With origins dating back to the nation’s first rocket launches in the 1950s, South Australia boasts a rich history at the forefront of Australia’s national and international space efforts.

Australia has surged into the global space economy in recent years, with South Australia taking the lead. It is now home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Australian Mission Control Centre, a forthcoming Assembly, Integration and Test facility, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest commercial rocket testing site.

Major innovation precincts – including Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District and Technology Park – facilitate dynamic collaboration and new ideas priming our state as Australia’s space pioneer and economic driver.

South Australia maintains strong ties with Defence Space Command and hosts a significant and diverse range of Australian Defence facilities, including the Woomera Range Complex and RAAF Base Edinburgh – housing the Defence Science and Technology Group’s largest Australian presence.

The state’s vibrant network of companies, start-ups and research institutions is delivering cutting-edge space technologies that are capturing global attention.

This collaborative spirit is exemplified by the Kanyini Mission, where the South Australian Government is partnering with the SmartSat CRC and local companies Inovor Technologies and Myriota to send a locally manufactured small satellite into low Earth orbit.

South Australia is a centre-of-gravity for space activity, fostering international collaboration and investment, generating high-value jobs, and propelling economic growth to deliver prosperity and on-Earth benefits for future generations.

An ecosystem to launch

With a strong foundation in advanced technologies and strategic geographic advantages for space flight, including returns, South Australia’s space industry boasts a dynamic and comprehensive full-service ecosystem supported by leading research institutions and a thriving start-up culture.

Upstream

South Australia has established itself as a leader in the upstream space sector, boasting advanced facilities and highly skilled professionals with significant expertise in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and sophisticated tracking and communication systems.

  • Advanced manufacturing, including spacecraft, sensors and components
  • Spacecraft integration, testing and validation
  • Launch services with full mission planning
  • Payload development and integration
  • Propulsion systems
  • Space robotics and automation

Downstream

Through cutting-edge innovation districts and robust industry support, South Australia’s downstream space sector leads globally through a collaborative ecosystem where shared expertise and resources deliver impactful solutions.

  • Satellite operations and ground services
  • Mission control and space operations
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
  • Remote communications
  • Data Services and Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Connectivity and data added-value services
  • Quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing

Research and innovation

Underpinning South Australia’s space industry is a robust research and innovation sector that is ready to collaborate in the pursuit of advancing
space technologies.

The state’s world-renowned universities excel in conducting high-quality research and education that significantly influence political, regulatory, and legal frameworks related to defence, security, and our engagement with outer space. This influence is underscored by remarkable results emerging from university led programs and facilities including:

  • Australian Institute for Machine Learning
  • Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Plants For Space (P4S)
  • Executive Space Courses
  • EXTERRES Analogue Facility
  • iLaunch and Defence Trailblazer programs
  • The Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources
  • The Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and
  • Disruptive Technologies

Adelaide is also home to a wide range of internationally esteemed research consortia, including the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, Australia’s premier space research initiative, and future-focused start-ups who are looking at space biotechnology and other adjacent fields including mining, energy and agriculture.

Photo: The SmartSat CRC team inspecting the Kanyini satellite