Leveraging space to drive innovation
ZERO-G Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will drive the acceleration of access to space innovation by leveraging space through unifying projects that increase sovereign space manufacturing and support space capability infrastructure.
ZERO-G Manufacturing CRC is a pioneering $100 million, 10-year initiative aimed at accelerating the development of a sustainable, multi-billion dollar space-enabled manufacturing economy in Australia. By leveraging routine access to and return from space, the CRC seeks to position Australia as a global leader in sustainable space-based innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Why manufacture in space and why Australia?
Manufacturing in space is no longer a distant possibility—it’s a present-day opportunity. Microgravity environments, such as those aboard the International Space Station, have proven to enable the creation of novel materials and products that are difficult or impossible to produce on Earth. For example, gravity-free conditions allow for more stable crystal growth, unlocking breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and optical technologies.
At the same time, the cost of accessing space has dropped significantly, thanks to innovations in launch systems and the rise of commercial space providers. These developments have opened the door to scalable, economically viable space-based manufacturing.
Australia is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. With strong capabilities in advanced manufacturing, a rapidly growing space sector, and geographic advantages for launch and re-entry.
It is of utmost importance to ZERO-G Manufacturing CRC to embed industry-driven policy and governance frameworks along with First Nations knowledge and voices into all efforts from the start to grow a sustainable returns economy at scale.
Australia’s world-class innovative research and technology community is poised to deliver robust and internationally relevant, space-based capabilities that provide for our collective security, enhance the technology landscape and positively impact the Australian economy.
