Camera IconCredit: AFP

Amazon chief’s company wants Australia to join him on a Moon mission

Tory ShepherdThe Advertiser

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PREMIER Steven Marshall and Space Minister Michaelia Cash have both welcomed an invitation from Amazon chief Jeff Bezos’ company to join a mission to the Moon.

Mr Bezos’ aerospace company Blue Origin wants to work with Australia’s fledgling space agency to discuss space tourism and establishing a moon base.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Camera IconAmazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Credit: AFP

According to industry website InnovationAus Blue Origin commercial director Ted McFarland said Australia would be welcome to join them at the 2018 International Astronautical Congress in September — Adelaide hosted the 2017 Congress, at which the Federal Government announced its intention to set up a national agency.

Mr Marshall said any offers to help grow the industry were welcome.

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“I have made it very clear that the State Government wants to make SA the undisputed champion of the space industry, and we are positioning ourselves to have the operations of the national space agency located in our state,” he said.

Senator Cash echoed his welcome and said the agency would “support the long-term development of space technologies, grow our domestic space industry and secure our place in the global space economy” and any expressions of interest were welcome.