12th Australian Space Forum Wednesday 15 September 2021 - Adelaide, South Australia
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12th Australian Space Forum
Wednesday 15 September 2021
Adelaide, South Australia
12th Australian Space Forum a
Major Sponsors
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12th Australian Space Forum
Wednesday 15 September 2021
Adelaide, South Australia
12th Australian Space Forum c
Contents
Contents
12th Australian Space Forum
Wednesday 15 September 2021 1 Welcome
Adelaide, South Australia — Chair of The Andy Thomas
Space Foundation
Adelaide Convention Centre,
— Premier of South Australia
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
— Head of the Australian
Forum sessions: Hall L Space Agency
Exhibition: Hall H
6 Message from the CEO
8 Forum Schedule
11 Opinion
27 Speaker Profiles
43 Company Profiles
87 Foundation Corporate Sponsors
and Professional Partners
88 Venue Map
90 Exhibition Floorplan
92 Event Sponsors
Join the conversation: #AUSpaceForum
@AndyThomasSpace
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
@theandythomasspacefoundation
@andythomas_space_foundation
d
Welcome from the Chair of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is delighted to
welcome you to the 12th Australian Space Forum.
success. With over 1150 attendees, our
exhibition showcased 65 space organisations
and over 450 students were engaged.
Highlights included keynotes from the new
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico
Palermo, and from Dr James Johnson, CEO of
Geoscience Australia.
We received very positive feedback on the
Welcome to the 12th Australian Space Forum.
quality of the expert panel discussions on
In the year since The Andy Thomas Space the topics of space education and outreach,
Foundation was founded, we are incredibly quantum engineering and advanced
proud of what we have accomplished. manufacturing.
Our mission has been focused on three The Foundation has a small but dedicated
key activities – Education, Outreach, and team committed to bringing the message of
Innovation – and we are delighted to report space to young people in particular and the
achievements in all three areas. community in general. We are a key supporter
of the Australian Space Discovery Centre
In 2021, seven programs for scholarships, and we have arranged for a number of school
awards and prizes have been established groups to visit the Centre. We also give
and/or successfully conducted, valued at regular presentations to community groups
more than $200,000. and other organisations.
Each program developed by the Foundation, Our results would not have been possible
in partnership with our sponsors and without the support of our sponsors
supporters, has been dedicated to supporting and donors and we thank them for their
the development in Australia of students at generosity. The decision in June 2021 of the
all levels of their education. Australian Parliament to confer Deductible
Gift Recipient status on the Foundation will
These have included advancing the skills of
greatly assist our fundraising and was a
primary school teachers in STEM learning and
notable vote of confidence in our mission.
design thinking, supporting space related
We are now able to offer tax deductibility to
science research projects at high school
private donors as well as to corporations.
level, providing internship opportunities to
tertiary students with some of Australia’s Thank you for registering for the 12th
leading space technology companies and Australian Space Forum. Whatever your area
giving financial awards to some of Australia’s of space interest is, we are confident that you
leading PhD researchers for their work on will enjoy the experience.
advanced space science topics.
Michael Davis AO
Many of you will recall the 11th Australian Chair, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
Space Forum in March 2021 was the first
conducted by the Foundation. Opened by
the Prime Minister of Australia, it was a great
12th Australian Space Forum 1
2
Welcome from the Premier of South Australia
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you
to the 12th Australian Space Forum.
South Australia’s mission to launch a locally
manufactured satellite to space is taking
shape and remains on track for launch in
late 2022. Bringing together valuable players
across government, industry and academia,
the SASAT1 Space Services Mission will
be an important milestone in the state’s
space history.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by
We are excited to see the next generation
many all over the world today, the South
eager to make their mark on this crucial
Australian Government is pleased to support
mission, with students from across the state
such a significant event for Australia’s
taking part in a unique opportunity to name
space industry.
the satellite. I am delighted to announce the
Our nation’s space industry has made great winning name, which was selected from 57
strides since the last forum in March. Even high-quality entries from South Australian
in the most difficult circumstances, the local primary and secondary schools.
space ecosystem is thriving and will be
This forum is the perfect opportunity for
critical in reigniting economic growth in
our leaders, industry experts, researchers
South Australia.
and entrepreneurs to shape the nation’s
Marking an important step in our state’s promising future in space, which is critically
emerging launch capabilities, South Australian important during these challenging and
company Southern Launch’s proposal to uncertain times.
establish a sub-orbital rocket testing facility
I extend a warm virtual welcome to many
in Whalers Way, near Port Lincoln, received
of our interstate and international guests,
a facility licence from the Australian Space
including Deputy Administrator of NASA, Pam
Agency. This is the second of only two sites in
Melroy; Deputy Head of New Zealand Space
Australia to be licenced, with the company’s
Agency, Andrew Johnson; and Head of the
test range in Koonibba, South Australia,
Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo.
securing a licence in March, giving the sector
confidence in the state’s developing space Our nation’s space industry is ready for lift-
infrastructure. off. I look forward to seeing Australia cement
its position as a leader in the global space
Other companies continue to reach
sector and build on the momentum within the
for the stars, scaling up and attracting
South Australian space ecosystem.
global attention with revolutionary space
technologies. South Australian nanosatellite Hon Steven Marshall MP
pioneer, Fleet Space Technologies, launched Premier of South Australia
its sixth small satellite – Centauri 4 – into
orbit, with plans for a further 16 to be
launched by 2023.
