Pictured: South Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
This week, Adelaide will become Australia’s space capital as the nation’s biggest space industry event returns, bringing together international agencies, astronauts and some of the sector’s biggest innovators.
The 19th Australian Space Forum is taking over the city for two days, with representatives from the National Space Agency of Singapore, the Taiwan Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency joining South Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to explore the future of Australia’s rapidly expanding space sector.
The event comes as South Australia’s space industry continues to grow at an impressive pace. The state is now home to more than 100 space companies, the largest concentration anywhere in the country, with Adelaide increasingly recognised as the nation’s hub for space innovation, research and advanced manufacturing.
Among the local success stories are Southern Launch, which is developing Australia’s sovereign launch and re-entry capability from the Far West Coast after recently securing a $25 million Series A funding round, including $10 million from the National Reconstruction Fund.
Fleet Space Technologies continues to gain international attention for its satellite-enabled mineral exploration technology, while Inovor Technologies is building advanced satellite platforms supporting Australia’s sovereign space and defence capabilities.
Other South Australian companies helping shape the industry include QuantX Labs, which is advancing quantum timing and sensing technology, and Saber Astronautics, whose software is helping redefine mission operations and space traffic management.
Coinciding with the forum, the South Australian Government has announced a new initiative designed to help local businesses build on that momentum.
Through the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), the Government has partnered with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) to provide up to five eligible South Australian space start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises with complimentary one-year memberships.
The memberships will give successful applicants access to industry events, networking opportunities, advocacy, market insights and national connections, helping local companies strengthen their profile while opening doors to new domestic and international opportunities.
The partnership also follows SASIC becoming a Foundation Member of SIAA, further strengthening South Australia’s ties to the national space industry.
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said, “South Australia is proving itself as the nation’s space capital, and this week the world is watching as Adelaide hosts the Australian Space Forum.
“Backing our local start-ups is central to keeping that momentum going. This partnership between SASIC and SIAA strengthens South Australia’s position as a leader in Australia’s space sector by backing our innovators and helping them seize new opportunities on the national and international stage.”
Space Industry Association of Australia CEO Dan Lloyd added, “The Space Industry Association of Australia is delighted to be partnering with SASIC in such a strategic manner.
“SASIC’s clear and consistent focus on building sovereign space capability aligns with SIAA’s long-term focus on accelerating Australia’s role in the Australian and global space ecosystem.”
