Australia Launches New Era for Space Innovation

Industry Growth & Objectives - Australian government aims to triple the size of the Australian space industry by 2030 [1] - The Australasian Space Innovation Institute's purpose is to link research and development with industry and end-users, improve Australia's sovereign capability, and leverage space technology in defense and national security [3] - A goal is to reduce Australia's dependence on foreign data and satellites [3] Institute's Role & Strategy - The institute will connect world-class universities and research centers to industry and end-users [7] - The institute aims to enable farmers to grow more for less and miners to operate smarter, more safely, and more sustainably using space technology [8] - The institute intends to stitch together existing technologies and build AI-enabled systems and applications [12] Challenges & Opportunities - Australia's space industry, while growing, started from a low base [6] - Australia's AI capability is strong, but it needs to improve commercialization of university inventions and algorithms [13][14] - Australia relies heavily on foreign capabilities for defense and national security and aims to become a contributor, not just a buyer, of technology [15][16] International Collaboration - The TARKA project with New Zealand aims to advance maritime security and improve responses to illegal fishing, natural disasters, and security risks [4] - Australia and New Zealand are responsible for 16% of the globe's economic exclusion zones [9]