SmartSat supported the Defence Science and Technology Group’s (DSTG) Space Program team to develop and run two sessions at the recent ADSTAR Summit 2024 (Australian Defence Science Technology and Research).
The first session on the opening day was a panel exploring the core theme of the summit, Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage, with a focus on why space technologies can create asymmetric advantage and how Australia can best connect its innovation ecosystem to deliver this advantage.
This first session included keynote presentations by the Australian Space Commander, Major General Gregory Novak, and DSTG’s Program Chief for Space, Andrew Seedhouse. This was followed by presentations by Professor Andy Koronios, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Larry James and Gerry Cantwell from BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. Dr Bianca Capra, Deputy Program Leader Space Capability, moderated a panel discussion following the keynotes.
Professor Andy Koronios speaking at the SmartSat hosted session on Sovereign Space Capability
The second session panel focused on the S&T priorities outlined in the National Defence Strategy and the accompanying Defence Innovation Science and Technology Strategy. These priorities include hypersonics, directed energy, trusted autonomous systems, quantum technologies, information warfare and long-range fires.
The DSTG theme leaders for each of these technologies provided their thoughts on how space capabilities and space technologies may drive outcomes in each area. The initial panel was introduced by Dr Sarah Chamberlain Wood, the Defence Science Advisor, Space, and moderated by Crystal Forrester, Deputy Program Lead Innovation.
This panel was followed by a mini–Defence Showcase providing examples of world leading space technology development in most of these areas including quantum and optical communications, precision optical clocks, autonomy in space, space domain awareness, space electronic warfare and international collaboration.
Major General Gregory Novak, Defence Space Commander, addressing attendees during the session
It is estimated that more that 150 people attended both sessions, a turn-out that exceeded expectations and included many audience members that are new to the space domain presenting a great opportunity to explain the importance of sovereign space technology and discuss some of the advanced research and innovation underway in Australia.
Peter Kerr
Defence & National Security Coordinator