12th Australian Space Forum 3
Moon to Mars initiative
Accelerating the growth of Australia’s space industry
The Moon to Mars initiative gives Australian businesses
and researchers the opportunity to showcase their
knowledge and capabilities in projects that can support
NASA’s Moon to Mars endeavours.
Grants under the Supply Chain Program are currently available
Supply Chain Program
Draws on Australia’s competitive
strengths and helps a variety of
businesses deliver products and
services into global space supply
chains.
Apply for a grant now
For more information and to apply visit
space.gov.au
4
Welcome from the Head of signalled strong intent to accelerate progress
and create a thriving sector by announcing
the Australian Space Agency the deferral of the introduction of partial
cost recovery for applications under the
Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018,
as well as commencing negotiations
between Australia and the United States
on a bilateral Technology Safeguards
Agreement. The deferral of fees in particular
will help encourage more launch activity and
continued investment and growth in the
broader space sector. On the same day, the
Australian Space Agency team celebrated
When we came together six months ago for
our third birthday, which was an important
the 11th Australian Space Forum, I said 2021
opportunity to reflect on how far we have
was shaping up to be a year of achievements
come in a few years.
for the national space ecosystem. True
to form, the industry has reached many Getting money into the industry through our
important milestones alongside the various programs has also been a highlight
Australian Space Agency embarking activity over the past few months. Local
on activities to achieve our purpose of companies Spiral Blue, Advanced Navigation,
transforming and growing Australia’s space Crystalaid Manufacture, and Fleet Space
sector for generations to come. were awarded grants under the Moon to
Mars Supply Chain Capability program,
Inspiring the next generation of space
while the Moon to Mars Demonstrator
professionals and entrepreneurs is a
Feasibility program supported 20 grants for
collective goal that brings us together and
organisations across Australia including the
underpins the work all of us do, whether
University of New South Wales, AROSE and
in government, industry or the research
Valiant Space. Also in June, a consortium led
sector. The opening of the Australian Space
by the Australian National University was
Discovery Centre in May by Prime Minister
awarded the Space Payload Qualification
the Hon Scott Morrison MP was not only
Facilities grant under the $19.5 million Space
a milestone for the Lot Fourteen precinct
Infrastructure Fund.
in Adelaide, it was an achievement shared
nationally and a powerful moment in our Space is well and truly ignited in the public
mission to inspire the Australian community. discourse and is becoming a common topic
Since opening, over 14,000 people have of conversation around dinner tables and in
booked tickets to visit the Centre and a the loungerooms of Australians. Whether it’s
similar exhibit was launched at Questacon the advancing of the next frontier of space
in Canberra. tourism, or space being the topic of the 2021
National Simultaneous Storytime which saw
We’ve seen the enhancement of national,
nearly 2 million readers, space inspires as
sovereign space capability through
it equally brings people together under the
increasing collaboration between industry
universal goal of improving lives on Earth.
and government. In March, Southern Launch
I look forward to working with the national
was granted the first launch facility licence
ecosystem and the international community
for its Koonibba Test Range site in regional
to continue the excitement and momentum
South Australia. Similarly, in July the Minister
achieved in 2021 into 2022.
for Industry, Science and Technology the Hon
Christian Porter MP granted a second launch Enrico Palermo
facility licence to Southern Launch for its Head of Agency, Australian Space Agency
Whalers Way site, attracting space industry
related jobs and growth into the region.
July 1 marked a special day for both the
Australian Space Agency and the national
space industry. The Australian Government
12th Australian Space Forum 5
Message from the CEO of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
For the 12th time we are here to convene in one of the most prestigious
space events in Australia bringing together the full spectrum of
researchers, academics, suppliers, industry professionals and end
users to connect and create profitable opportunities.
Moving from cubesats to larger satellites –
building Australian expertise and capability.
In the recent years, Australia has designed
and developed many cubesats. Commercial
firms have started studying the deployment
of small satellites capable of hosting bigger
payloads (in particular for Earth observation
applications). This panel session brings
Since the first edition in 2016 this event has together experts who are actively involved in
represented an important platform in generating satellite manufacturing to discuss a national
discussion, bringing international best endeavour.
practice, and stimulating the establishment
Reimagining the social, environmental
of pivotal organisations such as the
and economic opportunities enabled by
Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC,
Earth observation technologies.
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and
This panel session brings together national
other initiatives.
and international experts who will share
Today we are thinking about the future of insights and leading-edge examples on
the space sector in Australia. What will the how Earth observation technologies can be
Australian space ecosystem look like in used to generate new value, solve complex
five years from now? In the last five years, problems and reduce costs incurred by
Australians have developed a robust new current infrastructure and technologies.
ecosystem. In the next five years, this
On-Earth and off-Earth remote operations,
approach will continue to improve and
in the context of human exploration and
strengthen our capability and expertise, and
applications here on Earth.
overcome the challenges.
