Queensland space startups: sustainability success

The unfolding stories of two innovative startups in Queensland appear to intersect in orbit, like the rings of Saturn. Cofounders from two companies identified our state as the ideal location to launch their careers. Each took the small step of enrolling in aerospace engineering at the University of Queensland, before making the giant leap to debut their out-of-this-world designs. Both students participated in the university’s exclusive Accelerator program. Now, these business owners are determined to make missions into our solar system more sustainable. Their efforts will benefit global supply chains.

Where the concentric rings of their stories differ, is that these entrepreneurs became enamoured with the space race at different life stages. Consequently, at the time of interview, one business was expanding, while the other was just on the cusp of creation. Further, they are each focused on distinct aspects of sustainability, with one aiming to eliminate debris and the other to decrease emissions.

Satellite engines to the rescue

Brisbane-based startup Valiant, is designing engines to move satellites in space, then back to earth. Their design will enable satellite owners to prolong the life of spacecraft in LEO and avoid space debris. There is strong demand for this capability.

Debris as small as a fleck of paint, travelling at 7km per second, can cause damage, “like a bullet,” explained Andrew Uscinski, Valiant CEO and co-founder.

These engines will also move satellites to the best position, which may be tens of kilometres from where the satellite first launched into space.

Valiant aims to provide a precise, clean burn for controlled re-entry of spacecraft into the earth’s atmosphere. This will create a use by date for defunct satellites. This has two key benefits – removing space junk to protect LEO for future generations, and lessen financial risks for companies, such as insurance and damages lawsuits.

These services embody the company motto, “to build a smarter space for a better earth,” said Andrew.

Much of the technology we use daily is based on space exploration, systems and satellites. For example, early warning of significant weather events and environmental management.

“Ultimately that's how we envision being a player in the industry; providing these sustainable solutions that will really allow us to make the most of space,” said Andrew.

With 54% of operational satellites used for commercial purposes, Valiant is set to offer a valuable service to the global industry.

From Thunderbirds to space tech CEO

As a child preoccupied with the sky, Andrew couldn’t have foreseen that only decades later he would be making new forms of space travel possible.

Andrew and his cofounder, Michael Douw, launched Valiant while studying at the University of Queensland (UQ), in 2017. He, along with Michael and a group of fellow students, found the only orbital space launch company operating in Queensland at that time was Gilmour Space Technologies. The students were in prime position to help kickstart the state’s industry, so they wanted to build a rocket engine before graduating.

Andrew credits his household environment as the source of his ambition to reach the stars. With parents working in aviation, young Andrew loved watching Thunderbirds; a TV series featuring futuristic transport.

As a young adult, Andrew became an air force cadet and obtained his recreational pilot’s licence. In grade 10, he represented Australia at an international competition hosted by the US; designing a settlement on the moon. This became a defining moment.

“It was a really good simulation of what it's like - to be an industry where you've got so many different aspects, not just the engineering but the business side of things and all the people, human resources and management,” Andrew said.

These experiences led Andrew to enrol in mechanical and aerospace engineering at university.

A launch accelerator – pun intended!

The Queensland Government works with universities and TAFEs to promote clear pathways into the space sector. Valiant got off the ground with the support of the ilab Accelerator program; part of the UQ ventures suite of entrepreneurship initiatives, delivered since 2012.

Nimrod Klayman, Head of Entrepreneurship, explained the Accelerator is designed to provide participants with a support system while building their business, but also with accountability.

“Whether that's a social enterprise, a small business or a startup, you have the opportunity to create that,” said Mr Klayman.

UQ Ventures grants participants $10,000 in funding, which is equity free. This helps startups flourish quickly. Entrepreneurs in residence offer workshops and mentoring throughout the Accelerator.

“It’s just quite impressive how much you can achieve when there's that support,” Andrew said.

The program is competitive, with around 100 applicants and only 12 placements per program. At least 50% of the participating team must have a connection to UQ – from students, staff to alumni. Applications are first assessed by a panel, then two rounds of interviews, before final selection.

Incoming students benefit from witnessing these businesses launch, demonstrating what it takes to succeed.

“We showcase our startups actively on campus with big events,” said Nimrod. “It's a great opportunity for students to see pathways that are not traditional.”

The ilab Accelerator culminates in a public pitch night, where the participants’ innovations are presented to angel investors, corporates, academics, students and the broader community.

