Space Centre Australia

What Space Centre Australia does

Space Centre Australia is a privately held aerospace infrastructure company founded in 2019 by James Palmer and Jane Palmer, headquartered in Cairns, Queensland, with its operational US base inside NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and a UK entity in Liverpool. The company's core asset under development is the Atakani Space Centre — a 300-square-kilometre site approximately 43 km east of Weipa in Cape York (12° South latitude) designed to become Australia's first large-scale, multi-use spaceport supporting vertical launch, suborbital, LEO, and deep space missions with direct trajectory access to equatorial, polar, and sun-synchronous orbits. The technology platform spans Project Karman Line (horizontal air-launch via modified C-130J Super Hercules aircraft), Space Watch™ (AI-powered space domain awareness with orbital tracking, collision avoidance, and predictive analytics), SCA AI Systems (a sovereign Human-in-the-Loop AI platform with governance, science, and launch/airfield operations assistants), ASCENT (persistent airborne science platform with ASTRIS edge AI), and AeroLabs (university research consortium). Supporting infrastructure includes purpose-built vehicle integration hangars, payload cleanrooms, multi-tenant mission control, secure operations centres, and geothermal-powered launch facilities. Geothermal energy is planned to power the three spaceport sites, with excess electricity fed back to grid. The business model combines transaction-fee launch services, managed-services spaceport leasing, recurring subscriptions for Space Watch™ data, a Science-as-a-Service model for ASCENT, and professional services for space tourism and AI deployment, all delivered via custom enterprise contracts and direct field sales. Customer segments span government and defence (NASA, U.S. Space Force, AUKUS-aligned missions), commercial satellite operators, research institutions, and data/analytics customers in agriculture, energy, and environment. Leadership includes former Australian Prime Minister Hon. Scott Morrison as Advisory Chairman, and the company is currently conducting a Series A capital raise.

Name

Space Centre Australia

Legal name

Space Centre Australia

Website

https://spacecentreaustralia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Space Centre Australia is a private aerospace infrastructure company developing Australia's first large-scale, multi-use spaceport at Cape York, offering vertical and horizontal launch services, AI-powered space domain awareness, and airborne science platforms to government, defence, and commercial customers across Australia, the US, and UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spaceport Infrastructure and Aerospace Services

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMABACAA

Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle Manufacturing

SECONDARYIMABACAJ

Ground Segment Systems (Ground Stations, TT&C, Mission Ops)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle Manufacturing

SECONDARYIMABACAD

Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing/Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle Manufacturing

SECONDARYFSAJAHAJ

Space / Satellite Insurance

Financial & Insurance/Insurance — Motor, Property & Casualty/Marine & Aviation Insurance

Keywords

• Spaceport infrastructure
• Launch services
• Space domain awareness
• Airborne science services
• Spaceport operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Cairns

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Launch Services: Vertical and horizontal launch services for commercial satellite deployment, suborbital research, and deep space missions. Revenue from launch fees, mission integration, telemetry services, and payload handling. Serves LEO, polar, sun-synchronous, and equatorial orbital trajectories.
2. Spaceport Infrastructure & Facility Services: Long-term leasing of launch facilities, integration pads, payload handling infrastructure, mission control centers, and tenant operator facilities. Multi-pad vertical launch complex with expandable capacity for commercial launch providers.
3. ASCENT Airborne Science Services: Commercial Science-as-a-Service model with platform access (aircraft availability, mission windows, payload hosting), mission delivery (planning, engineering, integration, execution), and data & analytics (raw data, processed outputs, subscription services).
4. Technology & Data Services (Space Watch): AI-powered space surveillance, telemetry integration, orbital tracking, and commercial data analytics. Revenue from subscription-based data services, API access, and custom analytics for defense, agriculture, energy, and environmental sectors.
5. Space Tourism: Launch tourism operations planned as part of Atakani Space Centre development. Indigenous STEM education and tourism precincts within facility.
6. SCA AI Systems: Sovereign AI platform deployment as human-in-the-loop capability for regulated environments. Revenue from deployment, customization, and ongoing operational support for government agencies, research institutions, and aerospace organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Space Centre Australia develops and operates sovereign spaceport infrastructure and launch services, including vertical and horizontal launch capabilities, space domain awareness data services, and airborne science platforms. Its flagship Atakani Space Centre in Cape York (300 sq km, 12° South) provides access to equatorial, polar, and sun-synchronous orbits, while US operations at NASA Wallops Flight Facility support Project Karman Line and ASCENT airborne science missions using C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Revenue is generated through launch service fees, spaceport infrastructure leasing, AI/data subscriptions, and government contracts.