Remote operations in space is challenging
In this framework, The Andy Thomas Space but a realistic opportunity particularly in the
Foundation has started a new editorial context of human exploration of the solar
section within this booklet, curating system. The most interesting aspect of these
several contributions from prominent challenges is whether the development of
experts about the growth of the Australian these new technical capabilities might even
space ecosystem. The goal is in line with find their first applications right here on
the purpose of our Forum: encouraging a Earth. This panel session brings together
constructive debate in our country. experts who are actively involved in the space
sector and terrestrial remote operations
Future focused and following an overview of using robotics and autonomous vehicles to
national and international space strategies discuss a national endeavour.
and trends, this Forum will present the
following three panels on topics that pose Thanks to all of you, colleagues, speakers,
important challenges to the space sector attendees and volunteers for being a part of
in Australia. this vibrant event.
Nicola Sasanelli AM
CEO, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
6Download the Australian
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12th Australian Space Forum 7Forum Schedule
Facilitated by Nicola Sasanelli AM,
CEO of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
Time Session Room
8.00 Registration open – Tea and coffee on arrival Hall H
8.45 Opening session Hall L
Welcome from the Premier of South Australia, The Hon Steven
Marshall MP, followed by remarks from The Hon Christian Porter MP (invited),
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology
9.05 International Space Trends Hall L
— Enrico Palermo, Head of Agency, Australian Space Agency
— Col. Pam Melroy, Deputy Administrator, National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (US)
— Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head, New Zealand Space Agency (NZ)
Keynote
NASA Astronaut Shannon Walker, Ph.D. – in conversation with
Tory Shepherd, Journalist, Cosmos Magazine
10.00 Morning tea Hall H
10.30 Research and Development Panel: Moving from CubeSats Hall L
to larger satellites – building Australian expertise and capability
Keynote
Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting, OBE, FRS, FREng, FIET, Executive Chairman,
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) / Chairman and Distinguished
Professor, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey (UK)
Facilitator
Peter Nikoloff, Chair of the Industry Advisory Board,
SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre
Panelists
— Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting, OBE, FRS, FREng, FIET, Executive Chairman,
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) / Chairman and Distinguished
Professor, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey (UK)
— Renae Sayers, Deputy Director, Space Science and Technology
Centre at Curtin University
— Peter Beck, CEO and Founder, Rocket Lab
— Flavia Tata Nardini, Co-founder and CEO, Fleet Space Technologies
— Prof. Guglielmo Aglietti, Director of the Space Institute,
Te Pūnaha Ātea, University of Auckland (NZ)
— Dr. Nick Stacy, Senior Principal Scientist – Space, Defence Science
and Technology Group
8Time Session Room
12.00 Lunch Hall H
13.30 Research and Development Panel: Reimagining the social, Hall L
environmental and economic opportunities enabled by Earth
observation technologies
Keynote
Adrian Turner, CEO, Minderoo Foundation Fire and Flood
Resilience Initiative
Facilitator
Aude Vignelles, Chief Technology Officer, Australian Space Agency
Panelists
— Adrian Turner, CEO, Minderoo Foundation Fire and Flood
Resilience Initiative
— Prof. Paul Tregoning, InSpace Mission Specialist, Australian
National University
— Maree Wilson, Branch Head, National Earth and Marine Observations,
Geoscience Australia
— Dr. Alex Held, Aquawatch Mission Lead, CSIRO Space and Astronomy
— Mani Thiru, APJ Space Industry Development Leader, Aerospace
and Satellite Solutions, Amazon Web Services (SG)
— Dr. Fabio Volpe, Head of Optical and Hyperspectral, E-GEOS (IT)
14.50 Afternoon tea Hall H
15.30 Research and Development Panel: On-Earth and off-Earth remote Hall L
operations, in the context of human exploration and applications
on Earth
Keynote
Jason Crusan, Vice President Technology and New Energy,
Woodside Energy
Facilitator
Dr. Sue Keay, CEO, Queensland AI Hub
Panelists
— Jason Crusan, Vice President Technology and New Energy,
Woodside Energy
— Gavin Gillett, Specialist Integrated Operations, Rio Tinto
— Dr. Sarah Cannard, Deputy Industry Director, SmartSat Cooperative
Research Centre
— Timothy Canham, Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Operations and Flight
Software Lead, NASA (US)
— Leanne Cunnold, CEO, AROSE
— Prof. Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space
Engineering Research, UNSW
16.50 12th Australian Space Forum Conclusion Hall L
Nicola Sasanelli AM, CEO, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
17.00 Networking hour Hall H
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10Opinion
Opinion
12th Australian Space Forum 11“What will the space sector look like in five years? ” 12
Introduction
Australia’s ultimate mission should be to
guarantee national sovereignty in space and
ensure that Australia plays a significant role
at an international level.