“The ilab Accelerator program positively impacts the local economy by helping to create jobs, attract investment and foster innovation,” said Nimrod.

“But this isn’t limited to only creating jobs, these founders also give our students internship opportunities. They’re returning as guest speakers and mentors. They’re connecting new startups, opening doors and providing introductions.”

From space junk to jobs of the future

Valiant is offering internships to tertiary students to help grow their capability in Queensland. The team has expanded to a warehouse in Tennyson and is eager to engage local talent. Positions are available to graduates from both university and TAFE, who have completed courses in manufacturing, marketing outreach and management.

Andrew claimed due to industry growth, “it's really a great time to send out your resume and apply.”

He explained it is easy to get involved in the space industry, because the skills needed are transferable from other industries – especially manufacturing.

Valiant is passionate about people, “taking the skills that they've learned from other industries and re-applying it to the space industry,” said Andrew.

The industry is booming. Techniques are now more aligned with earth-based industries because commercialisation, supported by the Queensland Government, is making space accessible to all.

“You wouldn't think a decade or two ago about space tourism as being something on the cards, but those sorts of things are really what we're seeing the industry go towards,” said Andrew.

For instance, it is no longer a big deal when a rocket is launched, compared to 60 years ago. This is because it is at least ten times cheaper now than it was a few decades ago, as measured by dollars per kilogram.

“Back in the day those figures could go from $50,000 to $100,000 per kilo, and now you're talking about $5,000 per kilo,” said Andrew.

In part this is thanks to innovations such as SpaceX’s work on reusable rockets, which has reduced barriers for private companies to enter the market. Missions are more sustainable and less costly.

While Andrew agreed some aspects of space hardware are unique, there are many different specialties beyond science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) needed to run a space company.

“A lot of the work is automated, but it still requires the sort of creative thinking and problem solving which a lot of people possess,” said Andrew. “If you have an idea of something that you want to send to space, this is the best time ever.”

The state government promotes Queensland’s space sector at domestic and international industry events. Andrew encouraged those keen to enter the field to attend space industry events and contact Queensland companies. At the time of interview, Valiant had just attended Avalon 2023, the Australian International Airshow Aerospace and Defence Exposition event in Victoria.

“It's so rewarding to be able to participate, not just passively, but also really contribute and make an impact on the industry, not just here in Australia, but globally,” said Andrew.

Hydrogen fuelling Herik Labs potential

Valiant’s achievements may have inspired Brisbane-based Herik Labs; the second space startup to engage in the ilab Accelerator program within four years. The business is developing a hydrogen fuelled rocket to create a more sustainable space industry.

Cofounder Simone Wilson, saw an opportunity to reduce the costs and emissions of rocket engines.

"Engines for rockets are one of the most difficult components to make and they can be a real bottleneck in the manufacturing process,” said Simone.

Toby Herik, Simone’s cofounder, had the idea to develop a novel rocket engine cycle that uses hydrogen.

“Which I fell in love with because I'm deeply passionate about sustainability and green hydrogen,” explained Simone.

Simone believes any future mode of transport needs to have zero emissions, to be feasible.

“Hydrogen engines used to be quite complex and expensive, and this could make it cost competitive on the world stage.”

Herik Labs has already contacted green hydrogen suppliers. The hydrogen used for their upcoming test fire will be sourced from biogas wastewater. Biogas has been used successfully to produce power for the state’s beef industry. This aligns with The Queensland Government’s focus on generating renewable hydrogen.

Herik Labs have validated their technology using software, so the next step is a hardware test of the intellectual property (IP).

“It will be a bench test instead of using liquid oxygen and hydrogen, like we would in space. We're going to use compressed gas,” said Simone.

“It'll be a world first in that it's a rocket engine powered by sewerage, but it is also contributing towards us, proving the IP part of our engine.”

Herik Labs is aiming to develop a viable engine in two years, but Simone hopes they can complete it in 12 months.

Members of the Herik Labs team met while attending UQ’s engineering program, before coming together in the ilab Accelerator program, at the end of November 2022.

“Our journey through the accelerator has just been fantastic,” said Simone.

The program provides support to help startups make informed business decisions.

“We went from four people who had never done this before, didn't know where to start, to suddenly having this amazing network of people that we could tap into and pick their brain."

