Registration and exhibition open
Welcome remarks from the Master of Ceremonies
Principal partner welcome remarks
Opening address from the Australian Space Agency
Welcome address from Katie Knight – Deputy Secretary Investment NSW
The role of Defence in growing Australia's space capabilities and industry
Indo-Pacific space domain operations and capabilities in the face of great power competition
Collaboration key to enhancing the US-Australian partnership for securing the Indo-Pacific
Join Major General Gregory Novak, Commander of Defence Space Command, Australian Defence Forces and Brigadier General Anthony J. “Chachi” Mastalir, Commander, United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific United States Space Forces as they discuss how the respective space forces of Australia and the United States can further develop and engage in collaboratory operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Morning tea
Registration and exhibition open – breakfast/networking
Day 2 welcome remarks from the Master of Ceremonies
Welcome Address from Under Secretary of the Air Force, United States of America
Launching beyond boundaries: Unpacking the competitive landscape of Australian spaceports
As Australia gears up for a promising year of rocket launches, this session dives into a critical question: How can Australian launch companies and spaceports compete with giants like SpaceX?
With numerous local options, what sets them apart and attracts businesses to choose domestic launches over international alternatives? Explore the unique selling points of Australian spaceports and launch providers, and hear their pitches on why they should be the go-to choice for the industry.
Morning tea
Embark on a multifaceted exploration of the space industry’s intricate tapestry, where diversity fuels innovation, skills drive progress, youth kindle inspiration, ethics guide missions, and pressing challenges demand our attention.
Delve into the complex dimensions of regulatory frameworks, sustainable practices, technological disruptions, and cross industry collaborations.
Join us in this transformative conference track as we steer the course towards a balanced, resilient and pioneering space future.
Australia’s space industry grew from employing around 5,000 people to 17,000 at the end of last year. But as the nation begins to rely on satellites for both defence and communications, we’re predicted to require another 15,000 workers by the end of the decade. How are we going to recruit when we’re already dealing with a tough talent shortage and a lack of interest from young people in STEM subjects? This session will discuss:
The past 12 months have been dominated by space’s ‘middle powers’ working together, with Australia having strong ties with Italy, the UK, Japan and India. This session will focus on Australia's space-related initiatives, collaboration efforts, and the strategic significance of space among smaller nations. We’ll discuss how Australia can leverage its geographical strengths and use other country’s know-how to nullify our disadvantages.
Key takeaways:
As a rapidly evolving and capital-intensive endeavour, the space industry requires significant capital investment which must adapt to fast changing regulatory and commercial models. This session explores the latest developments in the financing of space assets.
This session will gallop through the key things financiers, and those being financed, should know about:
Boson Engineering is a high and ultra-high vacuum engineering manufacturer based in Sydney, Australia. With over 30 years of experience in vacuum engineering and manufacturing projects, Boson Engineering is a trusted name in the industry.
We specialise in manufacturing standard thermal vacuum systems for CubeSat and satellite payload testing. What sets the company apart is its commitment to local Australian support for sovereign space capabilities. Boson's standard design minimises lead time delays and ensures fast breakdown and maintenance turnaround times.
At Boson Engineering, the company motto is "Quality engineering and service without the complexity." This ethos drives its dedication to provide high-quality engineering solutions and exceptional customer service without unnecessary complications.
Since its founding, Boson Vacuum Engineers has been committed to excellence, and its team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals.
A rapidly expanding space sector now dominated by innovative commercial companies, alongside an uncertain geopolitical world, has radically changed how we think about space law. Today, we stand on the brink of space mining becoming a reality, anti-satellite missiles tests having already taken place, and reports Russia could be developing nuclear weapons in space. Closer to home, companies now need to actively consider their deorbiting options for their defunct satellites, and navigate the requirements of the upcoming US-Australia TSA agreement. This session will examine recent developments, and what you need to know to prepare for the future.
As traditional launches increase globally and the next generation of aircraft and drones enter the mix, how are we going to manage our airspace? Join us as we provide a comprehensive update regarding Australia's ongoing efforts to revamp airspace regulations. Designed to seamlessly incorporate the latest developments in aviation technology, this session will shed light on the tangible progress made so far.
Last year, a landmark federal government review into the lack of diversity in STEM suggested tough action to address the sector’s issues. The draft recommendations went as far as to suggest stripping organisations of research funding if bullying and harassment aren’t tackled. The review was based on data that suggested Australia needs to develop 1.2 million technology-related jobs by 2030, with women currently making up only 20 per cent of those with STEM qualifications. But this is one of many reviews over the years, with little progress being seen. Our panel will ask what the latest one got right and wrong and how we can move from good ideas to successfully implementing them.