The 12th Australian Space Forum presented
an opportunity to explore the future of
the space sector with relevant leaders in
our community who are without a doubt,
In the last five years in Australia the space
important protagonists of the 'Australian
sector has grown significantly. We can say
space renaissance.’ I have invited them
that without a doubt this ‘Australian space
to provide a short contribution within
renaissance’ has a strong connection
this booklet about their vision for the
with the 68th International Astronautical
development of our Australian space
Conference 2017 in Adelaide.
capabilities and expertise.
In recent years the Australian Space Agency,
The question they have been asked is:
the SmartSat Cooperative Research Center,
"What do you think the space sector will
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and
look like in five years?”
new task forces have been established
within our national and state government Sincere thanks to:
agencies. Additionally, new public resources — Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian
and programs have been created which have Space Agency
benefited our private companies, research — Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts AM CSC,
organisations and universities which have Head of Air Force Capability, Royal
generated an impressive level of new private Australian Air Force
investment. — Professor Anna Moore, Director of the
ANU Institute for Space
The most important challenge for Australia
— Professor Andy Koronios, CEO of the
is now to build more national capabilities
SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre
and expertise, that combined with our new
— Professor Craig Smith, CEO of Space
space assets, will result in rapid growth of the
Systems at Electro Optic Systems (EOS)
Australian space ecosystem. Furthermore,
— Alisa Starkey, Founder and Applied
our community can only benefit from a
Science Solutions Lead at Ozius
growing awareness of the importance of
space in our daily life. This is particularly Enjoy your reading.
important in the education sector because
our knowledge economy needs highly Nicola Sasanelli AM
motivated young people attuned to careers in CEO, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
science and technology.
12th Australian Space Forum 13“The Australian space sector has achieved
a great deal in the last five years, so thinking
ahead to where we’ll be in the next five years
fills me with excitement.”
Enrico
Palermo
I have always been future focused with a deep program will be implemented and playing a
appreciation and acknowledgement of the direct role in NASA’s Artemis program and
past providing the foundations for growth its vision to land the first woman and person
and new prospects. As the second Head of of colour on the Moon. Our presence in the
the Australian Space Agency, I often reflect Indo-Pacific space community will have also
back on how far we have come in just a few increased considerably, as part of the Agency
years. Under the leadership of Dr Megan further engaging with the region consistent
Clark AC, the establishment of the Agency with Australia’s national interests. Nationally,
in 2018 catalysed effort and energy around there will be a strong focus on investment in
the nation towards the opportunity space the civil space priority areas, guided by the
provides, while accelerating recognition that Agency’s seven technical roadmaps. We’ll
space is something that touches virtually be working across government to deliver
every aspect of our lives today. national missions to meet sovereign civil
needs as well as building national capability
Looking ahead at the next five years, the by supporting space infrastructure and
Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028 industry skills development. As such,
forecasts a period of significant delivery Australia will be globally known for specific
across the Australian Space Agency’s four areas of competitive advantage that leverage
strategic pillars: international, national, spin-in and spin-out from adjacent industries.
responsible, and inspire. Joint international
missions, programs and initiatives with Australia will well and truly be on the path
international space counterparts will be to being a globally respected space-faring
realised. Of note, the Australian Government’s nation, guided by a regulatory system that
$150 million Moon to Mars initiative Trailblazer ensures safe operations in space and on
Earth while harnessing areas of growing
14opportunity. The nation’s sovereign launch Looking ahead we must harness the
capability will be firmly established and momentum building in the sector. We have an
active, and human space flight shall develop opportunity to enhance national, sovereign
as an opportunity to signal our ambition as space capability through increasing
a nation. Perhaps most importantly, I see collaboration to optimise and deliver
the power of space to inspire being more investment with precision. We can do this
profound than ever. Central to this will be through space missions that address some
enabling the space workforce pipeline, of Australia’s greatest challenges like climate
supported by a broader uplift in STEM skills change, and through reducing barriers to
across the national workforce. The progress enable companies to scale their activities
of the Agency’s 2030 workforce target of accessing both domestic and international
20,000 new jobs will reflect this pipeline of markets. Working with organisations across
activity, alongside the growth target for the the Australian Government, we will unlock
sector to reach $12 billion by 2030. opportunities to the full space value chain.
The opportunity for Australia to expand In five years, space will be an important
its development and utilisation of space pillar of Australia’s economy by enabling
technologies is immense and exciting. employment, harnessing innovation, and
Momentum is building, driven by passionate, generating inspiration. The future is indeed
talented and gritty teams around the bright and I look forward to the opportunities
nation who have a shared determination and challenges on the path ahead as we
to make a difference and to accelerate continue to transform and grow a globally
Australia’s presence and competiveness in respected space sector that lifts the broader
what is a truly global sector. Our growing economy, inspires and improves the lives of
momentum is signalled by many markers, Australians.
including increasing private investment, the
Enrico Palermo
emergence of new innovative technologies,
Head of Agency, Australian Space Agency
constellations of sophisticated Australian
satellites being launched, university
research programs creating our future space
workforce, maturing domestic capability to
build and launch rockets, and hiring by space
companies of all sizes.
12th Australian Space Forum 15“Defence has recognised space as an
operational domain and the decision to create
a single organisation to coordinate and mange
Defence’s endeavours in space is significant.”
