Canberra’s space sector has the infrastructure, businesses, research strengths, and education and training systems to support your growth.

A long and far-reaching history of space research and development

Canberra has Australia’s leading enabling space infrastructure.

We’ve had a long and direct role in some of the biggest events in international space exploration, providing critical support from Apollo 11 to the Phoenix landing on Mars.

We’ve supported hundreds of deep space missions through the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, managed on behalf of NASA by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial research (CSIRO).

Local manufacturing

The ACT is home to mini satellite designer and manufacturer Skykraft.

Skykraft’s satellite manufacturing facility in Canberra is the centre for the design, build and operation of more than 200 satellites. These satellites will make up the constellation providing space-based Air Traffic Management (ATM) services, commencing operations in 2025.

Geospatial Intelligence is a leading Australian reseller of high-resolution optical and radar satellite imagery, with clients including Airbus, Black Sky, Capella Space, Maxar and many others.

Australia’s most advanced space testing facilities

Canberra’s space industry capability is internationally renowned, with a demonstrated track record of commercialising space research and technology.

Our advanced test and verification facilities, at the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) at Mount Stromlo, offer end-to-end capability from design to delivery of space products and services.

We have an established space ecosystem, providing Australia’s most experienced capability in space mission, mission assurance, research, education and skills & training.

World-leading communications, observation and research infrastructure

Canberra is on the cutting edge of space research in the areas of design, testing, verifying and data analysis.

Canberra is also well-positioned to lead Earth observation for Australia and we have a long history of supplying these service capabilities through the integration of satellite imagery data into spatial applications.

University of NSW Canberra and local innovators are also working to develop new capabilities and create applications to predict bushfire risk, assess crop yields, and monitor climate and weather patterns.

ACT Government’s commitment

The ACT Government is committed to working with the Australian space sector to help build a globally competitive industry. Find out more on the ACT Government’s commitment.

Contact us to learn more about opportunities within Canberra’s space sector.