1st Australian Space Week

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation proudly presents the First Australian Space Week. Held in early December, around the 16th Australian Space Forum, this week will showcase some of the industries best technologies, innovations and educational developments through a range of events, workshops and experiences.

With a number of events already locked in the calendar, the Foundation invites the Australian space ecosystem to join this landmark occasion to best celebrate the great capabilities being developed. As such ATSF welcomes expressions of interest for organisations to participate in the week with their own initiatives.

For further information please get in touch via contactus@andythomas.foundation

Australian Space Week Calendar

Thursday 30th November

Thursday

New Space Workforce Xperience

Full day   |   Sydney

Discover the future of space and STEM at the New Space Workforce Xperience! Join us during Australian Space Week on November 30, 2023, for a day filled with excitement and learning. Delve into the world of space careers with a captivating keynote by Kirsten Banks, engage in a dynamic Space Careers Panel, and get your questions answered by Space Ambassadors. Plus, roll up your sleeves for hands-on activities like building your own CubeSat or launching bottle rockets. Dive into cyber-security challenges with cutting-edge digital twin technology and explore the Belrose site. This event is tailored for students under-represented in STEM, making it an inclusive opportunity for all. Get ready to ignite your passion for space and STEM – mark your calendar and be part of the New Space Workforce Experience!

Free event

New Space Workforce Xperience Webinar

1-2pm   |   Online

Join us on November 30, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm for the New Space Workforce Xperience Webinar, part of Australian Space Week. This captivating webinar from Optus Campus Sydney aims to illuminate exciting careers in the Australian Space Sector. Featuring keynote speaker Kirsten Banks, a dynamic careers panel, and Q&A with industry experts, it’s an opportunity to ignite your passion for space. Students can actively participate by posing questions. Don’t miss this chance to explore the universe of space possibilities!

Free event

Monday 4th December – Friday 8th December
Monday

'National Space Workforce: Practical Skills Pathways’

1:00-4:00pm   |   Sydney

The (National Space Workforce : Practical Space Skills Forum) is an Industry workshop where we will determine the first priorities for training a skilled workforce able to translate into the Space domain. The workshop, as part of Australian Space Week, will be a practical step toward equipping the nation with the skills it needs to participate and disrupt in the Space economy. NSW, as the largest economic and population centre in the country, bears a responsibility to serve the nation by organising skills packages with a national relevance. As such, attendees from all states and territories are encouraged to express their interest in contributing.

Invitation Only 

Andy Thomas Space Foundation Sydney Observatory Experience

From 6:00pm   |   Sydney Observatory

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is excited to share with you an exclusive opportunity for Forum attendees to spend a night under the southern skies, enjoying the Foundation’s Sydney Observatory Experience on Monday 4th December at the Sydney Observatory.

Whether you would like to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns before your tour and stargazing, or come just for the show, this experience will be an exciting reminder of the wonder of space.

To join this exclusive list of stars, all 16th Australian Space Forum attendees will directly receive the link

Tuesday

JAXA/ASA/ATSF Kibo Workshop

9:30am-1:00pm   |   Powerhouse Museum 

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Australian Space Agency are proud to welcome the team from JAXA to Sydney, Australia to host a JAXA/ASA/ATSF Kibo Workshop. This workshop will deep dive into the potential use of the KIBO module, on board the International Space Station, for various experiments and the outcomes this may enable for local industry.


The workshop will feature a number of Japanese and Australian space industry and academic specialists, deep-diving into the various project opportunities available for flight within the Kibo module. JAXA will also be in attendance at the 16th Australian Space Forum, 6 December 2023 to continue conversations around future opportunities.

Free event

4th Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Mixer

2:00-4:00pm   |   Powerhouse Museum

This event series was developed to address a need for increased discussions, collaborations and strategies for the purpose of improving education opportunities and experiences for today’s students.
United by a common goal to empower today’s students to become tomorrow’s space workforce leaders, this event will see education experts connect to discuss space & STEM education. 🚀

This Mixer will feature a global line-up of education experts from both Australia and abroad. Acting as a platform for educators to collaborate and exchange ideas, resulting in the hopeful creation of more effective learning experiences, to enhance space education and inspire students to explore the wonders of the universe. This event is suitable for teachers, academic staff, government representatives, industry members and all with an interest in improving space education.

