Perth entrepreneur April Walker aims to launch Australia back into space with WA Spaceport

A Perth-based female engineer is on a mission to shake up WA’s access to space exploration through an orbital launch facility proposed for the State’s Great Southern region.

April Walker founded WA Spaceport while studying for her MBA exam in 2019 in the hopes of removing the barriers to entry for private space exploration and technology.

Ms Walker said it was in both the State’s and nation’s best interests to pursue, develop and sustain local space launch facilities, or risk falling behind the rest of the players in the industry.

“Right now we do not have a launch facility,” Ms Walker said.

“If we want to launch a satellite for Earth observation we need to go and launch that from the United States or potentially from one of the other States, like South Australia or Queensland.”

The proposed launch facility for Albany is aiming to provide small to medium rocket launch capability for orbits around the planets.

Ms Walker, who has a background in construction and mining, said WA Spaceport would also diversify the State economy.

“Space technology is now also improving the operations of other businesses, for example mining are now investing in space technology,” she said.

“WA Spaceport will definitely have a direct impact on the creation of jobs in Albany.”

The company has partnered with engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young, which will provide planning and design services for WA Spaceport.

NDY project director Alex Rodger said he admired Ms Walker’s drive and tenacity in seeking to the lead the way for small privately-owned launch facilities in Australia.

Ms Walker’s vision for WA Spaceport was recognised at the 2022 Australian Space Award, with nominations in the engineer of the year and rising star of the year categories.

However, Ms Walker admitted she never set out to get such recognition when she started the business.

“What’s important for me is WA Spaceport becoming operational and delivering on its vision,” she said.

WA Spaceport is expected to be operational by 2025, subject to a launch facility licence being granted by the Australian Space Agency.