Space Connect Podcast

Momentum Media
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The Space Connect Podcast tells the stories of the people and businesses that are shaping the development of Australia's space industry. Join Space Connect Podcast host Adam Thorn as he uncovers the talent driving this emerging sector – and how you can play your part in this booming industry.

  1. 3d ago

    Australia's Statement on Space, ASA expectations, and global opportunities, with Dan Lloyd

    What does the Australian government's new Statement on Space mean for the future of Australia's space industry In this today's episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Dan Lloyd, CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia. The pair discuss the government's new Statement on Space and Statement of Expectations for the Australian Space Agency, including Australia's ambitions for sovereign space capability, dual-use technologies, microgravity, launch, and international partnerships. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The significance of the Statement on Space in establishing space as a national capability and critical infrastructure priority. Australia's reliance on international space services, particularly positioning, navigation and timing, and the need to identify capabilities where sovereign control and assurance are required. The growing opportunity presented by microgravity, with Australia already playing a leading role through Southern Launch and Varda Space Industries' return-from-space activities. The importance of developing sovereign Australian capability while maintaining strong commercial and strategic partnerships with the US and other international space powers. The growing role of dual-use and multi-use space technologies across civil, commercial, national security, and defence applications and the need for greater co-ordination across government. The role of the Advanced Capabilities Investment Fund in supporting dual-use capability through $500 million in government funding alongside $500 million in private investment. Finally, the discussion wraps up with Lloyd highlighting human spaceflight and research as a potential catalyst for Australia's next phase of space development, alongside opportunities to grow STEM, highly skilled employment, research, and industrial capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Australia's Statement on Space, ASA expectations, and global opportunities, with Dan Lloyd

  2. Aug 27

    Finding Australia's niche – how ANU is building sovereign space capability from microgravity to laser comms

    Australia's space sector remains nascent compared to the United States, Europe, China and Japan. Yet Anupam Kumar Pilli, manager of strategic projects at ANU, frames this as an opportunity rather than a handicap. The critical task is identifying where Australia can differentiate – where capability gaps exist even in mature space economies. That differentiation rests on three pillars. First, microgravity manufacturing: as the International Space Station enters its final years and commercial alternatives emerge, gravity-dependent pharmaceutical and semiconductor production becomes economically viable. ANU is developing a Cooperative Research Centre focused on zero-G manufacturing, leveraging the recent Varda space capsule returns to South Australia. This capability – unmatched currently by the US or Europe – could position Australia as a global hub for orbital tissue and protein crystal growth, accelerating vaccine and pharmaceutical development timelines. Second, laser communications: ANU's recent success establishing laser comms with NASA's Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft demonstrates technical maturity. Unlike traditional radio frequency-based systems, optical communications enhance sovereign capability in critical national security communications – an emerging domain not yet fully mature globally. Third, space situational awareness: Australia's unique geographic position – clear skies, continental scale and capacity for observatory installation – enables unprecedented tracking of orbital assets. As proximity operations by both allies and adversaries increase, monitoring capability becomes essential. The newly launched HEO non-earth imaging partnership exemplifies this: repurposing existing earth observation downtime to photograph orbital assets provides low-cost, high-value surveillance. Yet realising these advantages demands integration. ANU's National Space Qualification Network – linking industry, academia and government infrastructure across the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the University of Wollongong and Sabre Astronautics – provides testing environments for Australian space assets before orbital deployment. Over 25 assets have been qualified through this infrastructure. The strategic imperative, Pilli emphasises, is identifying where Australia possesses genuine competitive advantage, then building enduring industry ecosystems around those niches. Collaboration between government, academia and private enterprise is non-negotiable – but so is ruthless focus on differentiation. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Finding Australia's niche – how ANU is building sovereign space capability from microgravity to laser comms

  3. Aug 20

    Australia's space future, partnerships and artificial intelligence, with L3Harris Technologies' Mel French and David Blair

