Australian Space Summit 2026, international space law and governance, with Professor Steven Freeland

How should Australia position itself in the global space competition as new technologies challenge existing rules and governance frameworks? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Professor Steven Freeland, emeritus professor at Western Sydney University, professorial fellow at Bond University and former member of the Australian Space Agency Advisory Board (2020–24). Freeland is also chair of the United Nations Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities and will appear as a panel speaker at the upcoming Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 on 17 and 18 June at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Current challenges and opportunities facing international space law and governance. How Australia can strengthen its role as a respected middle space power. The policy settings and government support needed to grow sovereign space capability. Balancing international cooperation and competition as space activity expands. The growing role of AI and autonomous systems across space operations. The risks of orbital congestion, space debris and long-term space sustainability. The future of space resource activity and the need for practical global frameworks. Finally, the discussion explores how Australia can build on its strengths and contribute to a safer and more sustainable future in space. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team