Mark your calendars for February 19, 2025, as the 6th Australian Defence Magazine Space Summit blasts off in Canberra. 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.
New for 2025! An Unprecedented Opportunity – All in One Place!
For the first time ever, the 6th Australian Defence Magazine Space Summit will be co-located with the 22nd ADM Congress and the inaugural ADM AUKUS Pillar II Conference. This unique convergence of events gives you exclusive access to three powerhouse industry gatherings 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
Gold Sponsor
Gold & Coffee Cart Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Charity Dinner Partner
Supporting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Exhibitors
Speakers
The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry
The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
Shadow Minister for Defence
Chris Hewett
General Manager – Space Policy, Australian Space Agency
Major General Greg Novak AM
Commander Space Command
Adam Gilmour
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Gilmour Space Technologies
Dr Milica Symul
Chief Operating Officer, iLAuNCH Trailblazer
Phil Ridley
CEO, Quasar Satellite Technologies
Portia Wolf
Director – Space Domain, SPA Australia
Raoul Heinrichs
General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites
Dr Malcolm Davis
Senior Analyst, ASPI
Will Crowe
Co-Founder & CEO, HEO Space
Kelly Barlow
Principal Consultant – Space Sector, EMA Advisory
Ben Sorensen
ELO2 Consortium Director, EPE
AGENDA | Wednesday 19th February
8:50
OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair
Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites
9:00
Ministerial Address | Strategic Priorities for Defence Industry
- Expanding local manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers
- Supporting SME’s entering the supply chain
- Preparing for emerging global challenges
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry
9:10
Fireside Chat |
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry
Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine
9:30
KEYNOTE | Australia’s Strategic Space Strategy
- Investment in space infrastructure and technologies
- Australia’s position in the global space community
- Collaboration within Australia’s space industry
- Opportunities for growth and support for SME’s
Chris Hewett, General Manager – Space Policy, Australian Space Agency
10:00
KEYNOTE | Space’s critical role in Defence objectives
- Highlighting the importance of space capabilities – communications, surveillance, situational awareness etc.
- Threats posed by adversaries in space such as anti-satellite weapons and cyber threats
- Partnerships with industry and academia
Major General Greg Novak AM, Commander Space Command
10:30
Morning Tea and Networking Break
11:00
Australia’s Space Policy and the Importance of Space Capability to National Security
- What is Australia’s position within the global space community?
- What capabilities does Australia offer, and what are our strategic requirements?
- Space as a critical domain for ADF operations
- Government approach and investment in space capability
- International partnerships and collaboration
Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, ASPI
11:30
Case Study | Gilmour Space Technologies’ journey to launch
- Challenges and obstacles launching the first Australia’s designed rocket from an Australian spaceport
- How has the Australian Space sector changed over the past 10 years?
- What does the future hold for Gilmour Space Technologies and the Australian space community?
Adam Gilmour, Chief Executive Officer, Gilmour Space Technologies
12:00
Case Study | Innovations in Advance RF based Space Domain Awareness
Phil Ridley, CEO, Quasar Satellite Technologies
12:30
Lunch
13:50
Shadow Ministerial Address | Australia’s Defence Priorities
- Optimising Defence spending and investment
- Ensuring readiness to respond to regional strategic challenges
- Future ADF capability requirements
- Streamlining access to Defence contracts for local industries
The Hon Andrew Hastie MP, Shadow Minister for Defence (Virtual)
14:15
Case Study | Advancing Space Exploration and Operations Through Non-Earth Imagery
- The importance on non-earth imagery
- Satellite innovation and space situation awareness
- Technological advancements and utilising AI, robotics and machine learning
- Collaboration and opportunities
Will Crowe, Co-Founder & CEO, HEO Space
14:45
Panel Discussion | Building a Future-Ready Space Sector Workforce
- Government activities and commercial space operations increasing demand for skilled workers
- Key skills required now and in the future for a career in space
- Challenges for SME’s accessing the talent pool
Kelly Barlow, Principal Consultant – Space Sector, EMA Advisory
Portia Wolf, Director – Space Domain, SPA Australia
Moderator: Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites
15:10
Afternoon Tea & Networking Break
15:40
Innovation for Australia’s Space Future
Kimberley Clayfield, Space Research Program Director, CSIRO
16:10
Panel Discussion | Future Space Technologies: Innovating for Next Generation Exploration
- Advances in satellite technology and communications
- Critical infrastructure and skills required for a successful launch
- Developing in-space manufacturing and sustainment
- Utilising AI, robotics and machine learning
Ben Sorensen, ELO2 Consortium Director, EPE
Peter Kerr, Defence & National Security Coordinator, Smartsat CRC
Dr Milica Symul, Chief Operating Officer, iLAuNCH Trailblazer
Moderator: Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites
16:50
Closing remarks from the Chair
17:00
End of Conference and Networking Drinks
ADM Congress Charity Dinner
19th February 2025 – 6:30pm | Federation Ballroom , Hyatt Hotel Canberra
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 guest speaker: Major General (Retired) Andrew Bottrell, AO, CSC and Bar, DSM
Special offer – the first 300 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.
ADM Congress Welcome Reception
18th February 2025 – 6pm | Lavender Courtyard & Terrace, Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Your event experience begins with the ADM Congress Welcome Reception. Network, connect, and engage while enjoying refreshments, as you hear from a distinguished guest speaker (stay tuned for the announcement!)
This exclusive event is included in your conference ticket.
Speaker: Matt Anderson PSM, Director, Australian War Memorial
Pricing
Conference pass includes access to:
- All three conferences
- ADM Congress
- ADM Space Summit
- ADM Pillar II Conference
- Welcome Reception
- Post Conference Networking Drinks
- ADM Congress Charity Dinner *
*First 300 delegates get a FREE seat at the ADM Congress Dinner with MAJGEN (Ret’d) Andrew Bottrell AO, CSC & Bar, DSM.
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 | $2,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – SME, Government and Academia Rate | $1,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – Micro SME Rate | $1,595 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Table of 10 | $3,300 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Department of Defence, ADF and Speakers | $250 + GST |
Venue
Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
120 Commonwealth Ave
Canberra ACT 2600
(02) 6270 1234
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