The West must defend Taiwan

To turn away from a fellow democracy under threat from an aggressive authoritarian neighbour would make a mockery of the values we advocate and lower our credibility in the eyes of many developing countries.

Seven sisters into space

A consortium of companies in South Australia, led by small-satellite developer Fleet Space Technologies, is preparing for a series of missions to the moon as well as planning for future missions to Mars.

Australia’s rising star in space

Australia is one of eight nations to commit to the Artemis Accords, an agreement setting out principles for cooperation in civil exploration and peaceful use of the moon, Mars, near-earth comets and asteroids.

Manufacturing initiative risks squandering Australia’s opportunity in space

Although space technology is noted as a priority in the Government’s “modern manufacturing initiative”, an old fashioned approach to projects may not be enough to boost the growth in capability we need.

Ready for lift-off?

The release last week of Australia’s defence strategic update, and its accompanying force structure plan, gives this nation the opportunity to align its defence space policy with that of the US.

Are manned fighters obsolete?

Elon Musk has told an American Air Force conference that ‘the fighter jet era has passed’. The British Defence Minister Duncan Sandys said the same thing in 1957, launching a disastrous white paper which destroyed much of the British aircraft industry. Is Musk right this time? Or is he making the same mistake of 63 years ago?

Spy games in space

Space is ‘contested, congested and competitive’ and superpower conflicts in orbit are intensifying, with Russian, Chinese and American craft trailing and even threatening each other.

Australia needs a northern launch platform

Australia is well placed to launch payloads into space from its far north, given its proximity to the equator, and a northern launch centre could help boost the nation’s space and technology industry.

Will “Space 2.0” lead to conflict in orbit?

The use of cube-sats and other low cost options in orbit could see a range of nation states expand their military options in orbit.

Space 2060

Australia must make sure that its interests are protected as the major powers establish some kind of rules-based order for a new era in human space activity.

An Australian space defence force?

What might warfare in space look like and what should the Australian Defence Force be doing to prepare?

Tackling the cyber threat to satellites

The Australian Defence Force depends heavily on satellite communications but these systems are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by hostile states and terrorist hackers.