    How can Australia strengthen its space capabilities through AI, international partnerships and closer integration between commercial and defence systems? In this special Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 edition of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Mel French, director of operations, and David Blair, director of space missile defence and advanced concepts at L3Harris Technologies. The trio discuss the evolving Australian space industry, the growing importance of collaboration between commercial and defence sectors, and how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are transforming space and missile defence capabilities. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The outlook for Australia's space industry, including the growing maturity of local companies and the importance of international partnerships. The emergence of a new "golden age" of space exploration driven by rapid technological innovation and renewed human spaceflight ambitions. The role of Australia in space surveillance, missile warning and weather monitoring. The growing role of AI in processing large volumes of sensor data and accelerating decision making. The importance of dual-use technology and the increasingly blurred line between commercial and military space capabilities. Finally, the discussion looks ahead to future L3Harris programs, including missile tracking, Golden Dome networks, sovereign SATCOM and positioning, navigation and timing capabilities, while considering how Australia and the United States can continue to deepen their space partnership. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Australia's space future, partnerships and artificial intelligence, with L3Harris Technologies' Mel French and David Blair

  4. Aug 13

    Australian Space Summit 2026, commercial growth and space innovation, with Kelvin Ho

    How can Australian space companies build commercial sustainability while retaining global competitiveness and supporting research? In this special Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 edition of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Kelvin Ho, product manager for space, surface science and materials at Scitek Australia. The pair discuss the evolution of Australia's space industry, the growing maturity of local companies and the need to balance government-supported research with commercially sustainable business. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The evolution of the Australian space industry and Australian Space Summit from its early stages to the increasingly mature commercial sector. How collaboration with international suppliers and customers, particularly through US supply chains, can create new opportunities for Australian SMEs and start-ups. Australia's participation in lunar exploration, including the potential benefits of lunar rover programs and the country's existing expertise in mining, remote sensing and remote operations. The importance of learning from failures in space missions and using testing to improve future technologies and systems. Finally, the discussion wraps up by exploring how Australia can strengthen its position in the global space sector through sovereign innovation, international collaboration and continued investment in the next generation of space professionals. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Australian Space Summit 2026, commercial growth and space innovation, with Kelvin Ho

  5. Aug 6

    Australia's Statement on Space, agency expectations and dual-use systems, with Dr Jason Held

    How can the space industry interpret the Australian government's Statement on Space and Statement of Expectations for the Australian Space Agency? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Dr Jason Held, chief executive officer of Saber Astronautics and a former US Army Major with experience across the US Space Command and the Space and Missile Defense Command Battle Lab. The pair discuss the evolution of Australia's space industry, the priorities outlined in the government's new Statement on Space and the need for Australia to move beyond simply importing overseas technology towards developing and commercialising sovereign space capability. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The government's new Statement on Space, including its focus on trusted space systems, space monitoring, Earth observation, space flight, microgravity and exploration technologies. The dual-use nature of space technology and the growing overlap between civil, commercial and military space capabilities. The importance of maintaining flexibility within Australia's space strategy so emerging technologies and new companies are not overlooked in favour of only established industry priorities. The challenge of developing sovereign space capability while Australia continues to rely heavily on imported technology and overseas companies. The importance of government acting as a customer for Australian space companies rather than simply providing grants and funding to support early-stage innovation. The role of procurement and tendering processes in creating barriers for Australian space companies seeking to sell technology to government and Defence. The contrasting approaches to space acquisition in Australia and the United States, including the opportunities created by US Space Force's willingness to engage with innovative commercial companies. The role of the Australian Space Agency in developing the domestic industry, supporting start-ups and creating opportunities for Australian space companies. Finally, the discussion wraps up with Held reflecting on Australia's opportunity to build a genuinely sovereign and commercially competitive space sector, arguing that the key measure of success should be the number of new companies, products and capabilities Australia can develop rather than simply how much funding is committed to the industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team * Dougherty and Held discuss the origins of Saber Astronautics and play a competitive match of the card game Swordplay throughout the podcast interview.

