Chris Picton MP
Minister for Defence & Space Industries

South Australia’s credentials are on full display this week as Adelaide hosts the 19th Australian Space Forum, drawing international space agencies and industry leaders to the city for two days of discussion on the growing space opportunities.

The National Space Agency of Singapore, the Taiwan Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency will all be represented, alongside South Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, as the Forum examines South Australia’s role in the region’s expanding space sector.

The Forum comes as momentum continues to build in South Australia’s space industry, which is now home to more than 100 space companies – the largest concentration in the country – with success stories including:

  • Southern Launch is building Australia’s sovereign launch and re-entry capability from the Far West Coast, recently closing a $25 million Series A round including $10 million from the National Reconstruction Fund.
  • Fleet Space Technologies is on the world stage pioneering satellite-enabled solutions transforming global mineral exploration.
  • Inovor Technologies delivers innovative satellite platforms supporting sovereign space and defence capabilities.
  • QuantX Labs is advancing quantum timing and sensing technology with the potential to redefine positioning and navigation.
  • Saber Astronautics is shaping the future of mission operations and space traffic management through its software and expertise.

Adding to that momentum, the South Australian State Government, through the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), has partnered with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) to fund up to provide up to five eligible South Australian space start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises with a complimentary one-year SIAA membership.

This membership will give successful applications access to a national platform to raise their profile, build industry connections, participate in events and programs, engage in policy and advocacy discussions, access industry insights and contribute to Australia’s growing space sector.

The partnership was announced at the opening of the 19th Australian Space Forum being held in Adelaide over the next two days.

The announcement follows SASIC becoming a Foundation Member of SIAA, strengthening South Australia’s connection to the national space sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

The initiative is part of South Australian Government’s commitment to growing the state’s space sector by supporting local businesses to build capability, strengthen networks and access national and international opportunities.

Applications are now open and close at 5.00 pm on Friday 14 August 2026.

Quotes attributable to Chris Picton

South Australia is proving itself as the nation’s space capital, and this week the world is watching as Adelaide hosts the Australian Space Forum.

Backing our local start-ups is central to keeping that momentum going. This partnership between SASIC and SIAA strengthens South Australia’s position as a leader in Australia’s space sector by backing our innovators and helping them seize new opportunities on the national and international stage.

We want SA-founded space businesses to be the ones setting the pace nationally, and partnerships like this one with SIAA help make sure the doors are open for them to do exactly that.

Quotes attributable to Dan Lloyd, CEO Space Industry Association of Australia

The Space Industry Association of Australia is delighted to be partnering with SASIC in such a strategic manner.

SASIC’s clear and consistent focus on building sovereign space capability aligns with SIAA’s long-term focus on accelerating Australia’s role in the Australian and global space ecosystem.

We are especially pleased to be supporting South Australian start-ups through SASIC’s support.