At 5am on Saturday, 17th August, I watched SpaceX’s Transporter 11 rocket launch 116 satellites into orbit, setting a new record. Among them were Waratah Seed 1 and CUAVA 2, carrying the innovations of six of our National Space Industry Hub residents—Deneb Space, Contactile, Extraterrestrial Power, EurokaPower, Mawson Rovers, and Spiral Blue. This was a pivotal moment, giving these startups the space heritage they need to accelerate their commercialisation journey. It symbolises what the Space Hub is all about: accelerating the path to space and breaking down barriers for Australian startups.
I’m also excited to announce that the National Space Industry Hub, with the support of Investment NSW, is expanding its mission to encompass the aerospace and defence sectors. This expansion reflects the growing need for sovereign capabilities in Australia, particularly in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Space technologies no longer stand in isolation; they are integral to national security and economic resilience. We believe deep tech startups working in areas such as autonomous systems, enhanced sensing, and advanced communications have the opportunity to align with critical defence needs and demand.
Aerospace represents a critical frontier, where innovation is driving advancements in sustainable air transport, uncrewed aviation systems and drones, and national security. These areas are crucial for Australia's defence and economic strategy, and we want to support startups working on breakthrough technologies in these fields.
Likewise, defence and dual-use technologies represent a significant opportunity for deep tech innovators. The complexities of the defence sector, from export controls and clearances to strategic priorities, require a tailored approach. The Space Hub will help bridge the gap between startups and the defence ecosystem by providing insights into customer discovery, pathways to market, and critical Defence connections. Startups that can navigate this environment successfully could unlock large commercial customers and become integral to Australia’s sovereign supply chain.
To support this, we are launching the Customer Discovery in Defence program this November. This four-week interactive course will provide innovators with hands-on insights into defence sector requirements. It will help them validate their technologies for dual-use applications, gain direct feedback from key stakeholders, and explore pathways into this highly complex market.
Also, keep an eye out for our newly expanded Air to Space Elevate, led by Space Expert-in-Residence, Tim Parsons, running on the 16-17th of October, designed to help you test and validate your deep tech innovations for terrestrial to extraterrestrial markets across aerospace and space.
With these initiatives, the Space Hub is now advancing Australia’s space, aerospace, and defence sectors—driving economic success and delivering global impact.