The Australian Government has released a new Statement on Space outlining its vision to strengthen Australia’s space industry, with a focus on expanding domestic manufacturing capability, supporting economic resilience and increasing participation in the global space economy.
According to a media release from the Australian Space Agency, the Statement aims to support the local space sector in delivering essential services, capturing more of the space value chain, generating broader economic benefits and extending Australian capabilities into international markets.Â
It identifies five priority areas where Australia’s space capabilities are considered globally competitive and important to national resilience.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the strategy is intended to provide direction for the continued development of Australia’s space sector while supporting national priorities.
In the media release, Minister Ayres said Australian space capabilities would play an important role in boosting the country’s economy, security and national resilience.
 He said the new plan would provide direction and focus to further grow Australia’s space capability, support national priorities and connect industry with global opportunities.
“We want to see more Australian ideas commercialised, more Australian technology deployed globally, and more of the economic value harnessed here at home.”
The Government said Australian companies are already contributing to national capability through the development of rockets, satellites, positioning and navigation technologies, hypersonic aircraft, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
Manufacturing also features prominently in the Statement’s identified growth opportunities. The document highlights domestic capability in satellite platforms, payload development and manufacturing, advanced subsystems and materials, alongside in-space manufacturing, biotechnology and specialised manufacturing enabled by microgravity.Â
It states that building local platform capability would allow Australia to participate in higher-value parts of the spacecraft value chain while strengthening supply chain resilience.
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton described space as “a critical enabler” across Australia’s economy while announcing a Statement of Expectations for the Australian Space Agency aimed at supporting the broader strategy.
The guidance is intended to accelerate regulatory approvals and modernise the regulatory framework for emerging space activities.
“We know there is immense investment appetite and the Statement on Space will support Australian organisations to maximise this opportunity and deliver real economic outcomes for Australians,” Dr Charlton said.
The Australian Space Agency will now lead consultations with industry, academia and government stakeholders to develop detailed actions supporting the growth of the sector, with those measures expected to be released later this year.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said the strategy reinforces Australia’s position as an international partner.
“Australia is already an appealing and trusted partner in space. This Statement strengthens that case so our industry can contribute in a way that embeds them into global supply chains and delivers economic benefits here at home,” Palermo said.
The Government also noted that, over the past 18 months, the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has invested nearly $200 million in local space companies through six capital raises, supporting the continued growth of Australia’s space industry.
