Taking centre stage: Industry momentum, Aussie space innovations, and international partnerships.
The 19th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide put the spotlight on the ideas and capabilities that are helping shape the nation’s future in space.
Hosted by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and supported by the Australian Space Agency, the latest edition of the Forum brought together industry leaders, researchers, government representatives and businesses from across Australia, the region and the global space sector.
It was held in Adelaide on 21 and 22 July during Australian Space Week and this year’s theme – Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Space Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific – showcased Australia’s growing role in a region where space capability is becoming increasingly important for climate monitoring, communications, national security and scientific discovery.
The Forum also displayed the breadth of Australian innovation. From emerging technologies and national capabilities to companies developing globally competitive solutions, the exhibition floor demonstrated the strength and diversity of Australia’s growing space ecosystem.
Year after year, our sector continues to deliver. Turning ambition into action. Translating capability into outcomes. And demonstrating that Australia is a serious and respected player in the global space economy.
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency
Enrico Palermo
Paving the way for Australia's space future
The Forum coincided with significant industry developments, including the Australian Government’s new Statement on Space announced by the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres during his keynote address.
The new statement charts Australia's future in space and outlines the Government’s vision for an enduring space ecosystem that supports Australia’s resilience, security and place in a changing world.
The Statement is aimed at supporting the local space industry to deliver the essential services Australians rely on, own more of the value chain, realise benefits beyond space and extend capability into global markets.
To support this new plan, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton also issued a Statement of Expectations to the Australian Space Agency. This additional guidance is focused on speeding up regulatory approvals and modernising the regulatory framework for emerging activities.
Together, these announcements reinforced the Government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s space capabilities and supporting long-term industry growth.
A sector enhancing regional and global space partnerships
The Australian Space Forum showcased a sector that is not only expanding at home, but increasingly strengthening its influence across the global space economy.
As a key supporter of the Forum, the Australian Space Agency played a leading role in connecting the Australian space industry with regional and international partners.
Strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific was a major focus. Working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Office of the Pacific, the Agency welcomed senior government representatives from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
Further cementing Australia's regional ties, the Agency convened its inaugural Space Dialogue with Singapore. The discussions with the National Space Agency of Singapore focused on shared priorities including the sustainable access to space, supporting industry growth, Earth observation capabilities for economic and societal benefits, and working together in multilateral and regional fora.
The Forum also underscored Australia's contribution to the Artemis program and future exploration missions, demonstrating how Australian expertise and capabilities are increasingly contributing to major international endeavours.
Beyond the Forum itself, the Agency helped drive important conversations on the future of space technology through a range of supporting events including a Workshop on Global Optical and Quantum Communications Connectivity. This side event brought together national and international experts to explore how Australia can be mission-ready for future exploration activities while advancing next-generation communications technologies with benefits both in space and on Earth.
Image gallery
Increasing national capability, responsibly
There are a range of activities underway which focus on creating an environment for the Australian space sector to grow.
Main image caption: Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo speaking during a session at the 19th Australian Space Forum.
Credit for all images used in this article: The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