Fortifying the space domain: ASEAN’s dynamic landscape, defence strategies, and global partnerships
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the critical intersection between defence, government affairs and strategic collaborations in the realm of space. Join us in this strategic conference track as we navigate the intricate paths of security, diplomacy and innovation in the ever-evolving space landscape.
Late last year, the AUKUS coalition announced new deep space radars to be built in all three countries, with the first being developed in WA. It marked the moment the AUKUS coalition moved beyond submarines to space. Join our panel discussion as we dissect the implications of the monumental AUKUS alliance on the Australian aerospace industry in the context of evolving ties with the UK and the US Defence Force. Delve into the strategic shifts and collaborative opportunities that arise from this transformative military alliance.
In this session:
Since our last summit, hypersonic technology has witnessed notable advancements. Key stories include Hypersonix's selection by the US Department of Defence for testing, obtaining a US patent for its spaceplane engine, and forging a groundbreaking deal with a Nasdaq-listed firm. In this session, hear from Hypersonix as it discusses hypersonic tech and how it is reshaping the aerospace landscape. We aim to answer industry's burning questions about its short, medium, and long-term potential and how businesses and organisations can actively engage.
In this session, you will discover:
The commercial space race is driving demand for a new generation of navigation and sensor technologies. Balancing reliability, performance, and cost, these new technologies are designed from the ground-up to satisfy the challenging requirements of commercial space exploration.
Dr. Lyle Roberts will unpack how advances in photonic and quantum sensing will help deliver heavier payloads to the Moon and Mars, unlocking exciting new opportunities for scientific discovery and commercial enterprise, while laying the foundation for a more sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit.
The pursuit of exploring and understanding the cosmos has been a driving force for humanity, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and capabilities. In the contemporary era, the convergence of simulation and artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in space research and development (R&D). This talk delves into the pivotal role that Altair’s simulation and AI platform plays in propelling innovation and modernization within the realm of space exploration.
Researchers can harness the power of simulation by creating virtual environments that accurately model the complexities of space missions, from spacecraft design to orbital mechanics and the battery powered drive systems. Constantly strive for the most weight optimum designs allowing space crafts to carry maximum payloads, find alternative materials with micromechanical simulations to meet the demands of varied operating conditions such as soft landings.
Furthermore, AI technologies augment the capabilities of simulation platforms by providing intelligent decision-making algorithms, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems.
The evolution of machine learning integrated into the Simulation platform enabling engineers to rapidly explore the design and optimize the systems to accelerate space programs.
Through real-world examples and case studies, this talk will showcase how simulation and AI are revolutionizing various facets of space R&D, including spacecraft design optimization, systems simulation and digital twin.
In recent years, secure and sovereign military satcom capabilities have become essential for Australia’s national security. However, with the Australian space industry still in its formative stages, what lessons can we learn from the United States in how they collaborate and engage with industry partners to deliver on their national security needs and capabilities?
Join Major General Gregory Novak, Commander of Defence Space Command Australian Defence Forces and Brigadier General Anthony J. “CHACHI” Mastalir Commander United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific United States Space Forces as they sit down with Rocket Lab’s Dr Sandy Tirtey, Director of global commercial launch services & Director of Rocket Lab Australia to discuss the lessons of the past and how Australia can look to implement these learning as we develop our own sovereign capabilities.
Space junk has gone from a niche topic to a major concern in the industry. How at risk is my satellite from being struck? Do I need a deorbiting strategy? What can I do to prevent or nullify a strike? And do countries and space agencies need to collaborate more to tackle these concerns? This panel will tackle the latest developments and how Made In Australia innovation is providing solutions. Plus, as space becomes more crowded, what’s the future of our space junk dilemma in a world of more small sat launches?
The global space community is coming to Sydney from 29 September to 3 October 2025 for the International Astronautical Federation's (IAF) premier global space event, the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC). Find out what makes this IAC different to all the others and how to make the most of the opportunity.
Discover cutting-edge applications and technologies from space science that hold the key to solving real-world challenges for businesses and everyday Australians. Delve into the latest satellite advancements and sustainable solutions, unlocking new opportunities for growth and improved quality of life.
Last year’s biggest space story involved the federal government scrapping the $1.2 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation project. But with that investment gone, where should Australia go next? This panel will feature industry experts discussing how to navigate upcoming challenges and why we should be optimistic about our sector’s potential. In particular, they will talk about why our world-leading understanding of using EO to monitor climate change or bushfires could prove crucial. Finally, they’ll explain how industry leaders can better make the case for government assistance in the future as Australia continues to spend money using other nations’ data.
