The 7th Australian Defence Magazine Space Summit blasts off in Canberra on 18 February 2026.
This high-profile event will unite key players from government, industry, academia, and the pioneering world of space to explore Australia’s evolving space strategy and its role on the global stage.
With a focus on building a sovereign space industry and driving global collaboration, this summit is your chance to be at the forefront of the space revolution. Attendees will discover cutting-edge innovations in space technology, learn about game-changing national and international partnerships, and gain valuable insights on navigating the regulatory terrain.
Back for 2026! Four co-located events in one place!
The 7th ADM Space Summit will be co-located with the 23nd ADM Congress, the ADM AUKUS Pillar II Conference & ADM Defence Financing Summit. This unique convergence of events provides you with exclusive access to four powerhouse industry gatherings, all with just one registration. It’s the ultimate opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, industry experts, and thought leaders across defence, space, and international collaboration.
And that’s not all – we’ve got special rates for SMEs and academia, ensuring everyone can join in on the action. Department of Defence/ADF attend for free – see details below.
Get in early! The first 300 delegates to register will receive a complimentary seat at the ADM Congress Dinner, valued at $350 + GST. Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to network, dine, and discuss the future of defence and space.
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Afternoon Tea Sponsor
Gala Dinner Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Charity Partner
Speakers
Duncan Blake
Lecturer – Space Operations, UNSW Canberra
Major General Greg Novak AM
Commander Space Command
Dr Malcolm Davis
Senior Analyst, ASPI
Chris Hewett
General Manager – Space Policy, Australian Space Agency
AGENDA | Wednesday 18th February
09:00
Welcome from Australian Defence Magazine
Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine
09:05
Opening remarks from the Chair
09:10
KEYNOTE | Delivering Australia’s Sovereign Defence Industry
09:40
KEYNOTE | Thriving in a Competitive and Unstable World: Challenges and Opportunities for Australia’s Space Sector
- Managing the impact of global geopolitical tensions on a contested space domain
- Australia’s role in ensuring stability
- Addressing vulnerabilities in space infrastructure
- The importance of innovation and collaboration to remain competitive in the global space economy
Chris Hewett, General Manager – Space Policy, Australian Space Agency
10:05
KEYNOTE | Securing Space: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of Space Defence
- Threats to space security
- Strengthening strategic partnerships and join space operations
- Opportunities presented by space
- A vision for the future of space operations
Major General Greg Novak AM, Commander Space Command
10:30
Morning Tea and Networking Break
11:10
Space as the Next Battlefield
- The strategic role of Defence in space
- Development of defensive and offensive space capabilities
- How will space integrate with land, air, sea and cyber in future conflicts?
Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, ASPI
11:35
The Role of Research Infrastructure in Support of Space Related R&D
- Developing advanced facilities such as robotics labs, material testing centres and advanced manufacturing hubs
- Supporting the design, testing and prototyping of space technologies
- Developing talent and training future space professionals
12:00
PANEL | Emerging Threats in Space: Countering Adversarial Activities
- The rise of counter space capabilities such as anti-satellite weapons and electronic warfare
- Managing the growing challenge of space debris
- Risks posed by adversarial actions
Duncan Blake, Lecturer – Space Operations, UNSW Canberra
Jason Held, Chief Executive Officer, Saber Astronautics
12:40
Lunch
13:45
PANEL | The Future of Space Robotics and AI
- Advances in robotics and AI for planetary exploration and satellite servicing
- The role of autonomous systems in space missions
- Australia’s contributions to robotics and AI in the space sector
14:25
Advanced Manufacturing for Space: Australia’s Competitive Edge
- Innovations in lightweight materials and additive manufacturing for space
- How Australian companies are contributing to global supply chains
- The role of advanced manufacturing in reducing costs and improving performance
15:35
Afternoon Tea and Networking Break
16:00
Delivering Launch Capabilities
- Emerging trends in space launch technologies
- Overcoming challenges in launch operations
- Fostering partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders
16:25
PANEL | Inspiring the Next Generation: Education and Outreach in Space
- The importance of STEM education in building Australia’s space workforce
- Programs and initiatives to inspire young Australians to pursue space careers
- The role of universities and industry in workforce development
17:05
Closing Remarks from the Chair
17:10
Networking Drinks
Charity Dinner
18 February 2026 – 6:30pm
Wrap up the day’s exciting discussions in style at the ADM Congress Charity Dinner. This evening offers the perfect opportunity to continue networking with fellow Congress attendees while supporting a great cause. Join key industry leaders, defence experts, and policymakers for an unforgettable night of conversation and charity.
Special Offer – First 300 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.
Speaker: Matt Anderson PSM, Director, Australian War MemorialPricing
Conference registration include includes access to:
- All four co-located conferences
- ADM Congress
- ADM Space Summit
- ADM Pillar II Conference
- ADM Defence Financing Summit
- Welcome Reception
- Post Conference Networking Drinks
- ADM Congress Charity Dinner *
*First 300 delegates get a FREE seat at the ADM Congress Dinner
Special rates:
- SME is defined as fewer than 200 global employees
- Micro SME is defined as fewer than 50 global employees
- Department of Defence / ADF attend the conference free. Please note this does not include a seat at the Charity Dinner. Simply register for the ADF/Dept Defence pass by emailing [email protected] and ensure you use your business email address.
| Packages | Full Rate |
| Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate | $3,095 + GST |
| Conference pass – SME, Govt & Academia Rate | $2,095 + GST |
| Conference pass – Micro SME Rate | $1,695 + GST |
| Additional Charity Dinner | $350 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Table of 10 | $3,300 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – ADF & Dept Defence ONLY | $200 + GST |
Venue
Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
120 Commonwealth Ave
Canberra ACT 2600
(02) 6270 1234
Book accommodation with HotelMaps
To access the best available rate, book here.
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