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British space organisation The Satellite Applications Catapult, Australian space research organisation SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), and the UK Government have announced a new space supply chain mapping tool to showcase the United Kingdom (UK) and Australian space sector capabilities.

Enabled by the Space Bridge, an alliance between the UK and Australia that enhances cooperation across both nations to boost respective space industries, this mapping tool will also identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The new space and supply chain mapping tool has been built within the existing UK Space Capabilities Catalogue (UKSCC) and extended to develop an International Comparison Dashboard with a current focus on Australia.

To mark the second anniversary of the Space Bridge, the Dashboard will be launched at the AVALON 2023 at the UK Pavilion (stand 1G34, Hall 1) on Wednesday, 1 March at 0915, alongside representatives from the UK Government, Satellite Applications Catapult, and SmartSat CRC.

The Dashboard aims to identify potential gaps in either market that could be addressed by foreign direct investment and export opportunities. It is also designed to stimulate new opportunities for organisations, industries, and researchers across nations to collaborate on potential projects and programmes and to attract international customers and end-users.

This project was supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), with matched funding for Supply Chain Tagging from the The Satellite Applications Catapult and SmartSat CRC. During the initial pilot, The  Satellite Applications Catapult catalogued 240 Australian organisations, which represent a significant portion of the Australian space ecosystem.

This project is another successful milestone for the Space Bridge. Over the last two years, this partnership has resulted in several exciting initiatives which include five joint research projects, funded by SmartSat CRC, the Satellite Applications Catapult, and the UK Science and Innovation Network, with the support of Austrade and the Australian Space Agency; workshops for SMEs on trade policy, export regulations, finance, and tax; and several roadshows to promote sector capabilities.

Paul Bate, CEO of UK Space Agency, said: "This mapping tool is another great example of the UK-Australia Space Bridge unlocking innovation, promoting the exchange of knowledge, and bolstering partnerships across the world. Together we can catalyse investment and maximise the vast potential of our growing space sectors.”

The next phase of the project, including its expansion to add new countries and partners, as well as showcase its benefits and future implementation, will be discussed at AVALON 2023.

The International Comparison Dashboard can also be viewed online here.

Australian organisations offering space-related products, goods, or services are encouraged to upload their company profile for review at the event or online here.

See Satellite Applications Catapult on the United Kingdom in exhibition hall 1, stand 1G34 at AVALON 2023.