WA Spaceport Establishment Support (SES)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Spaceport Establishment Support (SES) Grant is a Western Australian Government co-investment program designed to accelerate the establishment of commercial space launch facilities in Western Australia and strengthen the state’s emerging space industry. The grant supports early-stage planning and business development activities for proposed spaceports, including site assessments and business case development, to help proponents move from concept to investment-ready projects.

Administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), the SES Grant aims to scale up and expand spaceport businesses in Western Australia, attract significant commercial investment, and create high-tech jobs as part of the WA Government’s “Made in WA” strategy. The total funding pool is $1.75 million, which may be awarded to a single project or shared between multiple eligible applicants, depending on the quality and merit of applications received.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Minimum $200,000 and up to $1.75 million per application (excluding GST).
• Application open date: 16 February 2026.​
• Application close date: 2:00 pm AWST, Friday 15 May 2026.
• Eligible industries or business types: Businesses developing, expanding, or operating commercial space launch facilities (spaceports) in Western Australia.
• Required co-contributions: Matched funding of at least 1:1 from the applicant against the WA Government funding request.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Projects must relate to the establishment of a spaceport in Western Australia; applicants are expected to be operating or intend to operate in WA.

Priority Sectors

The SES Grant specifically targets the commercial space sector, with a focus on businesses establishing or scaling space launch facilities (spaceports) and associated services in Western Australia. There is a strong emphasis on launch services, spaceport infrastructure, and related high-technology activities that contribute to the WA space ecosystem and broader advanced manufacturing and services supply chains.

Funding Scope

The minimum grant request is $200,000, and the maximum request is $1.75 million per application, within an overall program budget of $1.75 million. The full amount may be awarded to a single high‑merit project or distributed across multiple projects, subject to assessment outcomes and available funding.

Funding is focused on early-stage planning and business development activities rather than construction or operational expenditure. Key categories include site assessments required for planning and regulatory approvals (such as securing a lease) and the preparation of a robust business case for the proposed spaceport. Project timelines and eligible funding duration are set out in the program guidelines, and funded activities are expected to be delivered within the timeframes specified by DEED as part of the funding agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a business entity capable of developing or operating a commercial spaceport (e.g., a company or equivalent legal entity) as detailed in the program guidelines.
• The proposed project must relate to the establishment or expansion of a space launch facility (spaceport) located in Western Australia or at a specific WA site.
• Applicants must provide matched cash funding of at least 1:1 against the WA Government grant request and demonstrate capacity to meet their co-contribution.
• Applicants must be able to comply with all relevant regulatory, planning, environmental, and safety requirements associated with spaceport development and operations, as outlined in the guidelines.​
• Applicants are expected to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and to meet standard government funding compliance obligations (e.g. tax, insurance, and governance requirements) as set out in the SES Grant guidelines.​

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Site assessments and studies are required for planning and regulatory approvals, including work necessary to secure a lease or tenure for the proposed spaceport site.
• Development of a detailed commercial and strategic business case for the proposed spaceport, including market analysis, commercial models, and risk assessment.
• Technical, engineering, and feasibility studies that support the definition of infrastructure, launch corridors, support services, and operational concepts for the spaceport are specified in the guidelines.
• Other early-stage planning and business development activities directly linked to spaceport establishment that meet the eligible cost definitions in the SES Grant program guidelines.

Assessment Process

The SES Grant is a competitive, merit‑based funding program rather than an entitlement scheme. Applications are assessed against published criteria in the program guidelines, and funding will be prioritised for applicants who demonstrate strong demand for their launch services and have identified a specific Western Australian site (or sites) for the proposed spaceport.

Key evaluation considerations include:

• Project merit and strategic alignment with Western Australia’s space industry objectives and the “Made in WA” strategy.
• Strength of the proposed business model and commercial viability, including evidence of launch provider support and demand.
• Contribution to local industry capability, supply chain development, and high-tech employment in Western Australia.
• Value for money, including the scale and nature of applicant co-investment and the efficient use of public funds.​

Recent Program Updates

The SES Grant program was launched on 16 February 2026, with applications open from that date until 2:00 pm AWST on Friday, 15 May 2026, for the current round. The announcement of the program introduced a dedicated $1.75 million co-investment fund to support spaceport establishment in Western Australia and confirmed the minimum and maximum grant amounts and the 1:1 co-contribution requirement.

Alongside the grant, the WA Government is commissioning a separate feasibility study to identify the most suitable geographic locations for spaceports across the state, intended to assist operators in making informed investment decisions and complement the SES Grant. Any future rounds, changes to eligibility rules, or adjustments to funding parameters will be advised via the official SES Grant webpage and program guidelines updates.

Application Tips

• Review the SES Grant program guidelines and any FAQs in detail to confirm that the business structure, project type, and proposed activities meet all eligibility requirements before investing time in a full application.
• Prepare key documents early, including evidence of matched funding, financial statements, project plans, site information, and any letters of support from launch providers or partners, to demonstrate readiness and capability.
• Clearly align the proposal with WA Government priorities for space industry development, regional investment, and high‑tech job creation, explaining how the project contributes to the “Made in WA” strategy and the broader space ecosystem.
• Articulate expected outcomes, such as increased launch capacity, local supply chain engagement, and long‑term industry growth, and quantify benefits where possible to strengthen the value‑for‑money case.
• Use the SmartyGrants portal early in the process to understand the application form requirements, and allow time for internal approvals and quality review before the deadline on 15 May 2026.

Where to Get Help

Potential applicants can seek assistance from the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification through the contact details provided in the SES Grant guidelines and on the official program webpage, including queries about eligibility, scope, and assessment timelines. Applications must be submitted electronically via the SmartyGrants portal. Applicants should use the official templates and instructions published on the WA Government website. Consider consulting a grant specialist, such as Pattens Group, for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant, and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group to discuss project suitability, documentation, and strategy before lodging an application. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the Spaceport Establishment Support Grant page and related Western Australian Government websites.