Australia will showcase its world-leading space capabilities and research at the 19th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide, South Australia, on 21–22 July.
Run by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, the forum is Australia’s foremost event for discussing the ideas, opportunities, challenges and technology shaping the future of the global space ecosystem.
The theme of this year’s program – Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Space Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific – reflects Australia’s space leadership in the region. Space-based technologies and data can help address shared issues such as climate resilience, disaster response and national security.
The forum will hear perspectives from government, space and defence leaders, and academia. Sessions will feature the Australian Space Agency, National Space Agency of Singapore, and the Taiwan Space Agency. Topics will include Australia's resilience in critical infrastructure; Indo-Pacific defence integration and multilateral space policy; and AI and cyber security in space systems.
Keynote speakers include Tim Ayres, Australian Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; Chris Picton, South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries; Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency; and astronaut and Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
Attendees will have access to networking functions, panel discussions, industry briefings and an Exhibition Hall showcasing the latest space technologies from around the world.
‘Australia is a hub for space capabilities and innovation in the Indo-Pacific,’ says Tamara Bell, Global Engagement Manager, Austrade. ‘Partnerships will be key to solving the region’s biggest challenges.
‘The forum provides an ideal platform to meet and explore opportunities and partnerships with space leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry champions from Australia and around the Asia-Pacific region.’
Registrations are open for delegates looking to engage with members of government, defence, academia and industry.
World-leading space capabilities
Australia has wide-ranging capabilities in space and astronomy, including:
- Earth observation from space
- Communications technologies and services
- Space ports for launches and returns
- Robotics and automation on Earth and in space
- Position, navigation and timing
- Space situational awareness and debris monitoring
- locations for ground stations, mission control, observation facilities and communications
Find out more about Australia’s industry capabilities.
Australia is also a leader in space research and development. Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has a unit dedicated to space and astronomy, and has played crucial roles in the Apollo 11 Moon landing and the recent Artemis mission.
Many Australian universities also partner with local and international companies and agencies on space R&D. Most recently:
- The University of Western Australia and the French Space Agency will undertake a zero-gravity research mission
- Macquarie University will design a new instrument to sharpen the Gemini North Observatory’s view of space
Partnerships with international organisations
Australia has a long history of partnering with international space agencies and organisations on research projects and space programs, including NASA’s Artemis II program, India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program, and Japan’s Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) mission.
Australia has also signed agreements, memoranda of understanding, treaties and accords with the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, India and Japan.
In the Indo-Pacific region, Australia works with neighbouring countries to explore how space technologies can help countries address challenges arising from climate change and natural disasters.
Read more about Australia’s international partnerships.
Meet Austrade at the Australian Space Forum
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) supports foreign investors to establish and expand operations in Australia, and connects international buyers with Australian capability. We offer the latest industry insights, connections with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and virtual or physical site visits to Australia.
Contact Tamara Bell, Global Engagement Manager, Austrade, for more information about Australia’s space capabilities and to organise a meeting at the Australian Space Forum.
Contact Adam Pittard, Senior Adviser, Austrade, for information on investment opportunities in Australia’s space sector.
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