Australia’s long-term interests in space are best served by independent capability, diversified international partnerships and a civil-led strategy that reflects national priorities.

As global competition intensifies, Australia must avoid tying its trajectory to the political cycles or slogans of other nations. Instead, we should strengthen domestic capability, embrace a wider array of partnerships, and lead with values of transparency and collaboration.

First, overreliance on the United States carries serious risks. US space policy is prone to abrupt shifts. The Trump-era emphasis on ‘planting the flag’, ‘winning in space’, and space dominance contrasts sharply with earlier US rhetoric around ‘inspiration’ and ‘peaceful exploration’.

Australia cannot afford to tether its space future to transient slogans of dominance. Attaching our ambitions to this political cycle threatens stability for Australia’s space sector. A diversified posture, making use of the low costs of the Indian Space Research Organisation, the governance models of the European Space Agency and the technical innovation of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, would insulate Australia from such volatility. For instance, Australia’s partnership with the Indian agency on navigation satellites demonstrates how non-US collaboration can serve both strategic and economic needs.

Achieving an Australian launch capability is rightly seen as a national priority. A nationally driven launch strategy could prioritise dual-use smallsat constellations for disaster monitoring, climate surveillance and secure communications. These applications would support civil and defence needs. While costs are real, they are a fraction of the long-term strategic penalty of dependency, particularly during crises, when foreign launch may be denied or delayed.

Third, the US Artemis lunar exploration program should not dominate our strategic vision. In a March article on Australian space policy, ASPI senior analyst Malcolm Davis frames Artemis as a singular opportunity, and participation does offer tangible benefits: access to advanced technology, increased industry visibility, and potential tech transfer. But Australia should also pursue complementary partnerships with countries whose programs also align with our goals. Engagement must be strategic, not deferential.

The defence collaboration is important, but Australia’s space agenda must go further. We do have a general policy direction for civil space, in the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019–2028, but its implementation has been uneven, and recent funding cuts suggest waning commitment. A more integrated and updated national strategy is needed to align civil, commercial and defence priorities and ensure consistent investment. It should support national broad priorities, such as agriculture, climate resilience, bushfire response, regional development, and deep space science. A civil-led framework would enable a more inclusive and adaptable space economy.

Greater cooperation with such partners as the Indian and European agencies would open access to projects that support these goals. India’s Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions demonstrate innovation on limited budgets. Europe’s institutional models offer experience in collaborative governance and peaceful norms, a necessary balance as outer space becomes increasingly contested. On the military side of policy, we should be cautious in promoting space-control capabilities. Implementing them risks normalising a destabilising space arms race.

As a signatory to the UN Sustainability Guidelines, Australia has already chosen a different path, one where leadership means restraint as much as resilience. The pursuit of space deterrence must not come at the cost of Australia’s resistance to an arms race. We are well placed to lead by example through transparency, diplomacy, and responsible behaviour.

The case for integrating space into national defence is compelling, but it must not overshadow Australia’s broader strategic interests. Our future in orbit requires investment in independent capabilities, engagement with diverse partners, and a resilient, end-to-end ecosystem.