The Australian Space Agency’s Robotics and Automation on Earth and in Space Roadmap outlined a 10-year plan to support growth of robotics and automation capabilities on Earth and in space. This plan was published before May 2022 under the previous Australian Government.

Overview

Australia’s remote operation capabilities have huge potential for the future of space exploration. The Robotics Roadmap described a pathway to:

  • leverage Australia’s expertise in robotics technology and systems
  • provide critical solutions into the global marketplace that enable and support the sustained build-up of space assets and infrastructure
  • enable international collaboration with industry. 

Publication content 

The following 6 focus segments prioritised in the Robotics Roadmap, were considered the areas of greatest opportunity for the Australian space sector:

  1. Remote operations
  2. Interoperability
  3. Analogue facilities and services
  4. Robotic platforms
  5. In-Situ Resource utilisation
  6. Foundation services.

Foundation Services 

Foundation Services are operational services that support exploration missions to build towards (and eventually maintain) a sustained off-Earth presence. They are services for which demand is recurrent, continuous or enduring. The scope of Foundation Services covers monitoring and inspection, planning and logistics, civil construction, materials transport and cargo handling, remote maintenance, salvage, and component manufacture and assembly. They are distinctive but complementary to mission critical systems such as power, communications and life support.

Foundation Services fulfil a set of core supportive processes and systems that are necessary in planning, establishing and sustaining planetary activity. These services provide core functions that are required during every stage of off-Earth infrastructure build-up. Australia can use its capabilities to realise a long-term flagship role in Foundation Services.

Latest from the Australian space sector

space technology

Roo-ver Research: The University of Melbourne

NEWS • Industry showcase: Space spotlight

10 March 2026

With temperatures ranging between hundreds of degrees on the Moon, the University of Melbourne is managing the temperature of Australia’s first lunar rover.

Read more
A digital poster for Ausralian Rover Challenge 2026

Special event: Inside Australia's first Moon rover program

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

5 March 2026

Join us at the Australian Space Discovery as we will live stream Adelaide University's 2026 Australian Rover Challenge and host a special hybrid event about Roo-ver.

Read more
A view of earth from space from Australia’s SpIRIT nanosatellite

Small sat, big step: Aussie SpIRIT concludes operations after landmark success

NEWS • Australian Space Agency

4 March 2026

Ending more than 25 months of pioneering operations in orbit, the novel nanosatellite was supported by Australian Space Agency with almost $7 million in grants.

Read more
A view of earth from space

The latest from Aussie space

NEWS • National capability

2 March 2026

Here’s a recap of some of the key developments and capabilities from February that are shaping Australia’s space industry.

Read more
The Hypersonix DART AE vehicle aboard Rocket Lab’s HASTE launch vehicle at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia

Aussie hypersonic's maiden flight 'Machs' an impression

NEWS • National capability

28 February 2026

Hypersonix’s DART AE completes its first flight, reaching hypersonic speeds greater than Mach 5 after launch from NASA’s Wallops Island in the US.

Read more
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo speaking to an Indian delegation during their visit to the Agency's headquarters in September 2014

Australian industry invited to support India’s G20 satellite

NEWS • Partnerships

23 February 2026

Funding is available for an Aussie payload to contribute to the mission that will tackle climate change.

Read more

Our department recognises the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities.

We Acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.