Air Vice
Marshal
Cath Roberts
As the ultimate high ground, the space The Defence Space Division will be
domain is critical to Defence operations. Our established in January 2022 in response
capabilities and operating concepts rely on to the critical need for coordination across
access to space systems and information – as Defence space stakeholders, whole of
do the Australian public. government, industry, academia, allies
and our international partners. It will bring
The 2020 Defence Strategic Update and members of Navy, Army, Air Force, the
Force Structure Plan recognises the Australian Public Service and contractors
importance of the space domain as an together under an integrated headquarters
operational environment in its own right. The within Air Force.
Government has committed to significantly
increasing investment in Defence’s space I am honoured to be selected as the inaugural
capabilities by investing around $7 billion this Head of the Defence Space Division, this has
decade to ensure our access to space, space been a lifelong aspiration for me.
services and geospatial information.
In my view, Australia has three key
Defence has recognised space as an advantages in the space domain.
operational domain and the decision to
create a single organisation to coordinate Firstly, our unique geographical location and
vast open land in the Southern Hemisphere
and mange Defence’s endeavours in space is
allows us to contribute valuable input to
significant. We have a responsibility to assure
the global Space Surveillance Network. For
Australia’s access to space which is critical to
our national interests. example, the Space Surveillance Telescope at
Exmouth, WA, is a world-leading, 360-degree
16telescope that will enable Defence to better on space and recognises that collaboration
track and identify objects and threats in on space is a key force multiplier for all the
deep space including space debris, as well countries involved. Under a common vision,
as predict and avoid potential collisions. It the nations agreed upon guiding principles
will become an important part of the global and lines of effort to improve combined
Space Surveillance Network, which provides military space operations, foster cooperation
space domain awareness to both Australia and coordination and to collectively promote
and the US. responsible behaviour in space.
Secondly, we have an inventive spirit and an To sustainably grow our space industry we
incredible pool of smart people to draw on. need to increase the STEM pipeline for a
There is enormous opportunity for industry bright Australian future talent pool. Enrico
and academia to work closely with Defence and I have been discussing this, and it is an
to meet our unique Australian requirements area that would greatly benefit from continued
and bolster local capability. Our work with collaboration between Defence, industry and
UNSW Space Canberra on the M2 satellite academia. We will soon be launching Jarli, an
is Australia’s most complex CubeSat animation of an Aboriginal girl who uses her
mission ever. This mission is incredibly ingenuity to achieve her dream of getting to
exciting as it’s the first time we’re using space. We have collaborations in the wings
formation flying in CubeSats. The amount with the Australian Space Agency and NASA,
of capability squeezed into these artificial- and would love for all of you to be part of
intelligence enabled satellites is amazing. inspiring young people to reach for the stars
The M2 satellite is being used to evaluate with STEM.
technologies that may eventually be placed
I am proud to be selected to lead Defence’s
onto more complex space systems. One
mission in space and I look forward to working
of the payloads is the first neuromorphic
with many of you to bring the very best
sensor to be placed into orbit, developed by
of Australian space smarts to be part of
Western Sydney University’s International
defending our nation.
Centre for Neuromorphic Systems. UNSW
Canberra Space has engaged a supply chain Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts, AM, CSC
of approximately 30 Australian companies for Head of Air Force Capability,
the satellite. Royal Australian Air Force
Thirdly, we are a responsible space
actor. Among other initiatives, Defence
is a participant of the Combined Space
Operations (CSpO) initiative. The CSpO
Initiative aims to improve information sharing
— Jarli stepping out of the spaceship
12th Australian Space Forum 17“To ensure further success, a core group is
discussing the beginnings of a national space
consortium that will be paradigm-changing.”
Professor
Anna Moore
In September 2019, when Prime Minister Scott Today, universities across Australia are
Morrison said, “There is enormous opportunity aggregating their space talent for the very
for Australia’s space sector which is why we same reasons. At least nine other universities
want to triple its size to $12 billion to create have already established dedicated multi-
around 20,000 extra jobs by 2030,” Australia’s disciplinary space groups as front doors to
university sector knew they would play a big their university efforts.
part in that future growth. But we also knew
To ensure further success, a core group is
no single university could do it on its own.
discussing the beginnings of a national space
I founded the Australian National University consortium that will be paradigm-changing.
(ANU) Institute of Space (InSpace) after Instead of universities competing, we will pool
serving on the Expert Reference Group that our strengths to maximise benefits for our
established the Australian Space Agency. As country. Together, we will do things better so we
a member of that group, it was astonishing can better support our growing space industry.
to see the depth and breadth of space
This is not the old way of tertiary education
research across Australia and across my own
in our nation. We suggest collaboration and
university. Not only did I recommend, with the
not competition as a new way forward in
other members of the group, that we create
three key areas that fall under the university
a space agency, I recommended to ANU that
domain, education, infrastructure and
they aggregate their space experts to better
research translation.
focus their efforts to meet the demands of
our growing space industry.
