Bridging Continents Through Space Webinar, July 2025

On July 23, the German Australian Business Council (GABC), in collaboration with the Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC), hosted an inaugural webinar in the space focus group, exploring the growing synergies between the Australian and European space sectors. The event brought together key stakeholders from government and industry to discuss the upcoming International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney and broader opportunities for transcontinental collaboration. GABC Co-Chair Robert Harrison opened the session by highlighting the Council’s mission to connect businesses across borders and the strategic importance of space as a driver of innovation and international cooperation.

Simon Jenner of the Bulgarian Australian Business Council and Axiom Space provided a global overview of the space industry’s rapid evolution. He emphasized the increasing frequency of satellite launches, the emergence of commercial space stations, and the growing role of private companies in shaping the future of space exploration. Dominic Shumlin from the Australian Space Agency followed with insights into Australia’s unique geographic advantages, including its southern sky visibility and launch capabilities. He also introduced Australia’s contributions to the Artemis lunar mission and the development of its first lunar rover (called the ROO-ver), underscoring the country’s commitment to both innovation and Indigenous knowledge integration.

Tamara Bell from Austrade offered a detailed look at Australia’s thriving space economy, which now includes over 800 companies and employs more than 19,000 people. She showcased key resources such as the Australian Space Industry Capability Database and highlighted the nation’s strengths in downstream services, robotics, and space situational awareness. Lisa Vitaris of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) then presented the structure and vision of IAC 2025, which will spotlight the Indo-Pacific region and space-enabled industries such as mining, agriculture, and health. With over 6,000 abstracts submitted and 80+ countries expected to participate, the Congress promises to be one of the most diverse and impactful yet.

The webinar concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where participants explored topics ranging from Indigenous astronomy to pharmaceutical manufacturing in microgravity. Speakers also addressed the importance of workforce development, with initiatives aimed at inspiring young Australians and supporting underrepresented communities. The event not only showcased the depth of Australia’s space ecosystem but also reinforced the value of international collaboration in advancing global space innovation. With IAC 2025 on the horizon, the stage is set for a new era of partnership between Europe and Australia in the final frontier.

Click here for the webinar recording: GABC Space Webinar Recording