Product overview

Space Centre Australia operates a multi-product aerospace and space infrastructure platform. At its core is the Atakani Space Centre, Australia's first large-scale multi-use spaceport in Cape York for vertical launch operations, complemented by Project Karman Line (horizontal air-launch using C-130J Super Hercules aircraft). The platform includes three AI-powered product lines: SCA AI Systems (human-in-the-loop AI for governance, science, and launch operations), Space Watch™ (space domain awareness with orbital tracking and predictive analytics), and ASCENT (persistent airborne science platform). AeroLabs Science provides the international university research consortium connecting to the C-130J-30 airborne laboratory. Supporting modules include Space Port Infrastructure services, Technology and Data Services, and Wet Hire Aircraft & Mission Logistics. Together these products form an end-to-end ecosystem spanning launch services, airborne science, AI analytics, and space domain awareness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AeroLabs: International airborne research and innovation program operated by Space Centre Australia LLC connecting universities and research institutions to shared airborne laboratory for atmospheric science, heliophysics, and launch research.
• ASCENT
• Project Karman Line
• Space Watch
• SCA AI Systems
• Atakani Space Centre

Products and services

• Atakani Space Centre Australia's flagship 300-square-kilometer spaceport in Cape York, designed to support vertical launch, suborbital, LEO, and deep space missions with direct access to equatorial, polar, and sun-synchronous orbits. Features a multi-pad vertical launch complex, payload integration facilities, mission control systems, vehicle integration hangars, and ITAR/MTCR/TSA-aligned infrastructure for government, defense, and commercial customers.
• SCA AI Systems Sovereign Human-in-the-Loop AI platform engineered for high-compliance aerospace, defence, research, and critical infrastructure environments. Delivers domain-specific automation tools for policy development, scientific workflows, mission planning, compliance, and organizational readiness, with trained SCA specialists verifying all outputs before delivery.
• Space Watch™ AI-powered space domain awareness platform delivering orbital tracking, collision avoidance, automated alerting for space debris, launch windows, and atmospheric conditions, plus predictive analytics for mission planning and in-orbit asset management. Integrates with launch providers, satellite operators, and defense systems via API.
• Launch Services Dual-continent launch capability providing both vertical launch (Atakani Space Centre) and horizontal airborne deployment (Project Karman Line) for commercial, defence, and research clients worldwide, serving LEO, polar, sun-synchronous, and equatorial orbital trajectories. Revenue from launch fees, mission integration, telemetry services, and payload handling.
• ASCENT Airborne Science Platform Persistent airborne science and data platform built on C-130J Super Hercules aircraft anchored at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, enabling high-cadence scientific operations, real-world technology validation, and rapid data delivery. Features modular telescope and sensor payloads, ASTRIS AI-enabled edge processing, and secure SATCOM data relay under a Science-as-a-Service commercial model.
• AeroLabs Science Consortium International airborne research and innovation program connecting universities across the US, UK, and Australia to a shared C-130J-30 Super Hercules airborne laboratory for atmospheric science, heliophysics, environmental monitoring, and aviation R&D. Delivered as a five-year consortium framework with dedicated research aircraft.
• Project Karman Line Transpacific horizontal air-launch initiative leveraging modified C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for mid-air launch deployment of small satellites and sounding rockets, supporting suborbital and LEO mission profiles. Operates under NASA's Space Act Agreement.
• Wet Hire Aircraft & Mission Logistics

Quantifiable outcome

• Projected to increase Queensland GDP by 0.3% ($1,416 million) by 2030
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and potential.

