The Australian Space Forum - A quantum leap for Australia’s emerging sustainable space industry

Courtesy of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation

The Australian Space Forum (ASF) is considered Australia’s premier space conference & exhibition, connecting private and public sectors, enabling new opportunities and advancing the space industry technologies and projects. In October 2022, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation will celebrate the 14th edition of this biannual event at the Adelaide Convention Centre, first started in April 2016 where the foundations of what has grown into the innovative and thriving current Australian space ecosystem were laid.

The first few years of the ASF saw profound debates and reflections on how to best develop an optimal strategy and identify points of advantage/ improvement to facilitate strong and structured growth of the Australian space sector.

These were the first steps for what later become a vibrant national space ecosystem, with the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in July 2018, accompanied by the release of the National Space Strategy in 2019, the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre in July 2019, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (July 2020) and in March 2022 the first considerable Federal budget of $1.3 billion dedicated to the growth of the Australian space sector and space manufacturing capabilities, includeing the establishment of a National Space Missions for Earth Observation.

In the last seven years the Australian Space Forum has united space leaders from around the world to discuss, address and plan for the future of the industry. Attendees at the first ASF totalled barely 80 space enthusiasts. Since then, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation team has welcomed more than 2,000 people per year from across the globe, including distinguished speakers, delegates, exhibitors, volunteers, educators and students.

The Forum consists of three interconnected segments, including: The symposium, exhibition area and outreach/education.

Each Forum features an innovative symposium, launching the day with a political overview of the sector and international trends discussed by representatives of global space agencies. Three topical panels hosted by distinguished industry leaders will follow, focusing on discussing current challenges and areas highlighted as part of Australia's next steps in growing our space ecosystem. The panels deep dive into the best practices discussed globally whilst contextualising the topics in relation to Australia’s current and future projected capabilities/ priorities.

The 14th ASF will boast the following panel topics:

• Earth Observation – The National Space Mission for Earth Observation.

• Optical Communications – A quantum leap in Australia’s secure and high bandwidth communications to connect the world and beyond.

• Foundation Services Rover – Exploring remote operations and autonomous systems building on Australian expertise in the resources and mining sectors for the collection of lunar soil (regolith).

To see the previous topics highlighted, visit the ATSFs website.

The Exhibition area reaches over 2,900 sqm, configured to provide extraordinary access and exposure for each of the nearly 100 local, national and international exhibitors per Forum, featuring areas dedicated to primes/corporates, SMEs, start-ups, education and government organisations. The engaging exhibits highlight the latest in space innovation, technology, education, policy and much more.

In recent years, a particular emphasis has

The Andy Thomas Space Foundations Australian Space Forum team pictured during the 13th Forum in March 2022 been applied to engaging young students (primary and high schools) in the industry with the initiative called ‘Space Passport Program’. This educational outreach program enables around 120 students per Forum, the opportunity to learn about space career pathways through direct engagement with Australian and global space leaders. The ‘Space Passport Program’ sessions (three for each Forum are facilitated whilst the symposium panels are active) allow students to explore the exhibition hall to:

• Talk directly to companies currently involved with the Australian Space sector

• Ask companies about current and future careers within their industry

• Find out about the school and tertiary pathways needed to enter the discussed careers

The ASF is strongly supported by the Australian Space Agency, the South Australian Government and SmartSat CRC. This event provides an excellent opportunity for Australian stakeholders to meet and network with key national and international space players.

ASF attendees consistently represent all sectors of the space ecosystem from multiple spacefaring nations: space agencies; commercial space businesses; military, national security and intelligence organisations; cyber security organizations; federal and state government agencies and organisations; universities and research and development organisations; think tanks; start-ups; space entrepreneurs; manufacturing or sale of space technologies for commercial use; and media that inspire and educate the general public about space. Participation in the Forum is recommended for anyone participating in the above fields as well as any other space or space-related field. The Foundation believes that space should be accessible to all, we also recommend the Forum to any individuals with a keen interest in the evolving space sector.

Bringing these groups together at the ASF provides a unique opportunity to examine space issues from multiple perspectives, to promote dialogue and to focus attention to critical space issues.

As the Forum matures and increases its impact on the global community, the ATSF intend to further achieve their aims, which include: 1. Encouraging the exchange of information and promoting the latest industry developments; 2. Showcasing Australian capabilities to national and international investors; 3. Assisting research organisations to identify industry needs and future areas of demand, particularly within STEM pathways; 4. Promoting commercial application of new research and technologies. Year after year, the Australian Space Forum keeps up its reputation as the “must attend” space industry event of the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting many of the space and space-related facets of both the national and international space sectors.

Don’t miss your opportunity to leave your mark on Australia’s space history. Register your ticket for the Australian Space Forum here.