A cross-sector campaign led by the International Space Centre at The University of Western Australia is seeking federal government support for an Australian human spaceflight mission, positioning it as a strategic step to anchor the nation in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
The initiative brings together universities, industry associations, chief scientists, STEM organisations and senior political figures, reflecting broad alignment around the economic and strategic value of deeper international space engagement. Last month, the group submitted nearly 80 letters of support to the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members, outlining the case for closer collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), including the prospect of an Australian astronaut mission.
Professor Danail Obreschkow, Director of the International Space Centre, described the proposal as a time-sensitive opportunity to secure long-term economic and research benefits.
“The window for Australia to secure a human spaceflight mission that delivers all of these continuing benefits to our economy is extraordinarily narrow,” Professor Obreschkow said.
ESA member states are currently progressing mission allocations and contractual agreements, increasing the urgency of any Australian decision to participate.
While human spaceflight carries symbolic value, the campaign argues the broader objective is structural: embedding Australia within international supply chains, research partnerships and decision-making forums that shape future space governance and commercial activity.
“It is not about sending one individual into orbit,” Professor Obreschkow said. “It is about anchoring Australia to the global space economy. Nations that participate in human spaceflight sit at the table where future space rules, supply chains and collaborations are shaped.”
The global space sector is now valued at approximately US$900 billion, with growth driven by satellite services, advanced manufacturing, launch systems and data applications. Australia is heavily reliant on space-enabled services — including banking, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, disaster response and national security — yet remains in the early stages of developing sovereign capability.
The campaign contends that participation in a human spaceflight program could act as a catalyst for downstream contracts, advanced manufacturing opportunities, international research access and deeper market integration with Europe.
“For a relatively modest contribution in federal terms, Australia gains credibility, capability and commercial leverage in a global industry now valued at nearly a trillion dollars,” Professor Obreschkow said.
He added that long-term investment in space capability must be considered alongside immediate economic pressures.
“At a time when Australians are focused on cost-of-living pressures, we must also make strategic investments that grow future industries and create high-value jobs. Space capability underpins everyday life, from GPS to secure financial transactions.”
Among the supporters is Dr Megan Clark AC, former Head of the Australian Space Agency and former Chief Executive of CSIRO, who highlighted the broader national impact of such a mission.
“Imagine Australians across the country counting down and holding their breath for lift off, wishing a fellow Australian a productive journey and safe return to Earth,” Dr Clark said.
“Imagine a generation of school children watching an Aussie performing their experiments in space. Human space flight demands Australians master the hardest things in front of the world.”