South Australia has a long, rich history at the forefront of Australia’s space endeavours. A hub for world-class research, a dynamic full-service ecosystem, and space companies and start-ups developing innovative space technologies and capabilities – South Australia is the space to be.
With origins dating back to the nation’s first rocket launches in the 1950s, South Australia has played a lead role in driving Australia’s national and international space efforts.
Home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre, world-class Australian Mission Control Centre, a future space assembly, integration and test facility, and one of the the Southern Hemisphere’s largest commercial rocket testing sites at Koonibba, South Australia continues to add to the nation’s list of space industry firsts.
South Australia has strategic geographic advantages for space flight, welcoming launch and returns, and boasts a dynamic and comprehensive full-service ecosystem supported by leading research institutions and a thriving start-up culture.
With strong ties to Defence Space Command, the state also 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.
More than 100 space-related companies operate in the state and this number is growing, making South Australia a centre-of-gravity for Australian space activity. Fostering collaboration and international investment, generating high-value jobs, and propelling economic growth, the South Australian space sector is delivering prosperity and on-Earth benefits for future generations.
South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC)
SASIC is the lead State Government agency for space industry development, driving space industry innovation, research and growth in South Australia, with a vision to create a thriving and enduring space ecosystem.
Working closely with Invest SA, SASIC provides a focal point for local industry and international organisations to connect and maximise opportunities within the state’s burgeoning space sector.
South Australian satellite successfully launches into space
South Australia’s first state-owned and manufactured satellite Kanyini successfully launched into low Earth orbit onboard SpaceX‘s Transporter-11 mission in August 2024.
The Kanyini satellite was designed and built at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, in partnership with the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, Inovor Technologies and Myriota.
Images collected during Kanyini’s on-orbit commissioning phase were released in early 2025.
Once fully operational, Kanyini will deliver critical space data to support future research projects by government and research institutions, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts.
Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center
Headquartered in Adelaide, the US-based Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) Australia Global Hub facilitates international cooperation, coordination and information sharing, with the goal of reducing threats to Australian space missions and critical infrastructure.
Excellence in Plants For Space (P4S)
The P4S research centre leads Australian leadership, collaboration, and capacity in space-inspired plant and food research and drives transformational benefits for on-Earth industries and sustainability outcomes. Contributing to NASA’s Artemis Accords and led by The University of Adelaide, the centre supports the next generation of space explorers.
Space Manufacturing Capability
The South Australian Government is investing $20 million to lift the state’s space manufacturing capability, with plans underway to establish a common user space assembly, test and integration facility in Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation district. The facility will provide industry access to specialised manufacturing equipment, accelerating the development of local space innovations
Investment Accelerator Program
The South Australian Government, through Invest SA, aims to attract innovative, high-growth interstate and international companies to South Australia that will bring with them new technologies and capabilities to priority sectors, including space.
Contact chris.amor@sa.gov.au to find out more.
South Australian Precincts Space Facilities
Lot Fourteen
Home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Mission Control Centre, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Defence and Space Landing Pad and so much more, Lot Fourteen is a growing innovation district that is home to a dynamic community working across space, defence, critical technologies and creative industries.
Tonsley Innovation District
The Tonsley Innovation District brings together research, businesses, government and the wider community to connect and collaborate in Australia’s most awarded innovation district.
Launch Facilities
South Australia is home to two approved launch facilities, Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.
Technology Park
An ideal location for established and emerging technology companies, Technology Park Adelaide has a strong focus on systems development and integration, information communication technology, advanced manufacturing and electronics.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Located in the Adelaide CBD providing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, engagement and inspiration for young Australians.
Defence and Space Landing Pad
The Defence and Space Landing Pad is a one-stop-shop that supports the relocation of international companies to South Australia – The Defence State.
