Summary
The report reviews the space industry capabilities in Australia. The key points are:
- The Australian space industry generates $3-4 billion in revenue annually and employs around 10,000 people across 388 companies, 56 research institutions, and 24 government agencies.
- Capabilities exist across the space supply chain but are strongest in applications like communications, earth observation, and position/navigation/timing services.
- Manufacturing capability is emerging in small satellites and components but limited for large satellites. Space operations strengths include satellite communications, tracking, astronomy facilities, and some launch services.
- Key application strengths are in agriculture, mining, logistics and more using space-derived data. Data management via platforms like Digital Earth Australia also shows promise.
- Comparative advantages include geography enabling ground stations, research excellence, and international partnerships. But commercialization of research is a challenge.
- Weaknesses are in large satellite manufacturing, lack of scale and continuity of work to mature capabilities, and access to markets.
- Recommendations include building on strengths in small satellites, optics, communications, tracking, robotics, and data applications while addressing weaknesses in scale, funding, and commercialization.
In summary, Australia has expertise across the space value chain but must focus on maturing and scaling strengths through greater investment and public-private collaboration to become more competitive globally.
