Australia’s space sector takes off

Australia’s space industry combines emerging technologies and ideal geographies. We are growing into a hub for in-space manufacturing and on-orbit servicing. The industry is worth around A$5 billion per year and growing fast. Australia has:

  • ideal locations for launch into all orbits
  • a growing space infrastructure, including new space ports and return locations
  • great locations for ground stations, mission control, observation facilities and communications
  • arrangements with key global space agencies: NASA, the UK Space Agency, JAXA and European Space Agency.

The Australian Space Agency is the lead agency for developing and coordinating our commercial space industry. It also facilitates international engagement.

Australia offers world-leading technical expertise and ideally located facilities. International agreements permit secure collaboration with space partners, such as the US, the UK and Europe. Our advantages include:

  • proximity to the equator, offering lift advantage to geosynchronous orbits; southern latitudes offer access to polar and sun-synchronous orbits
  • a strong and growing research base in space-related research and development
  • clear skies, low noise and low light interference deliver easy observation of satellites, space debris and space weather
  • streamlined regulation helps companies align with key partners.

Australia’s space industry already exports to international markets. We support national and international space missions. Australia has a competitive advantage in 7 areas.

  • Access to space
  • Earth observation from space
  • Communications technologies and service
  • Robotics and automation on Earth and in space
  • Position, navigation and timing
  • Space situational awareness and debris monitoring
  • Leapfrog R&D.

How we can help

Space database, capabilities and documents

Australian Space Industry Capability Database

Developed by the Space Industry Association Australia (SIAA) in partnership with Austrade, The Australian Space Agency, Office of Defence Industry Support and SmartSAT CRC. The database has interactive data and visualisations of the Australian space sector, showing its scale and capabilities. It also has information on the space industry workforce and company profiles. More about the Australian Space Industry Capability Database.

Snapshot of R&D Space Capabilities in Australian Universities (document)

Provides a snapshot of Australia’s space ecosystem in the research and development area. It includes the types of programs, facilities and expertise that Australia possesses. It has particular emphasis on university capabilities in Australia. To request a copy of this document please contact: space.events@austrade.gov.au

UK-Australia Space Bridge Soft Landing Zones (document)

Soft-landing zones are space industry hubs and clusters. They were established under the UK-Australia Space Bridge. They help individuals or companies establish a presence in the UK or Australia. To request a copy of this document please contact: spacebridgeuk-au@austrade.gov.au

Incentives, grants and support

The Australian Space Agency helps Australian businesses and research organisations work with international space agencies and established programs.

The Northern Territory is developing a launch industry. Space businesses looking to establish infrastructure may be eligible for Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) financing.

Snapshot



Investment

$3 billion investment into Australia’s space sector 2018–2023


The industry

640 organisations in the Australian space industry in FY 2023.


Space employment

The Australian space sector is worth $6.4 billion and employs over 15,435 people.


Public/private sector funding

Approx. A$1.1 billion invested in Australian space organisations and projects since 2019.

Australian Space Infrastructure 

Map of Australia showing locations of space priority areas Map of Australia showing locations of space priority areas

Events

The Australian Government is forward leaning and wants our space ports to become preferred launch venues. Australia is keen to develop local manufacturing and embed Australia’s space innovators in global supply chains. Strong ties with major space agencies deliver access to data, programs and global supply chains. They include the UK-Australia Space Bridge and the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA).

AUKUS and the QUAD also involve collaboration and participation in space initiatives, such as:

Space-related research and development is a key strength for Australia. The Australian Space Agency is the lead organisation in civil space in Australia. It encourages global partnerships and collaboration with world-class experts.