• UMass LowellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Five-year agreement establishing the AeroLabs Science Consortium connecting UMass Lowell's Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology with Space Centre Australia LLC. Enables airborne science, low earth orbit research, and horizontal launch innovation using dedicated C-130J-30 Super Hercules research aircraft.
• NASAflagshipTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2025Historic Space Act Agreement between Space Centre Australia LLC and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Enables development of horizontal launch capabilities using C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, airborne science missions, and integration with NASA infrastructure. Major milestone marked at NASA Wallops Flight Facility event in April 2025.
• HENSOLDTcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2024Contract for delivery of two ASR-NG (Air Surveillance Radar - Next Generation) systems with 20-year sustainment plan. Primary radar enables airspace surveillance within 120 NM radius and up to 50,000 feet altitude. Valued at approximately 20 million euros (~$30 million AUD) for initial phase.
• International Commercial Spaceports (FAA/GSA Summit)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Memorandum of Understanding signed at FAA/GSA Summit in Milan with eight commercial spaceports across five continents. Establishes forum for strategic collaboration, international spaceport standards, shared technology innovations, and global cooperation in commercial space sector.
• Marshall AerospacemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-level meetings at Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 focused on advancing C-130J Super Hercules Acquisition Program and its integration into SCA's multi-role operations. Discussions on airborne science and space launch capability development.
• SpaceXpotentialStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing discussions with SpaceX for potential collaborations at Atakani Space Centre. Company aims to host larger rockets manufactured by SpaceX and position itself as a key player in global space operations.
• Luthiggi Traditional Landowners and Mokwiri RNTBCcoreOthersNearly six years of respectful Indigenous and community consultation culminating in land agreement for Atakani Space Centre. Ensures cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and community priorities embedded in project. Atakani name derived from local Luthiggi language meaning 'lily pad'.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• Equatorial Launch Australia: Australian equatorial launch operator developing the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory for small-sat and suborbital missions. Most direct comparison to SCA because it also targets equatorial orbits and Australian sovereign launch demand.
• Southern Launch: Australian commercial launch operator developing the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Competes for the same Australian sovereign launch customer base and infrastructure leasing deals as SCA.
• Gilmour Space Technologies: Australian launch vehicle developer building orbital rockets for small-sat payloads with planned launches from Australian soil. Competes with SCA for domestic launch customers and government backing.
• Rocket Lab: Established small-sat launch operator with Electron and Neutron vehicles plus space systems products, including a historically Australia/Mid-Atlantic footprint. Comparable launch services and space systems business model.

Emerging players

• Black Sky Aerospace: Australian suborbital launch and rocket propulsion company focused on sounding rocket services from Queensland. Overlaps with SCA on Australian launch access, suborbital payloads and STEM/research customers.
• LeoLabs: Operator of a commercial space domain awareness / orbital tracking radar network. Directly comparable to SCA's Space Watch product line and similar subscription/recurring-data commercial model.
• Slingshot Aerospace: AI-enabled space situational awareness and space domain awareness platform serving defense and commercial operators. Comparable AI software stack and defense/government customer base to Space Watch and SCA AI Systems.

Broad incumbents

• SpaceX: Largest commercial launch provider globally with Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Starship plus in-development Starship pad deals at multiple spaceports. References to SpaceX discussions in SCA's data make it a relevant incumbent on the demand side as well.
• Northrop Grumman: Large defense prime with launch vehicles, space systems, and ground segment products. Comparable aerospace and defense customer set including U.S. and allied governments to which SCA is positioning.
• Lockheed Martin: Major aerospace and defense prime with deep involvement in space launch, satellites, and ground systems. Jane Palmer's prior Lockheed Martin experience noted in management data, and the company is a typical buyer/advisor in the same ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/spacecentreaus
• Facebookfacebook.com/SpaceCentreAustralia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/space-centre-australia
• Instagraminstagram.com/spacecentreaustralia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Space Centre Australia