The Australian Space Discovery Centre will host an exclusive event bringing together leading voices in space science and technology to celebrate past achievements and explore future missions between Australia and Japan. 

Supported by the Australian Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), this event underscores the shared spirit of innovation and discovery that drives space science forward.

It will put the spotlight an upcoming mission, Martian Moons Exploration (MMX), which aims to unlock new insights into the origins of our solar system.

The gathering will also commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Hayabusa2 capsule’s return to Australia, a milestone in international cooperation between the two partner nations.

What's happening: 
Celebrating international space collaboration between Australia and Japan

When:
Monday 1 December 2025

What time:
3 pm Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT)

Meet the speakers

Attendees will reflect on what has been achieved through global partnerships and discuss the future of planetary exploration. 

This event will also be delivered by Aussie Space Rocks, a new space education platform based in Melbourne. 

A headshot of Kate-Kitagawa

Kate Kitagawa

Aussie Space Rocks and Professor at La Trobe University.

Headshot of Yuichi Tsuda (Deputy Director General of ISAS/JAXA)

Yuichi Tsuda

Deputy Director General, JAXA’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science.

Headshot of Jack-Rintoul, Assistant Director, Space Programs, Australian Space Agency

Jack Rintoul

Assistant Director, Space Programs, Australian Space Agency

A headshot of Professor Melissa De Zwart

Melissa De Zwart

Deputy Director, Plants for Space and a Professor at University of Adelaide.

Bringing Hayabusa2 home

Last month, the Australian Space Agency released a short film to showcase the special partnership between Australia and Japan to successfully bring Hayabusa2 home.

A group of people

Bringing Hayabusa2 home

A sample that will help to unravel some of the mysteries of our Solar System is now on display at the Discovery Centre.

Plan your visit

(L-R) Australian astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, and Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, along with team members from MMX. 

This photo was taken earlier this year during, a delegation led by the Australian Space Agency that showcased the momentum between the two space economies and the growing opportunities for their businesses, researchers, and innovators.

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.