Latest

South Australia continues to shoot for the stars at 11th Australian Space Forum

By Kelly Noble

Posted on March 31, 2021

The 11th Australian Space Forum, hosted today for the first time by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation, is showcasing South Australia’s commitment to becoming the ‘Space State’.

The 11th Australian Space Forum, hosted today for the first time by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation, has attracted over 1000 participants from around the world to witness the extraordinary growth and achievements of the national space industry.

The leading space event also boasted a sold-out expo hall, with a record 65 exhibition booths showcasing over 70 space related companies.

During his welcome address at the forum, Premier Steven Marshall commended the local space sector, for its resilience and continued growth, creating new opportunities for space experts now and into the future.

“My Government is unrelenting in our support for growing the national space sector and securing South Australia’s as the ‘Space State’ as outlined in the South Australia Growth State Space Sector Strategy launched in November 2020,” Premier Marshall said.

“This morning, we celebrated the official opening of the Australian Space Discovery Centre and Mission Control Centre, two facilities which are sure to open the minds of all South Australians to the wonders of space and the endless possibilities it holds for us here on Earth.”

“We have also re-launched the Space Scholarship Program today – a program aimed at supporting our next generation of space leaders to develop their leadership skills, experience and knowledge in the space sector.”

“We also recognised the expansion of the GRAVITY Challenge as it enters its third stage, now involving challengers from Australia, the UK and across Europe – all headquartered from our own innovation precinct in Lot Fourteen.”

Premier Marshall also announced during the event that primary school students from across the state will have the chance to name Australia’s first state-owned satellite as part of the SASAT1 Space Service Mission.

The $6.5 million SASAT1 Space Service Mission, announced in January, will see South Australia send the first state-owned, locally manufactured small satellite into low Earth orbit.

Premier Marshall said the naming competition provided an opportunity to South Australia’s future generation of space leaders to make their mark on the state’s long history in space.

“There is no use building a thriving and innovative space sector without ensuring we are educating and inspiring the next generation of space leaders to discover the endless possibilities that exist in this brave new industry.”

Find out more at www.forum.andythomas.foundation/forum-11