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

Four young female Australian school students showing Mission Sprout kits. Credit Sara Webb

Space helps STEM grow: Mission sprouts to reach 1 in 7 Australian schools

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

21 September 2026

After receiving more than 1,400 Expressions of Interest from Australian schools since launching in July, Mission Sprout kits will now reach around 100,000 students nationwide.

Read more
Head of Mission Phillip Green OAM opening the Team Australia Stand alongside ISRO Chairman Narayanan, and INSPACe Chairman Goenka.                                                               i.      From left to right of note: Dan Lloyd (SIAA), Dominic Shumilin (ASA), Nathan Davis (Austrade), Chairman Narayanan (ISRO), Luke Phillips (ASA), HoM Green, Chairman Goenka.

Australia and India's commercial space ties gain major momentum at BSX 2026

NEWS • Partnerships

15 September 2026

At the latest Bengaluru Space Expo, Australia’s partnership with India was elevated with new agreements signed – underscoring the growing depth of commercial collaboration between the two countries.

Read more
The solar-powered Viking Orbiters carried the two landers to Mars. Credit NASA

Next stop, Phobos: A bold new chapter after 50 years of Mars exploration

NEWS • Space history and culture

10 September 2026

As Japan prepares to launch its mission to collect samples from the Martian Moon Phobos, explore through our interactive photo gallery how NASA’s historic Viking landings transformed Mars exploration.

Read more
The winning Scotch Pad Tyres team poses with their prototype and MicroChariot at NASA's Johnson’s Rock Yard in Houston, US. Credit NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

From sand dunes to space: The Australian journey behind a NASA-winning Moon wheel

NEWS • People in the sector

9 September 2026

Inspired by a motorbike journey through one of Australia's most remote landscapes, engineer and full-time carer Daniel Bloomfield developed an unconventional solution that caught NASA's attention at their recent competition.

Read more
NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon.  Image Credit: NASA

The latest from Aussie space

NEWS • National capability

3 September 2026

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

Read more
First colour image from Himawari-9_Credit-Japan Meteorological Agency

From Himawari to MMX: Australia's growing space partnership with Japan

NEWS • Partnerships

2 September 2026

The five-decade long space cooperation between the two countries is set to reach a new milestone through JAXA's MMX mission, with Martian moon samples expected to return to South Australia by 2031.

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.