In this episode of Space Matters, we speak with Dr Tristan Moss about the intersection of Australia’s military history and contemporary space policy, tracing how defence considerations have long shaped Australia’s engagement with space. Drawing on historical and policy perspectives, this episodes explores Australia’s approach to developing sovereign space capabilities, recent investments in ground infrastructure and the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening Australia’s space posture.

The episode also looks at Australia’s space relationships in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting how collaboration with regional partners can enhance stability, support climate resilience, and ensure secure access to important space-derived data. Throughout the discussion, Dr Moss explains the need to mainstream space literacy across government and defence, develop clearer career pathways, and adopt a more integrated, whole-of-government approach to space governance. Dr Tristan Moss reflects that effective leadership, informed policymaking and sustained public engagement are essential to positioning space as a core pillar of Australia’s long-term strategic, environmental and security interests.
Further Listening
An earlier episode where Dr Tristan Moss explaining the significance of space history: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3srOVunSSYsCXqbm9dX3Zm?si=mpiEVBFbRU61maw-zXQUWQ