PODCAST: The freedom that a start-up space agency presents Australia, Dr Jason Held, Saber Astronautics

Joint-capabilities
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By:
Dr Jason Held, Saber Astronautics

Following the announcement in the May budget that Australia would be forming its own space agency, there has been heavy debate as to which state would be best suited for its location.

Following the announcement in the May budget that Australia would be forming its own space agency, there has been heavy debate as to which state would be best suited for its location.



In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Dr Jason Held of Saber Astronautics joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the recent opportunities that have presented themselves, while also looking at the current state of the Australian space landscape, which is per capita the fastest growing new space market in the world, and what the future is likely to hold for space industry within Australia.

He will share why he thinks that limiting manufacturing hubs to specific states could be detrimental to the growth of the sector, unpack what a space agency is in its simplest form and discuss how a start-up space agency gives Australia incredible freedom in how it develops.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 10: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 9: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 7: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 5: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 3: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 2: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty