Once the domain of government agencies, today the global space landscape is increasingly driven by private organisations pursuing a more entrepreneurial and commercial utilisation of space. We have come to depend on space-enabled technologies, such as satellite-based services, for everyday activities including navigation, telecommunications, weather forecasting, emergency management, banking, mining, agriculture and transportation.
This article explores Australia’s growing space economy, including its driving factors, NSW’s thriving space-tech ecosystem, sovereign capability, and the sectors attracting investor interest.
Australia’s space economy
Australia’s space industry has expanded significantly since the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018, with the Australian Civil Space Strategy identifying space as a critical enabler of economic growth and productivity. Australian space businesses have reported strong growth in sales, employment and investment, while