Science for defence, aviation and space

Queensland is an Asia-Pacific defence, aviation and space research and industry hub, with a reputation for excellence in:

unmanned airborne vehicle R&D facilities
advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and support services
world-class education, training and simulation activities
leading-edge logistics

Queensland has world-leading capability in hypersonics, robotics and automation, Earth observation, niche manufacturing including advanced composite materials, and new launch technologies. These research strengths underpin the state’s defence, aviation and space industries.

Queensland has several leading institutes and centres and over 40 research organisations involved in defence, aviation and space research.

Leading defence, aviation and space research centres

All defence, aviation and space research centres

Industry-research collaboration and commercialisation

Rocket research

Queensland rocket company Gilmour Space Technologies has partnered with the UniSQ Institute for Space, Defence and Advanced Technologies to collaborate on advanced rocket technology research including advanced automated composite manufacturing, hypersonics, high temperature flow diagnostics, rocket fuel analysis and satellite tracking.

Advanced robotics and automated vehicles

Leading the Australian development of next-generation automated combat vehicle technologies Rheinmetall Australia are collaborating with QUT Centre for Robotics, Defence Science and Technology Group, Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies and RMIT to develop advanced sovereign robotics and automated vehicle technologies in Queensland.

New era in hypersonic flight testing

Building upon decades of Hypersonics research by the UQ Centre for Hypersonics, a partnership between the centre and Texas A&M University, CUBRC and the US Air Force Office for Scientific Research has led to the successful and landmark launch of the Boundary Layer Turbulence Flight Experiment (BoLT II) rocket.

Performance and the microbiome

In leading research into mind-body health and performance, QUT researchers at the Translational Research Institute, are working with the University of Newcastle and Microba in the Cognitive Gut project, and a Performance Patch project to develop ground-breaking wearable sensor technology for tracking

Rocket testing

The UniSQ Institute for Space, Defence and Advanced Technologies has partnered with Rocket Technologies International, to build Australia’s first privately owned rocket testing site. This partnership will build capacity for Australia, to develop the space industry and support fledgling rocket manufacturing companies to enter the space race, advance technologies and sovereign capability.

Satellite research

As key players in the most dynamic space economy in Australia, Griffith University is working with Gilmour Space Technologies on a two major space projects, covering the research and development of low‑cost filament‑wound composite rocket fuel tanks and a prototype G‑class satellite platform.

Space robotics

Joining the move to return to the Moon, a consortium led by the QUT Centre for Robotics with Canada’s MDA and the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth, are designing a logistics robot prototype that may be used inside the International Space Station or the Lunar Gateway to assist in moving cargo or perform routine inspections.

Fuel feed systems for space launch vehicles

Researchers UniSQ’s Institute of Advanced Engineering Space Sciences and Gilmour Space Technologies have partnered to develop and validate new fuel delivery systems for Gilmour Space's next-generation hybrid launch vehicles, which will be safer and more cost-effective than traditional chemical-propulsion rockets.

Contact the commercial partnership offices of Queensland universities and research institutes for details of their research-industry collaboration or investment opportunities.

Example of how Queensland science has driven industry development Designed by DETSI with consent of all parties shown.

Support for defence, aviation and space in Queensland

Defence

Queensland’s defence, aviation and space capability is supported through a mix of research partnerships, industry development programs and workforce initiatives. Defence Jobs Queensland helps Queensland businesses become defence-ready, connect with prime contractors and promote regional capability.

Photo of tactical officer on performance management equipment. — Tactical officer on performance management equipment.
© Bond University Tactical Research Unit.

The Queensland Government’s $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund is supporting strategic investment in defence, biomedical and biofuels, including support for HeliMods’ aerospace precinct expansion on the Sunshine Coast. In North Queensland, the Townsville Aviation Training Academy is building a local workforce for defence aviation maintenance, including training pathways linked to Boeing Defence Australia’s Apache and Chinook fleet support.

The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is a university-led partnership that facilitates and strengthens connections and collaborations between Queensland universities, government and the wider Defence industry to rapidly translate ideas into reality.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia launched its first Australian research and technology program, with their Australian, German and Canadian development teams working with QUT Centre for Robotics, Defence Science and Technology (DST), CSIRO’s Data61 and RMIT University.

Aviation

Queensland’s aviation and aerospace industry comprises more than 300 enterprises, ranging from global corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, and represents a significant share of Australia’s aviation and aerospace capability. The state is a major hub for the industry in the Asia-Pacific, with strengths across aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, and aviation services. Queensland is home to key aviation infrastructure and operations, including Boeing’s largest aircraft spare parts and chemical distribution centre in the Asia-Pacific region in Brisbane, as well as Virgin Australia’s head office in South Brisbane.

Space

Australia has a growing and dynamic space sector support by Australian Space Agency and the Advancing Space - Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019 – 2028. Queensland plays a leading role in this sector, with key launch vehicle developers such as Gilmour Space Technologies, Black Sky Aerospace and Hypersonix in the state, alongside a strong network of research institutions and industry partners.

Queensland’s universities continue to play a central role in advancing space technologies. The University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences leads applied research in composites, hypersonics and launch systems, supported by specialised facilities including supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels.

The University of Queensland and UniSQ have strong capabilities in launch systems, advanced materials and testing. Research at the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing is developing new combinations of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, while the UQ Centre for Hypersonics is recognised internationally for its work in hypersonic technology and reusable rocket systems.

The Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences that includes Centre for Future Materials has nationally leading applied research and commercial work in composites and hypersonics and hosts a supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnel

Talent pipeline for defence, aviation and space

Queensland’s universities and industry are at the forefront of defence, aviation and space research and technology development. All of Queensland’s universities offer under and post graduate courses in aviation including aviation management, flight operations, aviation systems and human factors; engineering; and astronomy and space sciences.

UniSQ is Australia's only university with both the Boeing 737 and A320 flight simulators accessible to students. Additionally, UniSQ, Griffith University and CQUniversity have partnered with Qantas to provide high-achieving students with an opportunity to benefit from superior industry experience via the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program with mentoring from experienced Qantas pilots.

UniSQ is committed to Australia’s growing space industry and leads the Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications, and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) program. Backed by a $180 million investment, the program brings together three universities and more than 20 industry partners to build Australia’s sovereign space capability. It focuses on developing commercially viable civil rocket technologies, launch and test infrastructure, rapid satellite manufacturing, communication systems, and integrated sensing capabilities.

TAFE Queensland has partnered with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to deliver a growing workforce of welders that meets international welding standards. TAFE Queensland also offer courses to develop specific skills in specialised aviation and maritime operations and technology.

Aviation Australia provides world-class training for aircraft maintenance engineering, cabin crew, pilot and remote piloting at campuses near the Brisbane International Airport and in Cairns. The Brisbane campus features the state-of-the-art Technical Training Centre and Flight Safety Training Centre and is also home to a Boeing 737 Flight Simulator.

Queensland high school student can be industry-ready under Gateway to Industry Schools program for Aerospace that is hosted by Brisbane-based Aviation Australia. This is long-term development program where schools are supported to engage and partner with aerospace industries, tertiary education and training providers to inspire students to consider a skilled, diverse, and sustainable career or pathway into to the aerospace industry.