Space Command AU

As part of the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative, Australia joined partner nations in Florence, Italy, to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, safe and sustainable space domain. For 10 years, the CSpO has led collaborative efforts to respond to evolving space challenges and opportunities. The Principals emphasised the importance of the responsible and lawful use of space, discussed existing and emerging threats to space systems, and identified further opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.

The recently announced 2024 Defence Workforce Plan emphasises the acceleration and enhancement of #YourADF’s space capabilities, which are pivotal to maintaining Australia’s situational awareness and our ability to protect our networks and systems. Our Space Command workforce, through their expertise, skillset and innovation, will play a critical role in assuring our access to space.

COL Lisa Davidson represented Space Command at #MilCIS – speaking about the critical role of our future space domain workforce. At #MilCIS, #YourADF’s Space Command tackled these challenges head-on, exploring new ways to protect our communication networks and enhance ADF space capabilities.

🌌 Recently, Australians were treated to the Southern Aurora, visible as far north as Queensland, thanks to a powerful solar flare. But there’s a serious side – solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) can impact space and terrestrial operations, including communications. Space Command’s SGT Benjamin Byrne said, “Members of the public might not realise that Defence actively monitors and reports on space weather. Solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) can affect space and terrestrial operations, especially communications, but with diligent forecasting in concert with the Bureau of Meteorology we can help identify and mitigate potential negative effects.” DSTG’s Science Advisor – Space, Dr. Sarah Chamberlain Wood added, “Events like the recent solar flares provide a great opportunity for the public to get excited by, engage with, and learn about the space environment. So much of the technology we rely on daily is underpinned by infrastructure in that space environment.” 📸: Courtesy of Ricky Bryan, Eden, NSW #SouthernAurora #SpaceWeather #SolarFlares #AustralianSpaceOperationsCentre

#YourADF Sergeant Amy Hestermann-Crane represented Space Command at the 2024 Indonesian Women in Security Leadership program.    Amy spoke about her experiences within Defence and Space Command as to a cohort of diverse and inspiring Indonesian women.   Amy said “My career in Space Command has been shaped by many inspiring people. It was a privilege to share their stories to remind these impressive women of the powerful impact we all can have on the upcoming generation.”   A notable example of women helping women, this program aims to empower talented Indonesian women from a variety of backgrounds, develop their skills and boost their networks both at home and in Australia.

Did you know that 4-10 October is World Space Week? It is timed to coincide with October 4, 1957, the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik and 10 October 1967, signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Usually called the Outer Space Treaty, it remains one of the most significant law-making treaties concluded in the second half of the twentieth century and it drives much of our work today in terms of further establishing and standardising respectful and common-sense norms for responsible behaviour in space. Coordinated by the United Nations, World Space Week aims to educate and excite people about Space – an outcome we at Space Command can certainly endorse!

National Safety Month is an Australian Government-led initiative through Safe Work Australia to promote a healthy and safe work environment. Safety underpins all aspects of Defence capability and is an integral part of the way we deliver the Defence mission. Space Command presents some unique challenges with regards to workplace health and safety, and it is important that all our people across the Services, APS, contractors, and others know that it is of the utmost importance to Space Command leadership. #YourADF #WHS

Leaders in Defence innovation, science and technology gathered in Canberra this week for the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (#ADSTAR) Summit. MAJ GEN Greg Novak, Commander, Space Command joined colleagues from Defence, academia and industry on a panel to discuss Australia’s current and future role in Space Domain. The panel considered space technology in an integrated, focused force, space technology partnerships, and pathways to accelerate capability development. #yourADF #ADSTAR

Today, Commander Space Command, Major General Novak provided a keynote address at #SouthernSpace 2024 offering his perspectives on how Space Command is responding to a changing threat environment. MAJGEN Novak offered four perspectives on how Space Command will tackle these challenges. They involve increasing Defence’s preparedness by treating space as its own domain, delivering a resilient space architecture, building a space workforce and recognising the need to work together with our allies & partners, #DefenceIndustry, academia and other government departments to assure access to space.

What makes the space domain critical to Australia’s defence and security? What are the challeneges and opportunities in the space domain? Please take the time to listen to a very interesting discussion between Commander Space Command, Major General Greg Novak AM and Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of the National Security College at ANU on the podcast “The ultimate high ground: Australia’s role in the space domain”. #YourADF #Space 👂⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g9QcdtAY