18Education Research translation
Space education and training is a broad Finally, forming university research
subject, and many universities have partnerships to deliver on national priorities
outstanding strengths in specific areas. can create concrete pathways to research
We believe that universities play a key role translation. Together, we can identify
in educating the future space industry targets and metrics, establish collaborative
workforce. By offering a joint curriculum, we strategies, identify and cost necessary
can create a revolutionary space education capabilities to submit proposals that
not available anywhere else in the world. generate true impact.
Australian students could learn from As a collective, we can drive change from
world-leading advanced communications inside universities if we lead by example.
experts, pioneering satellite engineers and We can show all areas of universities that
world-class rocketry scientists because they collaboration will make us all stronger, create
will not be limited to education at a single better innovation and outputs, create a
institution. We can ensure the graduates are robust space workforce, fortify our R&D
fit for space industry purpose by tailoring sector and grow the commercial space
education to industry needs and not just industry. If space can do it, so can other
geographical location. disciplines.
Infrastructure We know what we are proposing is a major
paradigm shift. Competitors become
Together, universities can get funding for collaborators, and we each shine in our areas
and build essential infrastructure across of expertise. Energy is spent moving forward
priority areas enabling industry growth and and not just moving up. As we create one
spin offs as well as cutting-edge research. voice for the Australian university space
Several universities have partnered with sector, it is our goal to fuel space industry
private industry in a recent winning space jobs, growth and education.
infrastructure grant. Now we’re creating a
nationwide network of space component Professor Anna Moore
testing sites that will help accelerate the Director, ANU Institute for Space
research, development and successful
creation of innovative space components in
Australia. We are creating vital new growth for
our space industry without re-inventing the
wheel. We were taking existing infrastructure
and improving it together for the benefit of
the entire nation. This kind of thinking can
guarantee successful university, government
and private partnerships that empower
our entire space industry and forego a
problematic state-by-state approach.
12th Australian Space Forum 19“A strong collaborative partnership between
Australia’s internationally respected R&D
ecosystem and industry is critical in order to
build capacity and autonomy in space.”
Professor
Andy
Koronios
SmartSat is privileged to be playing a role industry, the tempo of growth of the
in the development of Australia’s space Australian space industry is accelerating.
ecosystem at this very critical and exciting Collaborative R&D will be critical to achieving
juncture in Australia’s space industry this growth because although Australia
development. punches well above its weight in research
output it is in the bottom quartile of the OECD
Australia has taken the first steps in its in research-industry collaboration.
journey of transitioning to become a space
faring nation. Its fledgling space industry Opportunities abound for Australia to
needs to develop high-tech capabilities compete in areas where the global playing
through R&D and innovation to make it field is still quite level. We envisage that by
competitive in the global stage. A strong 2026 Australia will be able to deploy and
collaborative partnership between Australia’s replenish constellations of small satellites
internationally respected R&D ecosystem which are powered by Australian developed
and industry is critical in order build capacity advanced sensors and communications
and autonomy in space and so that it may technology, directed by on-board analytics
realise the benefits from the soon-to-be systems providing autonomy and intelligence
trillion-dollar global space industry. Through for formation flight performing multiple
the support of the Australian Space Agency, specialised tasks. Digital twin analytics
the Australian Government's Cooperative systems will operate off a common backbone
Research Centres Program, and a number of space-related infrastructure and new
of other government initiatives and the game-changing technologies such as optical
collaborative approach of research and
20and quantum communications and sensing country. Such space infrastructure will also
systems as well as Artificial Intelligence provide high resolution remote sensing and
systems, will leverage Australia’s global monitoring of our country, delivering to all
leadership in these high-tech areas. Australians information to improve the way
they work, learn and play, how we protect the
Analytics which power information product environment and our borders.
generation using multiple data sources from
real-time sensor acquisitions combined with These outcomes will be realised through the
existing data from the vast existing data intensive collaboration between our space
stores will produce customised outputs, fit industry and Australia’s R&D ecosystem.
for purpose, timely and available where and
SmartSat’s role is pivotal. Guided by the
when required. To do this we need to expand
Australian Space Agancy and working
our capability for ideation, design, build and
closely with the CSIRO, Defence Science
space hardening of sensors and satellite
and Technology Group and more than 120
buses across the private and publicly funded
other industry and university partners,
research. Such game-changing capabilities
SmartSat brings together researchers,
will enable Australia to build 21st century
the space industry and end users to form
high technology critical space infrastructure
powerful strategic collaborations to solve
similar to the ground-based transportation
grand national challenges and seize the big
and communications infrastructure of the
opportunities that space has to offer. These
last century – a national sovereign capability
collaborations become formidable research
that was critical to building our nation.
innovation, translation and commercialisation
Such Australian space systems will provide engines. In the past many of Australia’s best
Australia with critical capabilities in Earth research outputs in space-related fields
observation, satellite telecommunications have gone off-shore for development and
and PNT (positioning, navigation and timing), commercial application. SmartSat is now a
supported by advanced analytics, and space critical catalyst for ensuring that the next
systems providing coverage to every part generation of research outputs will find their
of Australia and its off-shore territories translation into on-shore industrial capability
including the Indian and Pacific oceans and and commercial outcomes!