Herik Labs was the winner of the iLab pitch night in 2023, marking the conclusion of their participation in the program. The team hopes to increase awareness about how Queenslanders’ use space technology daily.

“Part of it is education and gaining traction and support around this new industry for Australia,” said Simone.

Their other goal is to grow Herik Lab’s network. The capability directory developed by the Queensland Government supports these supply chain connections.

“Who else is out there, what they're working on and how we can work with them to develop our capabilities as a country?” explained Simone.

Why study space in Queensland?

Unlike Andrew, Simone’s interest in space came about after a chance encounter while working at an Oxford bookstore in the UK. She met three astronauts who had also written books.

“I knew that I liked applying myself to maths and science, but I also knew I’m quite creative and I didn’t know how to manage both,” said Simone. “I met these astronauts, and it was like this light bulb going off.”

The emerging space industry in Queensland needs more professionals with a diverse range of skills to drive success.

“The industries are about to blast off,” said Simone. “The number of active satellites has grown by almost 400% in the last decade and that's only going to continue to grow because it's becoming more affordable to make space technology.”

Queensland has a strategic advantage for rocket launches, being close to the equator with big, wide open spaces and little air traffic.

“The government’s made this national commitment to growing our space capabilities and we have this perfect location,” said Simone.

Simone’s awareness of these prime conditions, UQ’s Hypersonics Research Centre and fantastic aerospace engineering program led her to return to Queensland.

“I knew I wanted to study aerospace engineering and it just so happened to be that UQ in Brisbane, where I'm from, had one of the best courses for that in the world.”

Prototype put to the thrust test

One component of Valiant’s engine design is currently being tested in space! A coaxial solenoid valve prototype, enclosed in a container approximately 10cm cubed, boarded Australian company Skykraft’s satellite in January 2023.

Skykraft specialises in satellite constellations to deliver services around the globe. After collaborating for a federal government grant in 2021, Skykraft approached Valiant to participate in their Skyride program. Extra room on their spacecraft is available to others with a payload - elements or cargo committed to mission data, which is sent back to earth.

“They suggested that we work with them to put up an interesting payload. That was what sparked the idea to put that valve up into space," said Andrew.

Two of Valiant’s valves - one for fuel, the other for oxidiser - are designed to be attached to the engine nozzle. These valves control propellant to provide thrust.

“The valve part controls whether or not the fluid can go into the engine and combust,” said Andrew.

The valve is made of stainless steel and other lightweight, strong materials which are suitable for the harsh environment.

Due to the complex design, Valiant engaged a watchmaker to manufacture the valve, with tools which can drill at sizes smaller than a human hair!

“We had a lot of confidence that they had steady hands,” said Andrew.

Valiant is awaiting the results, but they have already enjoyed success. The trial confirmed their product was compliant and ready to launch. They obtained valuable data on the operation of the valve, flow characteristics and vibration testing to demonstrate effectiveness.

Shooting stars: what’s next?

When asked about the future of Valiant over the next decade, Andrew imagined transporting large payloads between earth, the moon and even beyond.

“It comes down to those fundamental concepts of problem solving and creative thinking that allows these really ambitious missions and really ambitious companies to succeed,” said Andrew. “And I hope that we're able to be one of those companies.”

The valve happened to be the first element which was ready, yet it is just one piece of the engine Valiant will provide.  

Now six years into running the business, Valiant continues to develop; with access to computerised numerical control (CNC) machines and plans to bring 3D printing in-house. Watch out for further updates from the company in 2023.

“It's going to be quite an exciting year for Valiant,” Andrew said.

Fellow startup Herik Labs has long term goals to scale-up their hydrogen engine design, so it can be used to launch a heavy lift rocket. Currently, most Australian built satellites are launched from the US using a rideshare space mission service. This is logistically difficult and offers limited flexibility around timing.

“Providing heavy lift capability for Australia would mean the cost of launching from Australia can be drastically reduced,” said Simone. Stay tuned.

Queensland’s space industry: planned meteoric rise

These startups are just two of the many Queensland businesses making significant contributions to the space sector. Queensland is well on the way to being recognised as a leading centre in Australasia for launch activities and earth observation, by 2025.

By fostering opportunities in education and training, space can become a sustainable environment which will benefit the global supply chain.

Find out more about Queensland’s success in space - view recent achievements or discover the industry strategy.