Woodside and the Australian Space Agency have signed a ‘Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation’, aimed at enhancing the capability and competitiveness of Australian industry and promoting technology transfer between the space sector and the oil and gas sector.

Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the agreement will provide opportunities for research and development, capability training and technology transfer.

“Woodside is currently expanding its capabilities in remote operations and technologies. Once commercialised, these technologies will not only have the capability to be deployed across different industry sectors but also utilised on earth, in space and on lunar and Mars missions,” she said.

Woodside CEO Peter Coleman said by looking outside the oil and gas industry, Woodside can accelerate the development of technologies that will allow the company to safely and efficiently manage assets in remote and harsh environments.

The initiative builds on Woodside’s work in remote sensors and data analytics, as well as the collaboration in robotics with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

“[It]…complements our ongoing engagement with governments, other LNG operators and the tertiary sector to create Australian jobs of the future in remote operating and automation capabilities.

“We want to ensure the Australian workforce is ready to leverage the opportunities these new technologies can bring – not only to the oil and gas sector, but to the community and the economy more broadly,” he said.