Gilmour Space’s RASTA rocket. Photo: Gilmour Space.

Australia and Singapore-based rocket company Gilmour Space Technologies has entered into a Space Act Agreement with NASA to collaborate on various research, technology development and educational initiatives. Under the reimbursable agreement, Gilmour Space will work closely with NASA on rover testing at Kennedy Space Center, and may explore other potential future activities in areas of mutual interest, including space transportation, propulsion, in-situ resource use, sustainability, and life support systems.

The private space company — better known for its work on small hybrid rockets — recently conducted a low-pressure test fire of its large orbital engine, which generated 45 kilonewtons (or more than 10,100 pounds-force) of thrust. “It was a key demonstration of our hybrid rocket technology, in line with our mission to launch small satellites weighing up to 380 kg to space by 2020,” said Gilmour Space Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Gilmour.

“However, we recognize that space launch is just one piece of the bigger puzzle,” he added. “In our journey to the stars, humankind will need to build sustainable and long-term infrastructure and bases on the moon, asteroids or Mars. We will need to be able to manufacture big things off-Earth, generate lots of energy, and develop technology that will help us survive and live longer in space. We hope to work with NASA to solve many of these issues in the years ahead.”