16th Australian Space Forum

Space as a global industry can impact each and every nation and its people. With unique national priorities, capabilities, challenges and technologies seen between nations, it has become pivotal to find points of shared intention and complementary strengths for international sector growth. This session will explore each nation’s space strategies and how together we can achieve global priorities. 

Speakers: 
● Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency
● Dr Paul Bate, CEO, UK Space Agency
● Dr Shannon Walker, NASA Astronaut 
● Iain Cossar, Head, New Zealand Space Agency
● Chair: Professor Andy Koronios, Chief Executive Officer, SmartSat CRC

As Australia approaches IAC 2025, the industry is provided with an opportunity to showcase critical impact on advancing technologies, economic benefits and expansion of a diversely skilled workforce. This session will explore how united we can best represent Team Australia on the world stage, achieving the goals of the IAC and optimising potential collaborations.

Speakers:  
● Lisa Vitaris, Director, IAC Sydney 2025, Space Industry Association of Australia
● Dr Annie Handmer, IPC Co-chair 2024-25, Optus Satellite Policy and Industry Engagement Manager, Optus
● Jessica Saladine, Senior Associate – Space, Industry Development and Investment Partnerships, Investment NSW
● Sybilla Wilson, IAC Lead, Australian Space Agency
● Professor Erasmo Carrera, Local Chairman, 75th IAC 2024 Milan

Sustainability is at the core of all current and emerging industries, without it, Australia will not see its economy prosper long into the future. Space is key to achieving national and international sustainability goals, with the power to heavily impact both prevention and mitigation of further damage to both Earth and Space environments. This session will explore current and future sustainability strategies for the industry. 

Speakers: 
● Group Captain Patrick Del Guidice, Director Capability Strategy, Defence – Space Capabilities Branch
● Dr Paul Bate, CEO, UK Space Agency
● Dr Marie Le Pellec, Space Sustainability Lead, Australian Space Agency
● Dr Kimberley Clayfield, Space Research Program Director, CSIRO

Industrial impact is based heavily on its economic influence. Space as an industry has a diverse portfolio for impact, specifically for its downstream and end users. Absence of these technologies and advancements will lead to inadequate servicing of all related or impacted industries across the nation, including mining, agriculture, banking, etc with potential catastrophic economic impact. This session will explore the value of the space industry on the micro and macro scales across Australia.

Speakers:  
● Liesda Marsdon, Associate Director, Deloitte Access Economics
● Sebastian Chaoui, Co-Founder and CEO, Arlula
● Dr Simon Heemstra, Director of Risk Management, NSW Rural Fire Service
● Daniel Wright, Director of Product Development, NSW Telco Authority

A historic catalyst for collaboration and engagement, the global space industry has together pooled resources and shared expertise to overcome complex challenges. We are on the precipice of a new era of technological advancement to foster innovation and exploration both within and beyond our planet. But the bottom line remains the financial implications, this session will explore available funding pools and priority areas with guaranteed opportunities for collaboration

Speakers: 
● Dr Paul Bate, CEO, UK Space Agency
● David Ball, Regional Director Australia New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space
● Christian Maender, Executive Vice President, In-Space Solutions, Axiom Space
● Professor Michele Trenti, The University of Melbourne
● Dr Matthew Tetlow, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Inovor Technologies
● Herve Astier, Chief Executive Officer, Neumann SpaceSpace

Space at its core is inspiring, it meets no limits for discovery and exploration. One of the modern day milestones for the industry is the esteemed Artemis Program, a global program spearheaded by NASA. This session will explore the many facets of engagement from Australia in getting humans to not only the Moon, but eventually Mars whilst also hearing about the state of the art NASA in-situ research facilities which will receive the first samples from Australia’s lunar rover.

Speakers: 
● Dr Shannon Walker, NASA Astronaut
● Aude Vignelles, Chief Technology Officer, Australian Space Agency
● Kevin Farries, Senior Faculty Engineer, University of Adelaide
● Professor Phil Bland, Director, Space Science and Technology Centre, Curtin University