After assessing hundreds of submissions, this year’s judging panel has shortlisted 103 finalists across 19 categories for the awards.
Some of this year's nominees in the individual categories include University of Southern Queensland's David Buttsworth, Western Sydney University's Gregory Cohen and RMIT University's Raj Das in the Academic of the Year category, Black Sky Aerospace's Tim Byrne, Nova Systems' Sarah Cannard, and Shoal Group's Tom Cregan in the Engineer of the Year category., and Lockheed Martin Australia's David Ball, Asia Pacific Aerospace Consultants' William Barrett, Southern Launch's Lloyd Damp, and Electro Optic Systems' Glen Tindall in the Executive of the Year category.
Lockheed Martin Australia, which is global security and aerospace company, has also been nominated in the Business of the Year - Large category, while Australian private aerospace company Black Sky Aerospace has qualified as a finalist in the Business of the Year - SME category.
Other individual and company categories include Rising Star of the Year, Scientist of the Year, Defence Business of the Year, and Research Organisation of the Year.
The Australian Space Awards recognises the leading individuals and businesses driving the development of Australia’s space economy, including ASX companies, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, academic institutions, and academics driving innovation and accelerating the industry to new heights.
In addition, the program acknowledges the contribution of businesses supporting the space industry including launch, telecommunications, satellite, energy, mining and transport sectors as well as the defence, agriculture, disaster and water management industries.
With the support of principal partner KBR, the gala black-tie awards dinner will be held on Thursday, 24 March 2022 at The Star in Sydney.
The event will showcase the depth of talent in the nation’s space industry while cementing its role in supporting the expansion of Australia as it embarks on a period of transformation by embracing space technology and utility.
Adam Thorn from Space Connect congratulated all of the finalists this year, stating: “The last 12 months has been another challenging period as the industry has had to deal with tough COVID restrictions.
“It’s a testament to our nominees, then, that 2021 saw our space sector continue to thrive as Australia begins to establish itself as a true space faring nation. This year’s entrants were the best yet, and I look forward to celebrating with the finalists and winners later this month.”
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