Antarctica. It will comprise constellations
Professor Andy Koronios
of satellites that operate with increased
CEO, SmartSat Cooperative
autonomy through embedded intelligence
Research Centre
and the ability to work cooperatively. These
will provide us with lightning speed decision
support capabilities across the whole
— Figure 1: Australian smart satellite constellations
delivering critical capabilities in earth observation,
satellite telecommunications and positioning,
navigation and timing (PNT)
12th Australian Space Forum 21“Australia seems poised for a significant
recapitalisation in its space capability
acquisition.”
Professor
Craig Smith
The Australian upstream space industry The recent Rocket Labs filing with the US
(businesses operating in R&D, manufacturing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and launch) is currently enjoying a period of gave us a stark reminder of what it takes to
engagement as never experienced before. build and operate a ‘successful’ company
in the space sector. Even with favourable
This is seeing the attraction of a number of regulatory provisions and sponsorship,
venture capital investors to the Australian Rocket Labs has accumulated a US$203M
space market, who appreciate both the loss since 2013 and is expected to continue
successes of recent “Space 2.0” companies to operate at a loss in the near future. This
across the world and the relative competitive highlights the true magnitude of venture
advantages that Australian businesses can capital required to compete in the “Space
offer to the global space market. 2.0” era.
Indeed, much of this credit should be given What is clear is that if any Australian company
to the Australian Space Agency, which as is ever going to qualify and be credible
it passes its third birthday has taken some enough to win the projects to which we
admirable first steps. Their ability to raise the aspire, there will inevitably have to be
domestic and international profile of our some consolidation of the Australian space
Australian space industry should be whole- industry. We simply cannot win a $1BN
heartedly commended. Yet their ongoing contract with a balance sheet of $1M or
ability to generate this impact continues even $100M.
to be hampered by a lack of a whole-of-
government mandate and the serious space
budget they need to build more than just
excitement.
22We need to work out how, as Australian recapitalisation in its space capability
companies grow to have $10M or $100M acquisition. Keystone multi-billion dollar
balances sheets, we protect them from space programs (largely stemming from
takeover from much larger overseas Defence) in space domain awareness,
corporations. Ultimately, the goal of communications, Earth observation and
government and the Australian space position, navigation & timing present
industry should be to have Australian significant opportunities for Australian
companies, paying Australian taxes and space companies operating in both the
employing an Australian workforce. ground and space segments.
Attempts by foreign owned overseas prime The announcement of the Space Division
contractors to include Australian companies under Air Vice-Marshall Roberts gives a rare
in their Global Supply Chain programs has opportunity for unity of vision across the
proven unsuccessful enough to warrant whole of Defence, which as an industry we
the launch of an independent review of should all be rallying behind. Hopefully, this
the process by Minister Price. While the new Space Division takes a page out of the
recommendations are not due until later this book of their shipbuilding colleagues with
year, the results of this review will likely have a Space Industry Plan, something that has
a direct effect on those space businesses shown great success in supporting jobs
working in Defence. development and growth for their sector.
Furthermore, in the last few years with So as we look to the future of the upstream
growing regional tensions and supply chain Australian space industry, we can certainly
disruptions due to the global pandemic, reflect that we are in a stronger position
we are coming to the realisation that we than we were five years ago. The work of the
cannot rely on the global economy in the Australian Space Agency and Defence to
way to which we have become accustomed. create a healthy space ecosystem will prove
Recently, the Morrison Government launched a solid foundation from which we can look to
its $1.3BN Modern Manufacturing Initiative as our future. With a solidification of broader
part of the JobMaker plan. This program and government support, further investment in our
the portion allocated to space businesses will agency and the new Space Division, Australian
be a bellwether for the government’s opinion companies can be poised to make a lasting,
on the ability of the Australian space industry value contribution on the world stage.
to supply critical infrastructure over the
Professor Craig Smith
coming decade.
CEO, Space Systems,
When considering the broader space pipeline, Electro Optic Systems (EOS)
Australia seems poised for a significant
— Mt Stromlo Dome Lasing
12th Australian Space Forum 23“The next 5 years are critical for the
sustained success of the Australian
space industry – particularly for growing
downstream analytics.”
Alisa Starkey
On the 29th August 2017, Ozius provided a As Mr Musk said in his presentation, we need
submission to the review of Australia’s space a way to pay for space innovation, and to do
industry capability calling for an industry to that you need customers and users. The key
be self-sustaining and to do that it needed to to Australia’s success was going to have to be
put the customer and end user at the centre an industry with the customer and users at its
of all decision making. core. In 2017, many businesses were already a
space customer; most just didn’t know it. The
In September 2017, I was flying to Adelaide for Australian Space Agency has changed the
the International Astronautical Congress. landscape as it has shone a light on a small
I recall the buzz around the International but hardworking space industry. In doing
Astronautical Congress in Adelaide when so, the Agency has, dare I say, helped make
word spread of an impending announcement… space “cool” here in Australia.
the announcement that Australia would At the time of writing our submission to the
establish its own space agency. The congress review of the Australian space industry in
closed with Elon Musk outlining his vision for 2017, the key issues we faced when engaging
space travel and exploration. At his closing with customers was around trust and
address, Mr Musk was outlining the plan regulatory acceptance of satellite derived
for the “BFR” as it was affectionately known analytic solutions. Today, 4 years later,
at that stage – four years later, SpaceX we see those same customers embracing
has “bolted” on the 20-plus engines to the downstream analytics for their business
Starship. An incredible feat. decisions and driving the need for more
intelligent answers to complex questions.
