The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has been given the challenge to get an Aussie astronaut into space for the first time in more than 15 years.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the $65 million funding play on Friday.

Australian research and space exploration is aiming to triple by 2030. “The journey to sending an Australian into space means serious investment in local jobs, local technologies and local businesses,” Mr Morrison said.

“Any astronaut and any spacecraft has a team of thousands behind them, not to mention invaluable technology and research and carefully manufactured parts.”

The government will co-invest over $32 million into developing up to three new spaceports and launch sites across Australia. With a further $32 million spent to help ASA provide spaceflights and services for the Australian space sector to continue research in space.

ASA boss Enrico Palermo said, “This co-investment in the development of spaceports makes Australia’s intentions clear – we want to become a launch nation of choice to attract further private sector investment”.

“By supporting Australian businesses and researchers to get their products into space more quickly, we are helping them to demonstrate their capabilities to the world, which in turn will create new opportunities that see them grow,” Palermo said.