European manufacturing giant Airbus has signed a "strategic statement of intent" with Australia's space agency to grow the fledgling industry.
In June, Airbus chose Wyndham airfield in Western Australia as the world's first flight base for its pioneering Zephyr solar-powered unmanned aircraft, and now other opportunities could follow.
Science Minister Karen Andrews said the signing sent a strong signal for further investment opportunities in the rapidly growing space industry, which is worth about $345 billion a year globally.
Airbus will work with start-ups, academics, small businesses and the Australian Space Agency to develop the local sector.
"Today's statement of strategic intent adds to the existing strong presence that Airbus has in Australia in commercial and military aircraft and helicopters," Asia-Pacific Airbus president Pierre Jaffre said on Thursday.
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"With more than 1500 employees at 10 sites in the country, Airbus is proud to be a partner in the aviation industry and will continue our journey in the new space ecosystem in Australia."
The government has invested around $2.4 billion to grow the space sector, aiming to triple its size by 2030.
