Space Connect Podcast

How can Australia inspire more young people to pursue careers in space, STEM and national capability from an early age? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Jen Malone, founder of the Young Astronauts Club Australia, during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Sydney. Malone discusses the origins of the Young Astronauts Club, how the grassroots initiative has grown into a national science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach program, and why engaging children early is critical to addressing Australia's future space workforce needs. The discussion explores education, industry collaboration and the growing opportunities across Australia's civil and defence space sectors while examining how initiatives such as Australia's astronaut program are inspiring the next generation. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Why Australia must inspire children to pursue STEM and space careers from an early age. Building the Young Astronauts Club and expanding opportunities for students nationwide. The importance of reaching regional and rural communities through accessible STEM education. Australia's evolving space industry, workforce shortages and emerging career pathways. The growing links between Australia's civil, commercial and defence space sectors. The inspirational impact of Australia's astronaut program and the #FlyKatherine campaign. Industry collaboration, private investment and Australia's role in the global space ecosystem. The influence of AI, emerging technologies and future lunar exploration in today's students. Plans to launch a national online Young Astronauts Club, making space education accessible regardless of postcode. Finally, the discussion wraps up by examining the importance of family engagement, community support and creating lasting pathways that encourage young Australians to become the scientists, engineers and space professionals of the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

What does it take to build and launch a student-led satellite project while preparing for a career in Australia's rapidly evolving space sector? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Luc Fichera during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Sydney. Fichera explains his role in Queensland University of Technology Aerospace Society's successful design, build and launch of SATypus-ONE CubeSat program. The discussion explores how student-led innovation, industry collaboration and Australia's growing aerospace ecosystem are helping shape the next generation of space capability. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Lessons learnt from managing a student satellite program, overcoming engineering bottlenecks and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. How industry partnerships and sponsorship help enable launch opportunities and support commercial payload integration. The value of practical experience, student clubs and hands-on projects for building careers in the space sector. Insights into Australia's emerging aerospace ecosystem and the importance of networking, collaboration and community development. The challenges facing start-ups and commercial space ventures, including funding pressures and long-term industry sustainability. Talent retention, international competition and how Australia can create compelling career opportunities for engineers and scientists. The growing overlap between space and defence technologies and the role of dual-use innovation across both sectors. Perspectives on commercial space growth, public investment and why space capability delivers broader benefits back on Earth. Finally, the discussion wraps up by examining the future of Australia's space industry, the importance of outreach and developing pathways that inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

How can Australia turn its geographic advantages into sovereign space capability while accelerating commercial science, launch infrastructure and AI-enabled aerospace operations? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by James Palmer, founder and chief executive officer of Space Centre Australia, during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 held in Sydney. The discussion explores how commercialisation, AI integration and international partnerships are reshaping the future of Australia's space sector and positioning the nation within the global space economy. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The public debut of Space Centre Australia's AI-enabled mission node platform and how it supports real-time scientific analysis and mission operations. How AI can accelerate data processing, reduce turnaround times and support mission qualification while maintaining human oversight. Guardrails, trusted data environments and the importance of secure AI architectures for scientific and defence applications. The dual-use opportunities for airborne analytics, geospatial intelligence and command-and-control decision support. The strategic value of airborne science platforms and how modified aircraft can unlock new Earth observation and environmental research capability. Integrating advanced computing and AI directly into aerospace platforms to support future scientific and operational missions. Challenges facing the Australian space sector, including funding uncertainty, investment access and sustaining long-term growth. The importance of commercial leadership, ecosystem development and attracting new talent into aerospace and deep technology industries. Launch infrastructure, responsive space access and the growing importance of manufacturing and supply chain resilience. Finally, the discussion wraps up by examining how Australia can strengthen its space ecosystem, attract global partnerships and convert geographic advantage into enduring sovereign capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

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

How can Australia build a stronger role in the global space economy and position itself for the next phase of commercial space activity? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Bradley Hatton-Jones, founder and chief executive of Gold Coast-based space logistics company Orbit2Orbit. Hatton-Jones is a South African-born aerospace entrepreneur leading Orbit2Orbit in developing in-space logistics capability designed to move cargo and support operations between orbital destinations. He is also attending the upcoming Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 held on 17 and 18 June at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Australia's space policy settings and the need for clearer national direction and reduced regulatory complexity. How Australia can leverage its geography, launch capability and industrial strengths to build a competitive space sector. The vision for Australia as a full-cycle space nation spanning launch, in-space operations, recovery and reuse. Recent developments across domestic industry and the challenges of funding, coordination and government support. The rise of in-space logistics, reusable spacecraft and sustainable orbital infrastructure. The role of collaboration, competition and commercial partnerships across the space ecosystem. How AI and autonomous systems are changing engineering, operations and growth across the industry. The long-term challenge of orbital congestion, space sustainability and governance for routine space operations. Finally, the discussion wraps up by exploring Australia's priorities to 2030 and how policymakers can enable a more practical and commercially accessible space sector. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team

How is Australia building a specialised space workforce while balancing sovereign capability, allied integration and the operational demands of a contested domain? In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Commander of Australian Space Command, Major General Gregory Novak AM, to discuss the rapid evolution of the space domain and its growing importance to national security. MAJGEN Novak outlines the role of Space Command as a force generation organisation responsible for raising, training and sustaining Australia's space capability. The discussion explores direct entry pathways and creation of dedicated space workforce streams, including space operations officers and specialists as well as how these roles will build deep technical mastery while maintaining integration across land, sea, air and cyber domains. The episode also examines how Australia is prioritising key mission areas such as satellite communications, space domain awareness and missile warning while balancing sovereign capability development with allied and commercial partnerships. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Introduction of direct entry recruitment pathways for space operations roles. Development of a specialised Australian Defence Force space workforce and career progression model. Key priority mission sets, including satellite communications, space domain awareness and missile warning. Balancing sovereign capability with allied, partner and commercial integration. The role of space in enabling joint force operations and national resilience. Growth of Australia's domestic space industry and opportunities in launch capability. Challenges of operating in a contested and congested space environment. The importance of public awareness and understanding of space's role in everyday life. Finally, the discussion reflects on the future of the space domain, the need for speed in capability development, and the importance of nurturing the next generation of space professionals. Enjoy the podcast, The Space Connect team