Emerging South Australian space companies will have the unique opportunity to accelerate their growth and national profile through a new partnership between the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA).

Funded by SASIC, up to five eligible South Australian space start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises will receive a complimentary one-year SIAA membership.

The initiative follows SASIC becoming a Foundation Member of SIAA, strengthening South Australia’s connection to the national space sector and creating new pathways for local industry to engage with industry, government and research organisations across Australia.

SASIC Director Campbell Pegg said the initiative would help South Australian businesses build capability, strengthen networks and access new opportunities.

“SASIC is committed to creating opportunities that help South Australian space businesses develop capability, build connections and access new markets,” Mr Pegg said.

“Through this partnership with SIAA, local companies will be able to engage with a broad network of industry, government and research organisations, helping them identify new opportunities and strengthen their position within Australia’s growing space sector.”

SIAA Chief Executive Officer Dan Lloyd welcomed the partnership.

“The Space Industry Association of Australia is delighted to be partnering with SASIC in such a strategic manner,” Mr Lloyd said.

“SASIC’s clear and consistent focus on building sovereign space capability aligns with SIAA’s long-term focus on accelerating Australia’s role in the Australian and global space ecosystem.”

Successful applicants will gain access to SIAA’s national network of space organisations, government stakeholders, researchers and industry leaders, as well as opportunities to participate in events, programs, policy discussions and advocacy activities.

SIAA Chair Darin Lovett said South Australia’s long-term investment in the sector was positioning the state at the centre of Australia’s growing space and defence industries.

“The South Australian government is to be commended for its far-sighted and consistent commitment to space and defence industries,” Mr Lovett said.

“These capabilities are rapidly being recognised as fundamental to Australia’s economic growth, resilience, national security and defence, positioning South Australia as central to a national mission.”

SIAA also highlighted upcoming opportunities across the space sector, including its annual Southern Space conference in Canberra on 11 and 12 August, and international engagement opportunities through SIAA and Austrade’s Accessing New Markets Initiative.

SIAA is Australia’s peak body for the space sector, representing more than 80 domestic and international member organisations across launch services, advanced manufacturing, downstream data, artificial intelligence, research, professional services and aerospace.

The membership opportunity forms part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to growing the state’s space ecosystem by helping local businesses build capability, strengthen networks and access new opportunities in Australia and overseas.

Applications are now open and close at 5.00 pm on Friday 14 August 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the SIAA Membership Opportunity page.

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Image: Dan Lloyd, CEO Space Industry Association of Australia; The Hon. Chris Picton MP, Minister for Defence & Space Industries; Darin Lovett, Chair Space Industry Association of Australia Board; and Campbell Pegg, Director Space at South Australian Space Industry Centre.