The Australian space sector is defined as a set of space-related activities along the space value chain and is part of the broader space economy.
The Australian space sector value chain broadly includes four segments of activities. All actors (private, public and academic) participating in any activities which sit within these segments are part of the space sector.
Manufacturing and core inputs, consisting of:
- Ground segment manufacturing and services
The building and integration of ground-based facilities and equipment that perform space-related activities. Associated services, such as maintenance, are included within this category. For example, manufacturing a satellite dish and control facility that will receive data from, and transmit to, a satellite. - Space segment manufacturing and services
The building and integration of items to go into space, including spacecraft, satellites, payloads and products to be used in space. For example, manufacturing a satellite that will perform earth observation.
Space operations
Launch activities, the management of objects in space, and activities associated with using and managing satellites in space. It also includes operations and remote operations conducted in space. For example, launching the satellite into space, monitoring space debris, or providing instructions to a satellite for earth observation images to capture.
Space applications
The use of space-derived resources to create usable and useful products and services, including software, hardware and publications, and services provided across the economy. Further, the application of space technologies and data to improve other areas of the economy. For example, producing the hardware and software to process earth observation imagery or direct to home television (DTH TV).
Enablers, consisting of:
- Regulation and essential service delivery
Policy and regulatory enablers of the space sector as a whole. For example, regulating launch safety. - Infrastructure and capabilities
Infrastructure, both physical and intangible, that supports the space sector as a whole. It also includes the development of capabilities that are relevant to, and support, the development of the space sector. For example, roads and utilities that service a remote launch facility or education in engineering disciplines required to operate satellites. - Research, development and engineering
Research, development and engineering that supports the activities of the space sector, including experimental and exploratory activities, and activities which test and refine technologies. For example, research into new extreme temperature resistant technologies or new data transfer processes. - Specialised support services
The range of professional support services which directly contribute to, and enable, the activities that comprise the space sector. For example, a law firm that specialises in space law to help a launch operator manage their space-related activity and legal compliance.
Value chain of the space sector
Together these four segments of activities comprise the space sector value chain (Figure 2).
Figure 2 | Value chain of the space sector
Space sector activities and examples
Space sector activities |
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Manufacturing and core inputs: ground segment manufacturing and services
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Manufacturing and core inputs: space segment manufacturing and services
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Space operations
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Space applications
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Regulation and essential service delivery
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Infrastructure and capabilities
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Research, development and engineering
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Specialised support services
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