Whether you work in the design of spacecraft, satellites, cubesats, sensors, antennae or onboard electronics, there is no room for failure in the modern space industry. This presentation will provide a guide to virtual testing methodologies to thoroughly evaluate the performance and durability of space equipment and platforms across each part of their lifecycle, using your existing MCAD and ECAD data and using accurate mathematical models that account for the specific requirements and harsh environmental conditions of space.
An overview of autonomous systems and their significance in space exploration.
Insights into cutting-edge navigation technologies
Current challenges related to autonomous navigations and solutions
How autonomous systems will support ambitious voyages to become a reality
You may not realise it, but Google’s Wing drones deliver hundreds of thousands of packages annually in Queensland. In fact, the project in Logan is so pioneering the city has been dubbed the drone delivery capital of the world. But how on earth do you get a project like this off the ground in the face of decades-old regulations that don’t consider this kind of tech? In this session, Jesse Suskin, Wing’s head of government relations, discusses how he overcame the challenges to innovate in aerospace. Plus, he’ll also take questions from the audience in a fireside chat on stage.
Part 1: The battle of the satellites: LEO v geostationary
Explore the frontiers of space commerce, where innovation, investment and untapped potential converge. This track is your gateway to understanding how the space industry is not just a scientific pursuit, but also a thriving marketplace.
As we chart this course, we aim to illuminate pathways for business expansion, inviting you to envision a future where the stars themselves hold the promise of economic growth and boundless commerce.
The space industry offers boundless opportunities, but breaking into this dynamic sector and securing contracts can be daunting.
In this practical session, we’ll provide actionable insights and strategies for newcomers to successfully enter the space industry, navigate the tender process, and emerge as contract winners.
You will learn about real-world case studies examples of organisations that successfully entered the space industry and secured contracts.
Key takeaways:
Governments around the world are the main investors in space activities through procurement and grants to public agencies, research institutes, universities and the private sector. In five years, the global landscape for space activities has evolved with new countries investing in space R&D and getting involved in global value chains.
International collaborations and partnerships are instrumental to Australia’s space advancement.
But what happens when funding is cut again? How does this impact the Australian economy and its consumers?
This session will dive into what will happen to the Australian economy and residents with a lack of funding, including:
• The expansion strategy to include support for a growing number of space businesses in Australia and why it changed.
• Tracking the impact of climate change and the impact of losing funding, which can result in increased bushfires and floods and a lack of monitoring biodiversity and deforestation.
• Geoscience Australia and the ASA collaborating with the United States to develop satellite systems that will improve the quality of satellite EO data.
• Australian start-up Lunaria One: the project where multiple industry bodies are working with the Australian National University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University, and Ben Gurion University in Israel on a study on how to help plants grow and survive on the lunar surface while developing sustainable solutions on Earth.
NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and subsequent failed missions were ultimately ascribed to leadership, rather than equipment. In recognising this, NASA’s then Director of Astrophysics, Charlie Pellerin, authored the 4-Dimensional System for building high-performing teams. In the intervening decade, NASA, underwent a transformation and has been named Best Place to Work in federal government for the last eleven years in a row. The 4-Dimensional System has since been delivered to over 100,000 individuals in over 75 countries. In this presentation, 4-D provider Crazy Might Work share how the program has been updated and why its four dimensions and eight behaviours are still relevant to any leaders who aspire to build high-performing teams.
In this presentation, you will hear:
Discover how we can nurture curiosity, foster dreams, and empower the next generation to launch themselves beyond the stars.
The Young Astronauts Club in Far North Queensland is igniting aspirations of space exploration in young minds. Join us to discover how the club is pioneering an online space education experience through engaging activities and a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging. We will unravel the roadmap to inspire, educate, and propel the next generation of Aussie kids towards the boundless frontiers of space while learning how to equip young minds with knowledge about space, becoming an astronaut, and skills for success.
Space exploration presents unique challenges to human health and well-being, making space medicine a crucial field. In this session, we will dive into the world of space medicine, examining the health challenges faced by astronauts, innovative solutions, and the broader implications for healthcare on Earth.
New challenges of suborbital flight, boosting research in microgravity through suborbital flight and recent experiments, flight opportunity, and updates of the frontier of the space research
Closing Remarks MC
Post Event Networking
Closing Address
If you're interested in speaking at the event, please contact Demii via email.
*Agenda subject to change