South Australia
Space Ecosystem

South Australia is a place where bold ideas grow and space innovation thrives. With a history of leading national and international space efforts, South Australia brings together world-class researchers, innovative space companies and ambitious start-ups to deliver space technologies and services that address the challenges of space while realising on-Earth benefits for all.

SA is the Space to Be

South Australia has been leading Australia’s space endeavours since the nation’s very first rocket launches in the 1950s.

Australia has surged into the global space economy in recent years, with South Australia at the helm. The state is now home to key national facilities like the Australian Space Agency, the Australian Space Discovery Centre and the Responsive Space Operations Centre. It also home to significant space infrastructures, including the Woomera Range Complex as well as launch sites to Koonibba and Whaler’s Way.

Major innovation precincts such as Lot Fourteen and Tonsley Innovation District foster collaboration among a network of companies, startups and research institutions. This collaborative spirit is exemplified by the Kanyini Mission, a partnership between the South Australian Government, SmartSat CRC, Inovor Technologies and Myriota which launched a locally-made small satellite into low Earth orbit in 2024.

With a vibrant ecosystem of companies and researchers, South Australia is not only attracting international investment and generating high-value jobs, but also developing cutting-edge technologies that are capturing global attention.

An ecosystem to launch

Drawing on its advanced technology, strategic location and thriving start-up culture, South Australia’s space industry offers a comprehensive, full-service ecosystem supported by leading research institutions.

Upstream

South Australia is a leader in the upstream space sector, specialising in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and advanced tracking and communication systems – supported by an abundance of skilled professionals and cutting-edge facilities.

  • Advanced manufacturing, including spacecraft, sensors and components
  • Spacecraft integration, testing and validation
  • Launch services with full mission planning
  • Payload development and integration
  • Propulsion systems
  • Space robotics and automation

Downstream

South Australia is a global leader in the downstream space sector, driven by its innovative districts and strong industry support. This collaborative ecosystem allows for shared expertise and resources, leading to impactful solutions.

  • Satellite operations and ground services
  • Mission control and space operations
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
  • Remote communications
  • Data Services and Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Connectivity and data added-value services
  • Quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing

"Putting something into space is so difficult. I love the idea of the challenge, that it requires a huge amount of work from so many talented people. I was excited to move to South Australia. I always expected to leave home to work in space and I knew that Adelaide was the place to be."

James Robertson

Mechanical and Thermal Engineer

Neumann Space

"South Australians are at the forefront of the national space sector and are absolutely punching above their weight on the world stage when it comes to space."

Campbell Pegg

Director, Space

SASIC

Powering space:
key precincts and projects

Discover the key infrastructure, precincts and projects that foster South Australian space industry collaboration and innovation.

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Australian space discovery centre

Open to the public and based at Lot Fourteen, the ASDC provides STEM education and inspiration for young Australians through hands-on experiences, a mission control simulation, and information on careers in the space sector.

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Lot Fourteen

Lot Fourteen is a world-class innovation district and a launchpad for Australia’s space sector growth. Australia’s first creation and innovation neighbourhood, the CBD hub is home to a growing ecosystem of defence, space, cyber security, and creative industries, home to organizations like the Australian Space Agency and the Australian Space Discovery Centre.

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Koonibba Test Range & Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex

The Koonibba Test Range is Australia’s first licensed space launch facility and the largest commercial rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere, supporting suborbital launches, hypersonic testing and returns from space.

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Kanyini mission

South Australia’s first state-funded small satellite, launched in partnership with SmartSat CRC, Inovor Technologies, and Myriota to provide Earth observation and IoT data.

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Space manufacturing facility

A planned $20 million State Government investment to establish a common-user facility at Lot Fourteen for small satellite and component manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test activities.

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Tonsley innovation district

A district focused on innovation, bringing together research, businesses, and government in key sectors like cleantech, health, and automation, located south of the Adelaide CBD.

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Technology park Adelaide

A location for technology companies with a focus on systems development, IT, advanced manufacturing, and electronics, hosting over 100 companies including Lockheed Martin Australia and Saab Systems.

Plants for Space Chief Investigator, Jenny Mortimer, and Laboratory Manager, Wendy Sullivan

Industry Directory

Explore a comprehensive directory of space-related companies, research organisations and service providers operating in South Australia.