Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 15 September, the 12th Australian Space Forum attracted over 700 space sector enthusiasts, including industry decision-makers, entrepreneurs and researchers, participating in-person and online.

Participants engaged with international speakers, presenting virtually and on-stage in Adelaide on topics including national and international space trends, moving from cubesats to larger satellites, earth observation technologies, and on-Earth and off-Earth operations.

Coinciding with the panel sessions, the exhibition area was a thriving hub of activity, with more than 55 space organisations showcasing their expertise and technologies – making it the second largest expo in the forum’s history.

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation-hosted event brought together the national space community with a number of highlights from the week, including:

  • South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announcing the winning name for Australia’s first state satellite – Kanyini – which was submitted by Year 11 students from Findon High School’s Reconciliation Action Plan group.
  • The Andy Thomas Space Foundation announcing the winners of their inaugural 2021 Graduate Space Scholarship Program who will each receive $10,000 to support graduate study in their chosen space-related fields.
  • NASA astronaut Dr Shannon Walker, Head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Enrico and NASA’s Deputy Administrator Col. Pam Melroy, delivering keynote speeches and highlighting new developments in the commercial space industry and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Approximately 69 students from 16 schools attending the Space Passports sessions to learn about space careers from companies involved with the Australian space sector.
  • The Lot Fourteen Defence, Space and Cyber Expo showcasing future careers and pathways in high growth industries attended by hundreds of South Australian secondary students and educators.

For the first time the Australian Space Forum program book provided in-depth opinions by industry experts on current and future trends in the global space sector and opportunities for Australia’s space industry. To learn about where Australia’s future opportunities lie, view the forum booklet.

The Australian Space Forum continues to be a pioneering force in the nation’s space industry. With Australia’s space sector showing no signs of slowing down, planning is already underway for the next Australian Space Forum. Save the date for the 13th Australian Space Forum – Thursday 3 March 2022.