There is continued urgency to grow our
24sovereign capability in this globally critical technologies. Customers will expect real-
domain. Growing Australia’s capability, time knowledge, and some will challenge us
capacity, and range of innovative offerings in for more. Fortunately, we have the capability
downstream analytics is moving more rapidly to provide more. Multi-sensor, multi-modal
than any time before, and we cannot rest. data fusion and quantum technologies will
The next 5 years are critical for the sustained be the standard go to tools for downstream
success of the Australian space industry – analytics providers. Upstream providers
particularly for growing downstream analytics. will be launching sovereign Earth observing
missions with increasingly advanced
A self-sustaining industry must be focused systems and intelligent on-board processing
on feeding the needs of customers and end capabilities to enhance on-ground analysis
users. We have highly sophisticated end and decision making.
users, and new adopters, all pushing us as an
industry to be bold, but reminding us to keep Australia’s capability in downstream analytics
their needs at the core of our innovations. will change the way decisions are made here
Our industry must continue to inspire and on Earth, in space, and on other planets.
deliver tangible benefits. The next five years Decisions will not only be made with agility,
will see our customers demand solutions but from anywhere, and with predictive
relating to improving food and water security, capabilities.
establishing zero-entry autonomous mines,
That’s where we can be in five years’ time.
reducing risk when fighting fires, protecting
communities from natural disasters, helping I’ll see you there…
companies and communities to protect and
rejuvenate our planets’ most valuable and Alisa Starkey
vulnerable ecosystems. Founder and Applied Science
Solutions Lead, Ozius
Australian downstream analytics companies
are already here (and more will emerge)
to harness the ever-growing new stock
of satellite sensors and systems. We will
continue to be on the leading-edge of
innovative applications and capabilities
globally, that will deliver paradigm shifts for
customers willing to embrace space-derived,
data-lite, intelligence-rich, downstream
analytics solutions.
To sustain this level of innovation within
small and large enterprises, research, and
government agencies alike, we must ensure
Australia is also growing our pipeline of next-
generation skills. The link between Australian
space business needs and STEM next-
generation skills and curricula are critical to
align, to generate sustainable growth of our
ecosystem, into the future.
In five years’, we will be predicting the
future with more certainty and along further
time horizons, using space and integrated
12th Australian Space Forum 25Australia
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26Speaker Profiles
Speaker
Profiles
12th Australian Space Forum 27Professor Guglielmo Aglietti Peter Beck
Director of the Space Institute, CEO and Founder, Rocket Lab
Te Pūnaha Ātea, University of Auckland
Professor Guglielmo Aglietti is an Peter Beck is the founder and CEO of Rocket
internationally leading expert in space Lab, a space systems company and the
engineering and, in particular, space world’s leading dedicated small satellite
structures and mechanisms. His career launch provider. Rocket Lab provides
started as a stress analyst at Alenia Spazio, end-to-end mission services, including
working at the Columbus module of the complete satellite build and launch solutions,
International Space Station. He then worked that provide rapid, frequent and reliable
at the European Space Agency and in 1995 access to space. Rocket Lab has been
moved to the University of Southampton launching since May 2017, delivering satellites
where he obtained a PhD and progressed to orbit for commercial and government
his academic career obtaining a personal customers, including DARPA, NASA, the
chair, becoming the Head of the Astronautics United States Air Force and more.
Research Group. His activities spanned
Since founding the business in 2006, Peter
from academic research and teaching to
has grown Rocket Lab to become a globally
consultancy for industry, covering both
recognised industry leader in space and a
theoretical work and experimental activity.
billion-dollar company employing hundreds of
Awarded RAEng Research Chair in Space world-class engineers. In addition to creating
Engineering, Professor Aglietti became Electron, the world’s first fully carbon-fibre
Director of the Surrey Space Centre, with orbital launch vehicle, Peter also oversaw
responsibilities covering all its research the development of the world’s first and only
groups, working on a range of topics from private orbital launch range, located on New
space missions design and delivery, to Zealand's Māhia Peninsula. He played a crucial
hardware development (from concept to role in establishing international treaties and
MAIT) to downstream applications, including legislation to enable orbital launch capability
educational and knowledge transfer from New Zealand.
activities. Principal investigator of pioneering
Under Peter’s guidance, Rocket Lab will
missions for technology demonstrations like
launch thousands of small satellites to orbit,
active removal of space debris, his work has
enabling vital science, research and services
been presented at the leading international
from orbit including weather monitoring,
conferences, giving key note lectures and
communications, technology demonstrations
featured on various media outlets and is
and Earth-observation.
described in over 250 publications. Currently
he is the Director of the Space Institute at the
University of Auckland NZ
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