US-based aerospace company Titans Space has secured a memorandum of understanding with Space Port Australia to explore potential locations in Australia for the development, manufacture and launch of its Titans Spaceplanes and crafts.
Titans Space, a company that is taking an innovative approach to the space industry, has ambitious plans to become the largest low-earth orbit and lunar space tourism company in the world, as well as the largest “real estate owner in space and the Moon”.
Space Port Australia, which is headquartered in the NSW regional town of Moree, is committed to creating an integrated space facility which fosters innovation, industry, education and helps grow Australia’s place in the space sector.
"It’s amazing to think the future is here,” says Space Port Australia founder Dr Gabrielle Caswell.
“Titans Space is an exciting start-up, with innovative concepts, reusable craft, with the potential of increasing Australia’s space craft operation.
“Space Port Australia’s expertise in space education, space health technology and space medicine research is complementary.”
Caswell says the partnership with Titans Space presents a significant opportunity to advance the Australian space industry and engage contribution from NSW towards global space exploration.
Titan Space earlier this year announced that international investment firm NSL & Co. LLC had secured a strategic partnership with Titan Space co-founder Richard Borsboom comprising US$100 million in funding for the company to accelerate its mission “toward the final frontier”.
The investment gave NSL & Co a 5 per cent stake in Titan Space which was founded by 15 partners – among them Borsboom who has been involved with the Titans Space founding team since 2008.
Titan Space is led by founding CEO Neal S. Lachman, a serial entrepreneur with 35 years of investment, business, space, technology and telecom experience.
Lachman notes that Australia had four active Space Shuttle landing sites during the height of the Shuttle program during the 1980s and 1990s.
“In the modern era, Australia has even more capability to accommodate large horizontal lift craft,” he says.
“Australia is well placed to service South-East Asia, and those who wish to combine space tourism with tourism in Australia.
“If Titans Spaceplanes can be successfully accommodated in Australia, there is potential to create high technology aerospace support and related careers.”
The Spaceplanes concept is similar to NASA’s now abandoned Space Shuttle craft although it will be a single-stage-to-orbit vessel with capabilities for horizontal take-off and landing from runways. The aim is for Spaceplanes to deliver services to space tourism, cargo and orbital and sub-orbital transport.
Titans Space is actively seeking suitable locations to expand its operations globally while also developing its Californian site.
Help us deliver quality journalism to you.
As a free and independent news site providing daily updates
during a period of unprecedented challenges for businesses everywhere
we call on your support