The Australian Government is backing Australia’s space industry to seize growing opportunities in the global space economy while strengthening the capabilities that underpin the nation's economic resilience and security.
A new Statement on Space released today outlines the Australian 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.
It identifies five focus areas where Australia’s space capability differentiates globally and supports national resilience.
Statement on Space: Focus areas
Snapshot
Statement on Space: Focus areas
- Trusted Space services: Position Navigation and Timing, Communications, Earth Observation, Space Monitoring.
- Spaceflight Ecosystem: Launch, Re-entry and Ground Segment.
- Space Platforms: Satellites and Multi-Orbit Constellations.
- Microgravity Ecosystem: In-Space Manufacturing and Biotechnology Development.
- Exploration Technologies: Remote Operations and Lunar Applications.
Harnessing Australian space capabilities
From communications and navigation to weather forecasting and emergency management, space capability is increasingly central to modern life.
In a media release issued today, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said Australian space capabilities will play an important role in boosting the country’s economy, security and national resilience.
The Minister said the new plan will provide direction and focus to further grow Australia’s space capability, support national priorities and connect industry to global opportunity.
“We want to see more Australian ideas commercialised, more Australian technology deployed globally, and more of the economic value harnessed here at home," Minister Ayres said.
Across Australian cities and regions, companies are using their expertise to build national capability in rockets, satellites, positioning and advanced navigation technologies, hypersonic aircraft, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
Backing the Australian space sector
The Statement also identifies where Government activity can enable conditions for greater investment, coordination and delivery.
Calling space "a critical enabler" across Australia's economy, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton issued a Statement of Expectations to the Australian Space Agency.
This additional guidance will support the Statement on Space and is focused on speeding up regulatory approvals and modernising the regulatory framework for emerging activities.
“We know there is immense investment appetite and the Statement on Space will support Australian organisations to maximise this opportunity and deliver real economic outcomes for Australians,” Assistant Minister Charlton said in a media release.
Paving the way for Australia's space future
The Australian Space Agency will lead targeted consultation with industry, academia and government stakeholders to develop the detailed actions that will support growth of the space sector. These are expected to be released later this year.
“Australia is already an appealing and trusted partner in space. This Statement strengthens that case so our industry can contribute in a way that embeds them into global supply chains and delivers economic benefits here at home,” Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo.
Over the past 18 months, the Australian Government established National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has invested nearly $200 million into local space companies as part of six capital raises.
Publication: Statement on Space
It outlines the Australian Government’s vision for an enduring space ecosystem that supports Australia’s economic resilience and security.
