European visit opens door for human spaceflight collaboration

This month the Australian Space Agency led a delegation of local space organisations to the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.

The trip was part of broader efforts to build Australian connections with our international partners across all facets of the industry – particularly human spaceflight, applied space medicine and life sciences.

The delegation was made up of a mix of government, industry, and academia, including organisations with technology supported by the Australian Space Agency. 

Each delegate got to highlight their unique Australian capabilities, and opportunities for collaboration with European partners and beyond.

Jarrod Powell, General Manager of National Space Capability, Technology and Programs at the Australian Space Agency said the visit was an important opportunity to highlight on the global stage what our industry can do and to generate opportunities for growth here at home. 

“The visit was invaluable in showcasing the cutting-edge technologies and research that Australia can offer. By sharing ideas and collaborating, we can leverage the home-grown talent we have in areas like human spaceflight and microgravity science,” said Mr Powell.   

“By working with international partners, and contributing to global missions, our Australian space organisations can enter new supply chains to deliver more innovation and economic development here at home.”

The visit showcased Australian capabilities in technology, microgravity science, applied space medicine, operations, and STEM education.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the EAC, and received presentations from European Space Agency and German Aerospace Centre representatives. 

They also spent time with the Australian Space Agency’s Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who is currently training at the EAC to become an astronaut. She is the first person to be trained under the Australian flag.