The first South Australian Space Forum was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 27 March 2016 in the lead up to Adelaide hosting the 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2017.

The initial purpose of the forum was to promote the IAC as an opportunity for local industry and research centres and to encourage networking toward a stronger space industry “cluster” in South Australia.

The half-day forum generated a groundswell of excitement around the IAC and South Australia’s burgeoning space industry, resulting in local industry making a big impact at the international event.

The first South Australian Space forum was facilitated by Professor Brett Biddington AM, founder of Biddington Research Pty Ltd and Chief Executive of the IAC in Adelaide. Guest speakers included:

  • Michael Davis, Chair, Space Industry Association of Australia
  • Rod Drury, Regional Director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems
  • Stuart Lindley, General Manager – Integrated Systems, BAE Systems
  • Peter Nikoloff, Director, Nova Group – Auspace
  • Alex Grant, Chief Executive Office, Myriota