Today marks an historic day in Australia’s space sector with the official opening of the Australian Space Agency and SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre at innovation precinct Lot Fourteen.
After being established on 1 July 2018, the Australian Space Agency moved into its new Adelaide premises in December.
South Australian Space Industry Centre Richard Price said the opening event coincides with the 9th Australian Space Forum, which is set to be the biggest one yet.
“The Space Forum continues to attract growing interest locally and internationally. It has grown from 110 participants at the first forum in May 2016 to more than 900 at the last event in September 2019. Registrations for today’s event were exhausted over a week ago and we are expecting more than 1000 people to attend,” Price said.
“Strong attendance numbers at today’s Space Forum is a clear indication of the momentum that’s building behind Australia’s space sector.
“The Space Forum brings together space leaders from around the world and provides a platform to discuss space and its benefits to Australia’s broader economy.
“We need to inspire the next generation of space industry leaders to continue the momentum in this exciting sector.”
The Space Forum will focus on key areas of national and international space trends, research and development, education and access to space.
The event will feature presentations from the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry Science and Technology; Dr Megan Clark AC, Head of the Australian Space Agency; Dr Giorgio Saccoccia, President, Italian Space Agency and a panel facilitated by NASA’s Dr Christyl Johnson.
A record number of 40 exhibitors will promote their innovative products and services at the exhibition showcase.
Students will also have the chance to learn about current and future careers within the space industry during Schools Space Passport sessions.