Free event

3rd Andy Thomas Space Foundation Dinner

7:00-11:00pm   |   Doltone House – Darling Island 

Each year, attendees of the Australian Space Forum are in awe of the incredible scope of business collaboration and innovation occurring within the space sector right here in Australia and across the globe. To increase networking opportunities and allow Australian Space Forum sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and delegates to further connect and discuss the future of space development, in a unique environment, the ATSF proudly presents the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Networking Dinner to be held on Tuesday, 5 December 2023 at Doltone House – Darling Island.

Paid event

Wednesday

16th Australian Space Forum

8:00 – 6:00pm   |   ICC Sydney

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is looking forward to welcoming a global audience to the 16th edition of the Australian Space Forum, which will be held on Wednesday 6th December 2023 at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC) in Sydney, New South Wales. Supported by the Australian Space Agency and the South Australian Space Industry Centre, the Forum provides the perfect opportunity to stimulate ideas, share information about emerging technologies and network with influential space sector leaders and the broader community.

Paid event

Young Space Explorers

8:30 – 4:00pm   |   ICC Sydney

Young Space Explorers is an immersive dive into the emerging Australian space industry. Students from Year 9 to 11 will get up close and personal with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on space themed challenges students will develop knowledge of STEM as well as designing, thinking and leadership skills. All attributes necessary for Australia’s future highly skilled space workforce. Young Space Explorers will connect Australia’s vibrant space industry, government and the space research community with students and their teachers. The event will expose students to opportunities for pursuing STEM degree programs and STEM careers.

Free event

Space Drinks

6:00 – 9:00pm   |   Pontoon Bar

Join us on the 6th of December for an evening of camaraderie and celebration, following the conclusion of the 16th Australian Space Forum. This cherished tradition, hosted by SIAA and emerge and generously sponsored by Space BD, is a highlight in the space community’s calendar. We invite all forum attendees – industry professionals, enthusiasts, and international guests – to unwind and network in a relaxed atmosphere, reflecting on the day’s insights and fostering connections within the space community as we toast to our industry’s continued success and future.

Come be a part of this traditional gathering and experience the unity and excitement of Australia’s space sector!

Free event – no registration required.

Thursday

Space Hub Breakfast: Strategies to navigate and thrive in Defence and Aerospace

8:30am – 10.30am   |   Cicada Innovations, NSW

Come along for the last Space Hub Connect event of the year – a Space Hub breakfast in collaboration with CGI Australia. This special edition is your gateway to unlocking the secrets to explore, navigate, and thrive in the Defence and Aerospace sector and discover how local entrepreneurs are growing their businesses.

Cicada’s Head of Space Tech, Julie Autuly, will lead the conversation with Peter Clowes, CEO and Co-Founder at Raytracer, David Jervis, Head of Sales at Gilmour Space Technologies, and Tony Nicholls, Director Defence, Space and Intelligence at CGI Australia.

Together, they will unpack the key ingredients to effectively approach, build relationships, and collaborate with primes, Defence, and government customers.

​After the event, there will be a chance to network with the best and brightest in the Australian space community over coffee and breakfast.

Free event

SmartSat CRC Master Class: Space Law

9.00am – 5.30pm   |   Sydney, NSW and online

Join us for an exciting Master Class on Space Law, where we will explore the legal aspects of the rapidly evolving space industry. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a legal professional, or simply curious about the future of space exploration, this event is for you! Industry experts, Steven Freeland and Donna Lawler of Azimuth Advisory, will delve into various topics, including international space treaties, commercial space activities, liability issues, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, gain valuable insights, and expand your knowledge of this fascinating field. The day will be segmented into two sessions:

1. Morning Session: Space law applicable to launch services
2. Afternoon Session: Space law applicable to in-orbit operations

Whether you prefer attending in person or joining us online, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now to secure your spot!

Paid event

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation acknowledges the NSW Department for Education and the STEM Industry School Partnerships Program Team for their support in the development of the Australian Space Week

Application Form

Please submit the completed form below.
Australian Space Week Event Submission
*Once your event has been confirmed as part of the Australian space week, please send through the events confirmed time, date and registration link for uploading to the Australian Space Weeks website