By Georgia Honan
The Australian Space Forum to be held in South Australia this month will focus on bringing further investment and collaboration opportunities to the growing Australian space industry.
The 11th Australian Space Forum will be held on 31 March 2021, in Adelaide, South Australia and will feature the new head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo (pictured.)
The forum will feature panels on Australia’s space landscape, space science education, opportunities in communication technology and advanced space manufacturing.
The forum will also include what will be the largest industry exhibition in the event’s history, showcasing over 40 exhibitors.
Senior Adviser for the South Australian Space Industry Centre, and CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, Nicola Sasanelli, has been involved in organising the biannual event since it began in 2016.
Sasanelli said that the Forum is an important asset for Australia, strengthening the space industry and bringing collaboration and investment opportunities.
“The Australian Space Forum builds capabilities and expertise, and attracts interest from international partners,” he told The Lead South Australia earlier.
COVID-19 travel restrictions have resulted in the event being held both in-person, at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and online, in order to preserve international interest.
In-person attendees can meet with industry leaders within the event’s designated networking hour and can attend all of the panel presentations.
Those attending virtually can use the Australian Space Forum’s interactive app, where delegates can watch panel sessions, participate in the Q&A, and connect with other attendees remotely.
Speakers headlining the event include the new head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo. It will be his first forum as the head of the national agency.
Other speakers include CEO of Geoscience Australia, Dr James Johnson, and Chair of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, Michael Davis AO. They will be joined by a variety of other domestic and international experts at the Forum.
While the event has grown to promote the entire Australian space ecosystem, it was first established to publicise the South Australian space sector specifically.
South Australia first became involved with space programs in 1947, with the establishment of the Woomera Rocket Range. It is now home to state-of-the-art research and development technologies and the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency.
Forum organisers are closely monitoring COVID-19 restrictions, and ticketholders will be advised of any last-minute changes to the event or program.
You can register for the event here.
This article originally appeared at The Lead South Australia.