Australian Centre for Space Governance

The Australian Centre for Space Governance is pleased to announce our latest policy paper titled 'Trust in Earth Observation Data: Dependencies, Risks and Opportunities for Australia.' With Australia’s reliance on Earth observation (EO) data from satellites contributing $3.2 billion to our GDP, we find ourselves entirely dependent on foreign providers. This raises important policy concerns: data quality management from commercial providers, geopolitical risks, and the challenge of ensuring independence of data used in national security and crucial sectors like urban planning, maritime surveillance, and disaster response. Co-authored by Dr. Cassandra Steer and Dr. Aleksandar Deejay, this policy paper is an essential read for policymakers, government representatives, and industry leaders engaged in critical infrastructure using Earth observation data. This paper provides an overview of the risks but also of the opportunities, with a particular focus on bringing about a whole-of-government approach. Australia has world-leading capabilities in EO ground infrastructure and data management, which can be maximised to ensure we are not just heavy users of EO data, but key contributors to the global EO infrastructure.  For more information, contact: contact@spacegovcentre.org    #spacegovernace #earthobservation #earthobservationdata #spacelaw ANU Institute for Space | InSpace School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) Australian Space Agency Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Department of Industry, Science and Resources 

Can you believe it is nearly time for the 30th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (#APRSAF-30) “Collaborating to Build a Sustainable and Responsible Regional Space Sector” happening on 26-29 November 2024, Perth, Australia? 🛰 🌊 🌏 If you are eager to get started early - check out our official #APRSAF-30 side event: AquaWatch Regional ASEAN Alliance (AQWRAA): a proposed regional approach to water quality management for the Asia Pacific region. Join CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in conjunction with the Australian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG), to find out more about the AquaWatch program and the proposed concept for the AquaWatch Regional ASEAN Alliance (AQWRAA) at a virtual webinar, and the follow-on in person workshop at APRSAF-30 in Perth, Australia. If you are interested in joining the AQWRAA webinar, please visit our event page and register for one or both events: https://lnkd.in/gJps5rhG We would love to see you there! 🛰 🌊 🌏 Australian Space Agency JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency #spaceforearth #spaceforwater #spaceforall

We are excited to announce the first paper in our Australian Centre for Space Governance Policy Paper Series: "Securing Australia Through Space: Resilient PNT for Disaster Response" by Dr. Jia-Urnn Lee. Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) is critical for effective disaster response and maintaining critical infrastructure. Australia relies heavily on the US GPS system and other foreign-owned systems for PNT during emergencies. There's a key opportunity for Australia to lead in the development of GNSS-enabled Emergency Warning Services, particularly in the Pacific. This policy paper recommends a coordinated effort to map national PNT dependencies, including critical infrastructure, the development of a national approach to ensure seamless transition between PNT technologies, and leadership in the Asia-Pacific region on emergency warning services using PNT technology. #spacegovernance #spacepolicy #spacelaw ANU Institute for Space | InSpace ANU National Security College ANU Defence Institute ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Space Agency Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian Space Agency United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Tech Policy Design Centre

The Australian Centre for Space Governance is excited to announce the release of a policy paper series that is the result of our workshop held in March 2024, “Securing Australia Through Space: What does Australia need to secure, and how can space help it do so?”   We had over 15 experts from across the country deliver presentations and speak on roundtables at the workshop, which was attended by nearly 90 people, the vast majority of whom from across Defence and federal government. We are now proud to release eight policy papers, each of which covers one of the key issues that were discussed.   Stay tuned over the coming months as we release these highly informed papers, which highlight the ways in which space-based technologies underpin Australia’s national security, and our national interest: Dr. Jia-Urnn Lee: Resilient PNT for Disaster Response Vinicius Guedes G. de Oliveira: The Importance of Cybersecurity Measures In Safeguarding The Australian Space Sector Anntonette Dailey: Securing the Pacific Region with Australia’s Space Capabilities Professor Melissa de Zwart and Michelle Neumann: Military Operations in Space – Australia’s Strategic Space Partnerships Dr. Stacey Henderson and Dr. Joel Lisk: Space Technology As Critical Infrastructure For Australia Stephen Ward and George Dyke: The Role Of Space Data In Securing Climate Information Art Cotterell: The Case for Mainstreaming Space Amy Hestermann-Crane: Space Sustainability As An Integral Support For Australia’s National Security #spacegovernance #spacelaw #spacepolicy ANU Institute for Space | InSpace Australian Space Agency ANU National Security College School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Tech Policy Design Centre Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Space Agency

