, a piece as small as a pen lid could easily damage any satellite in its way and put astronauts at risk,” Mr Box said.
The company is currently considering options for a US office and will return to the country as part of space startup delegation later this month meeting with investors, Space X and NASA.
“As home to the nation-leading AIML, South Australia is leading the way in AI technologies, and Paladin Space is working with the Institute to develop its AI-enabled satellite that can capture and remove space debris,” Deputy premier and Innovation minister Susan Close said.
“It’s no surprise that this innovation has captured the attention of local and international investors and space organisations.”
The state government is also offering similar sized grants for South Australian-based startups and small businesses to work with international partners on low-cost access to space or spaceflight technologies.
The support follows the signing of a space technology treaty late last year that has caused concerns in parts of the local industry could suffer under restrictions that limit local development. However some companies, including South Australian heavyweights are backing the move.
In July, space research Trailblazer iLAuNCH opened its $18 million advanced manufacturing facility at the University of South Australia.
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