    Australia's Statement on Space, agency expectations and dual-use systems, with Dr Jason Held

  6. Jul 30

    Australian Space Summit 2026, workforce and industry development, with Mitchell Galloway and Peter Gibson

    How can modern manufacturing processes, industry collaboration and workforce development help strengthen Australia's growing space sector? In this special Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 edition of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Mitchell Galloway and Peter Gibson from FUCHS Lubricants Australia. The trio discuss the growing role of sovereign manufacturing in Australia's space and defence industries, the importance of developing local supply chains and how businesses can engage with universities and emerging talent to build long-term capability. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The importance of sovereign manufacturing, local supply chains and Australian-made products in supporting both space and defence capability. How dual-use technologies and industry collaboration are creating opportunities across the space and defence sectors. FUCHS' engagement with universities and the value of industry partnerships with academia. The benefits of internship programs and practical industry experience in developing Australia's future engineering workforce. The significance of the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register and Defence Industry Security Program requirements for companies seeking to work with defence primes and government. Industry perspectives on the state of Australia's space sector, investment trends and the need for continued commercial growth despite government funding pressures. Advice for students seeking careers in space and defence, including the importance of pursuing areas of genuine interest and passion. Finally, the discussion wraps up by exploring how Australia can continue building sovereign capability through local manufacturing, industry collaboration and investment in the next generation of engineers and technical professionals. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Australian Space Summit 2026, workforce and industry development, with Mitchell Galloway and Peter Gibson

  7. Jul 23

    Australian Space Summit 2026, next-gen solar technology, and space manufacturing, with Paul Mooney

    How can Australia leverage next-generation solar technology and sovereign manufacturing capability to strengthen its position in the global space economy? In today's Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 episode of the Space Connect podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Paul Mooney, founder and CEO of Australian solar technology company Halocell Energy. The pair discuss development of advanced perovskite solar technology designed for space applications, drones, and high-altitude platforms. They also explore potential for lightweight, flexible solar cells to provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional space-grade solar technology, while reducing supply chain risks associated with critical minerals. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The rise of perovskite solar technology and why it is being viewed as a potential game changer for space and aerospace applications. Challenges facing the global space-grade solar market, including critical mineral shortages, long lead times, and supply chain vulnerabilities. How Australian companies can commercialise locally developed research and strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability. The growing demand for lightweight, flexible solar cells across satellites, drones, high-altitude platforms, and future space missions. Emerging concepts in space-based solar power, energy transfer, and the future of orbital infrastructure. The importance of sovereign space manufacturing as part of Australia's broader critical infrastructure and national resilience strategy. Opportunities for Australia to build advanced manufacturing capability through automation, innovation, and next-generation energy technologies. The role of solar technology in extending the endurance of electric drones and supporting future defence and aerospace applications. Finally, the discussion wraps up by exploring the need for Australia to move beyond resource extraction and develop higher-value manufacturing capability that can support both the domestic space sector and international export markets. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Australian Space Summit 2026, next-gen solar technology, and space manufacturing, with Paul Mooney

  8. Jul 16

    Hypersonic flight, DART AE and the future of space access, with Matt Hill

    How is hypersonic technology reshaping access to space, defence capability and the future of sovereign aerospace innovation? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Matt Hill, chief executive officer of Hypersonix Launch Systems, during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Sydney. Hill discusses the company's landmark DART AE launch in February, the lessons learnt from real-world hypersonic flight testing, and how Hypersonix is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation aerospace technology. He also explores the challenges of operating at Mach 5 and beyond, the role of Australia's growing space sector, and the opportunities emerging across defence and commercial markets. The discussion examines Hypersonix's long-term roadmap, from its DART testbed platform to the larger VISOR and Delta Velos vehicles, while highlighting how decades of Australian research are helping to unlock new frontiers in hypersonic flight and novel pathways to space. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Managing thermal challenges, telemetry and subsystem integration during flight at Mach 5 and above. Defence, commercial and dual-use applications for hypersonic technology and reusable testbed platforms. Australia's position in the global hypersonic race and why the West has prioritised testing in recent years. Commercial funding, government support and creating sustainable revenue streams through hypersonic test services. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

    Hypersonic flight, DART AE and the future of space access, with Matt Hill
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About

The Space Connect Podcast tells the stories of the people and businesses that are shaping the development of Australia's space industry. Join Space Connect Podcast host Adam Thorn as he uncovers the talent driving this emerging sector – and how you can play your part in this booming industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Momentum Media
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Space Connect Podcast

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