Did you know satellites collect and relay data to track wildlife to help manage and protect their habitats?

Learn how space matters in our everyday lives – from keeping us healthy to inspiring us to go beyond the boundaries of what we think is possible.

Age group

Suitable for secondary school students

Space is part of everyday life

Space technologies are seamlessly integrated into the modern world.

Online shopping: Communication satellites and GPS make it easy to shop anywhere, anytime.

E-Banking: Transferring funds is instant and secure, with the help of GPS and communication satellites.

News and entertainment: Live broadcasts are available due to communication satellites.

Staying connected: Satellites provide phone and internet access in planes, boats and remote areas.

Navigation: Find your way, avoid traffic and drop a location pin –  all using GPS.

Weather: Weather satellites help improve accuracy of the forecasts.

Space inspires us to go beyond

Space inspires us all, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

New technology: Space takes our tech further, challenging us to solve problems in innovative ways.

Philosophy: Studying the universe gives us valuable perspective, prompting us to ponder our position in the cosmos.

International relations: Space activities promote cooperation across the globe.

Exploration: Australia has a vital role in future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Education: Space makes us ‘think bigger’ and develops knowledge of science, tech, engineering and maths.

Arts & culture: Celestial and sci-fi themes have inspired film/TV, music, games, literature, fashion and art for decades.

Space tech keeps you safe

Space technologies help keep Australia in safe hands.

Disaster response: Earth observation satellites improve responses to bushfires, floods and droughts.

Planetary defence: We can calculate the trajectory of falling objects from space, such as asteroids, before they impact Earth.

Emergencies: GPS improves response times to critical emergencies.

Border protection: Communication, GPS and remote sensing satellites help protect Australia’s borders.

Defence: Defence uses a range of satellite technologies to protect Australia.

Intelligence: Intelligence gathering satellites are used to enhance Australia’s national security and protect our way of life.

Space is key to sustainability

Space technologies play a key role as we pursue a more sustainable Earth.

Climate change: Satellites monitor changing environmental conditions of our oceans, land and atmosphere.

Wildlife conservation: Satellites collect and relay sensor data to track wildlife, which helps manage and protect their habitats.

Smarter farming: Agricultural equipment can be remotely controlled with the help of satellites to maximise farm productivity and efficiency.

Clean energy: Space tech forecasts energy production and identifies the best locations for renewable energy.

Transport planning: Satellites help us map and maintain roads, which reduces fuel consumption.

Zero hunger: Satellites sense soil moisture and vegetation and land characteristics to help increase crop yield.

Space helps keep us healthy

Space environments and tech create opportunities to improve health on Earth.

Air quality: Satellites monitor pollution to inform how we protect the air we breathe.

Medical breakthroughs: Space research has spawned medical innovations including pacemakers and better artificial limbs.

Treatments & cures: We learn about our bodies by testing and managing the effects of the space environment on astronauts.

Remote healthcare: Satellites help connect people in remote communities to doctors and specialists.

Wearable devices: Tech developed to monitor astronaut wellbeing, like smart watches, can help promote better health.

Prevent pandemics: Satellites monitor migration, weather conditions and vaccine rollout to slow the spread of disease.

Latest from the Australian space sector

Varda-W6-capsule-at-Koonibba-Test-Range

W‑6 capsule safely lands in the South Aussie outback

NEWS • Space activities

20 May 2026

Varda’s spacecraft has landed at Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range, highlighting Australia’s growing role as a reliable hub for returns from orbit.

Read more
Katherine Bennell-Pegg with students at Charlesville

Aussie astronaut’s outreach program inspires thousands across the nation

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

8 May 2026

Since March, the 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been touring states and territories, empowering students and communities, and promoting Australia's space sector.

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

7 May 2026

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

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The ND-50 is the newest version of the Adelaide-based company’s Neumann Drive

Aussie electric thruster powers ahead on UK mission

NEWS • Space activities

1 May 2026

Adelaide's Neumann Space has successfully completed an in-orbit demonstration campaign for the latest version of its Neumann Drive electric thruster, which uses solid metal as propellant.

Read more
Novespace Airbus A310 Zero G

UWA to lead Australian zero-gravity research

NEWS • National capability

1 May 2026

Australia will fly its first zero‑gravity research team in October through a CNES–UWA partnership, positioning Australia as a test bed for space experiments.

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The 7.3m antenna from the ground (credit UTAS)

Tasmania’s multi-talented observatory

NEWS • Industry showcase: Space spotlight

29 April 2026

Sitting on a peak about 70km north of Hobart is Greenhill Observatory, Tasmania’s most advanced link to the cosmos.

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.