Airbus organises New Space and Innovation session at IAC 2017

Winning Australian start-up to visit Toulouse to meet European space experts

Airbus and other industry players yesterday held a New Space and Innovation competition at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2017 in Adelaide. The initiative demonstrates the commitment of Airbus and its partners to support the development of Australia’s space sector.

The event was organised in conjunction with Australian space start-up accelerator Delta-V, French space agency CNES and the Government of South Australia. The participating teams pitched their ideas on future space ecosystems to judges from Airbus and its partners.

First prize went to start-up Arlula, which presented a proposal for an online marketplace for people to buy, sell and rent assets already in orbit. This can potentially help to reduce the costs and risks associated with the development of space infrastructure and projects.

Arlula’s founder and CEO Sebastian Chaoui received the prize from H.E. Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia. He will travel to the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, to meet space experts from Airbus, Aerospace Valley BizLab and CNES to discuss his ideas, receive mentoring and learn more about their space projects.

Sebastian Chaoui said: “The company is on a mission to make it easier for scientists, entrepreneurs and hobbyists to access space in new and innovative ways. Winning the Airbus competition will open doors for me to take my business to the next level.”

Valentin Merino, Head of Airbus Defence and Space, Australasia, said that engaging the next generation is important for Airbus as the company grows its space footprint in Australia.

“Airbus takes a long term view in supporting Australia’s emerging space industry. We have proactively engaged with start-ups to explore, scout and partner them in developing an innovative Australian space ecosystem,” added Mr Merino. “We have also responded to the review of Australia’s space industry capability and support the government’s proposed national space agency.”