One of our Australian Centre for Space Governance associates, Art Cotterell, recently wrote a timely piece for The Conversation Australia + NZ. This article offers a geopolitical analysis on how cooperation and conflict can coexist in space and emphasises the value for China and the US to collaborate on space governance, despite the emergence of concerning “space blocs.” This piece also explores practical ways for these two superpowers to work together, including joint research, governance initiatives at multilateral forums, and improving international relations both on Earth and in outer space. #spacegovernance #spacelaw #spacepolicy ANU Institute for Space | InSpace School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Australian Centre on China in the World ANU National Security College Australian Space Agency

What are the hidden human impacts of space activities, and why should we care?   In our latest bonus episode of “Space Security is Here and Now”, Dr. Cassandra Steer interviews Jessica West, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares, about her expertise on space security and the lesser discussed human dimensions of space systems.   Jessica shares how space activities create an uneven distribution of benefits and harms, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities, and explores the concept of "triple vulnerability"—the unique risks these communities face due to space security threats. The podcast episode highlights the need for inclusive, diverse, and equitable space governance, making sure that space policies consider everyone, not just major powers or corporations.   This episode also addresses the challenges of ensuring connectivity for remote and underserved regions through solutions like Starlink and low Earth orbit satellite constellations. It introduces alternative frameworks for space security, such as intersectional feminism, human security, and environmental stewardship, advocating for a more holistic approach to governance. 🎧 Tune in to hear from internationally recognised experts as they explore how space policies impact different communities around the world and the unequal distribution of benefits from space activities. #spacegovernance #spacelaw #spacepolicy ANU Institute for Space | InSpace ANU Defence Institute Global Institute for Women's Leadership - ANU ANU Defence Institute ANU National Security College ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Space Diversity Alliance Australian Space Agency

We want to hear from you to help shape a potential policy for Australian sustainability of space activities. Space technology is critical to our way of life, and by preserving the space environment, we can continue benefiting from the services space provides us. Being more sustainable in our space activities will also support the economic resilience of the Australian space industry and beyond. Have your say by making a submission, and register for the public information session to be held on 23 October, here: https://lnkd.in/gRV7DP8n The consultation will close on Friday, 8 November 2024.

What do human rights, socio-economic status, Indigenous engagement, and space security have in common?   In this bonus episode of “Space Security is Here and Now”, Dr. Cassandra Steer interviews Dr. Jessica West, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares, to explore her pioneering work on space security and the often overlooked human dimensions of space systems.   Jessica offers expert insights into the unequal distribution of space benefits and harms, the triple vulnerability of marginalised communities to space security threats, and the urgent need for diverse, inclusive, and equitable space governance. From exploring intersectionality and human security to examining the potential of Starlink and other connectivity solutions, this podcast episode provides a fresh and timely perspective on how space policies affect people across the globe in unexpected ways.   🎧 Tune in next week to learn how alternative approaches, including intersectional feminism and human rights, are essential in the conversation around space security. #spacegovernance #spacelaw #spacepolicy ANU Institute for Space | InSpace Australian Space Agency Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ANU National Security College ANU Defence Institute ANU College of Asia & the Pacific United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

In case you missed it, last week the Australian Centre for Space Governance released Episode Three of our three-part series titled, "Space Security is Here and Now". We hear from four internationally recognised space security experts who are at the forefront of developments in space governance, including Almudena Azcárate Ortega (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research), who discusses the impact of civil society and research organisations in translating space security for various audiences. You can find our previous episodes here, starting with a historical overview of space security in episode one, followed by a detailed discussion profiling countries and dialogues at international forums in episode two: Episode One: https://lnkd.in/gnQwpGcx Episode Two: https://lnkd.in/gFsfjtzk 🎧 Tune in to our mini-series to hear from experts Victoria Samson (Secure World Foundation), Jessica West (Project Ploughshares) and Sarah Erickson (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research) as they discuss 21st-century space governance issues spanning international law and policy, arms control, the importance of diversity and inclusion, space diplomacy, intersectionality, civil society, institutionalisation, working towards common understandings, and interdisciplinary collaboration. #spacegovernance #spacelaw #spacepolicy ANU Institute for Space | InSpace ANU Defence Institute ANU Research and Innovation Australian Space Agency ANU National Security College Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Today at IAC2024, Dr. Peter Martinez, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation, signed the Zero Debris Charter on our behalf. This initiative, led by the European Space Agency - ESA, seeks to stop generating new space debris by 2030. As a contributor to the Charter, SWF is committed to fostering space safety and sustainability. With over 130 million pieces of debris orbiting Earth, the Charter sets ambitious, measurable goals to reduce collision risks and promote a cleaner, safer space environment. We are proud of our role in developing this important document. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eUsN3bXH This is a significant step in our mission to ensure space remains accessible for all. #ZeroDebris #SpaceSustainability #IAC2024 #CleanSpace