Space and astronomy

We are transforming Australia’s space and astronomy industries.

What we do

We support the growth and transformation of Australia’s space and astronomy industries through:

  • hosting one of the world’s largest and most capable radio telescopes 
  • supporting a 10-year strategic partnership with the European Southern Observatory
  • securing the future of Australia’s space sector with the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028
  • inspiring Australians at the Australian Space Discovery Centre. 

The SKA project in Australia

The SKA is a global project to build the world’s largest and most capable radio telescopes. They will be hosted in Australia and South Africa.

Optical astronomy in Australia

We are transforming Australia’s optical astronomy sector.

Australian Space Agency

We are transforming and growing a globally respected Australian space sector. Learn about our strategic priorities and initiatives.

Australian Space Discovery Centre

Be inspired at the Australian Space Discovery Centre with stories of innovation, curiosity and technology from the space sector.

Find space and astronomy funding and initiatives

We're supporting Australian businesses and organisations with our space and astronomy policy initiatives and programs.

Find space and astronomy regulations and standards

We regulate Australian space activities, oversee international arrangements affecting space regulation, and ensure policy compliance.

Stay up to date with the Astronomy in Australia newsletter

Sign up to an occasional newsletter from Australia’s Astronomer-at-large, Professor Fred Watson. You'll learn about exciting developments in astronomy and get updates from our teams

Meet Australia’s Astronomer-at-large

Professor Fred Watson AM
Astronomer-at-large
Fred uses his expertise as a science communicator and public advocate to inspire people’s interest in astronomy, astrophysics and science.

Featured publications

More publications
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Australian Government response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and…

The Australian Government welcomed the opportunity to respond to the report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources’ inquiry into…
aerial view of Australia from space

Review of Australia's space industry capability

The government conducted a review of Australia’s space industry capability. The review led to a report to the government on how grow our space industry.
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State of space report 2021

The 2020 State of space report documents the Australian Government’s civil space responsibilities and activities from 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021.
Image from cover of the Robotics and Automation roadmap showing an illustration of the lunar surface with multiple rovers and Earth in the distance.

Robotics and automation on earth and in space roadmap 2021–2030

This roadmap from the Australian Space Agency outlines a 10-year vision to grow this area of space in Australia - to create jobs both now and for the future.

Latest news

More news
The ASA team with NASA out the front of the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Australian Space Agency

Historic NASA trip to Australia

The two most senior people from NASA led a delegation in Australia during the week of 20 March.
A group of people attending the National Indigenous Space Academy launch
Australian Space Agency

National Indigenous Space Academy launched

A new space internship program will give Indigenous Australian university students the opportunity to study at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Cartoon manage of earth from the moon.
Australian Space Agency

Space industry partners chosen for Australia’s first Moon mission

Two consortiums of local space businesses and researchers will design rovers for Australia’s first mission to the Moon in partnership with NASA.
Abyss Solutions’ robotics team out in the field
Australian Space Agency

Space spotlight: next-gen robotic arm prototype tested locally for Moon and Mars

Australian robotics specialist, Abyss Solutions, has been working with the University of Sydney to test unmanned systems of the future for space and Earth. A next-gen robotic arm could go…