Austal delivers 32-metre Rottnest ferry

Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-metre catamaran (pictured) to Rottnest Fast Ferries in Western Australia for use on the popular service between Hillarys and Rottnest Island. Built in Balamban, Cebu in the Philippines, the ‘Ocean Master’, designed by Incat Crowther, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea…

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Why reviews of R&D fail – by Mark Dodgson

The federal government has announced a strategic examination of R&D, the latest in a series of inquiries into Australia’s faltering innovation system. Here Mark Dodgson looks at why previous reviews have failed to have real impact. The history of reviews of research and innovation in Australia[1] follows a predictable and disheartening cycle. It starts with…

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Airspeed test flies supersonic target prototype

Aerospace composite manufacturer Airspeed has successfully completed its first captive carry flight test of a supersonic target prototype onboard its Marchetti S211 R&D platform (pictured). The company, based at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide recently celebrated the project milestone, in a major step towards strengthening Australia’s sovereign aerospace capability. The customised prototype – known as Irukandji –…

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Quantum critical technologies challenge launched

The Australian Government has announced round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP). Round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) invites solutions to market-led challenges, according to Australia’s Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley. Foley said: “Challenges fall in priority areas of biosecurity, energy, transport and health outcomes for first nations peoples. “I urge…

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Fleet Space Technologies in big $150 million capital raising

Satellite manufacturer and space-based mineral detection company Fleet Space Technologies has closed a $150 million Series D funding round, led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (TVG), an arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Joined by existing investors Blackbird Ventures, Hostplus, Horizons Ventures, Artesian Venture Partners, and Alumni Ventures, the raising is one of the largest in…

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Space Machines unveils Optimus Viper for satellite repair

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company Space Machines Company (SMC) today unveiled Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft specifically designed to provide immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and protection for critical space assets. Operating at distances less than 10 kilometres from target satellites, Optimus Viper delivers detailed, actionable intelligence about critical space infrastructure that, until now, has been impossible…

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