Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference

On Tuesday 26 November, Senior Fellow Alana Ford attended the Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference in Perth, Western Australia. It was a fascinating day of discussion about the exciting and critical advancements in the space sector and what it means for the future of Earth and humanity.

The top three takeaways from the conference are:

1. Australia’s potential in the space sector, while substantial, is enormously underutilised. Geographically, Australia is one of the few continents where both launch and landing of space missions are feasible, offering strategic advantages for space operations. The nation’s vast open spaces and proximity to the equator make it ideal for launching payloads into various orbits. Australia’s expertise in the resources and mining sector, particularly in remote operations and automation, also provide a unique advantage and potential for cross-sector innovation. Australia’s states are stepping up to fill gaps where they can, but we need a comprehensive national space strategy that encompasses both defence and civil aspects.
2. There is some seriously cool innovation underway. AI, robotics, microgravity research, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technological advancements that are poised to revolutionise space exploration and yield significant terrestrial benefits. AI and robotics enhance autonomous operations in space, enabling complex missions with minimal human intervention. Microgravity research aboard platforms like the International Space Station has led to breakthroughs in medical treatments, including cancer therapies, by allowing scientists to study biological processes in unique conditions.  Other technologies have the potential to help shift the needle on the climate crisis. Collectively, these advancements will allow us to open up new economies and improve life on Earth. 
3. Security of space technology and infrastructure is undercooked. Space systems underpin numerous critical infrastructures, but it is very difficult to define what a space critical infrastructure asset is and how it should be secured. Geopolitical dynamics further complicate the landscape, as commercial space entities navigate pressures related to compliance, data sharing, and international collaborations, influenced by the strategic interests of different nations. This environment necessitates robust policies and international cooperation to safeguard space assets and ensure the resilience of services dependent on space infrastructure.