Ahead of the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition, Katie Mouser, inaugural committee member of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA), says, “Australia’s space sector is making strides in diversity, but representation gaps remain.”
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs reported that women make up only around 20 per cent of the international space industry, and only 28 per cent of the broader STEM workforce.
Representation among other minority groups is starkly lower, accounting for less than 5 per cent of the international space workforce.
To combat these disparities, Mouser told Space Connect that “initiatives like the Australian Space Diversity Alliance and mentorship programs are some ways we’re driving change in the sector, although continued commitment and measurable action are needed to embed inclusivity into any industry’s culture”.
Diversity plays a fundamental role in accelerating innovation across the space sector. By supporting the representation of women, culturally diverse people and other minority groups, Australia’s space industry can strengthen its capabilities, advance its skillset and broaden perspectives.
Mouser said, “diverse teams drive creativity, problem-solving and long-term success, particularly in space”.
“By embracing different perspectives across gender, culture and thought, it’s an opportunity to enhance innovation, strengthen risk management and accelerate progress.”
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While the industry has taken strides in embracing diversity, significant barriers to entry remain.
“Under-represented groups face limited visibility, systemic biases and barriers to STEM careers,” Mouser said.
Part of ASDA’s mission is to support senior leaders and the broader workforce in removing the obstacles preventing marginalised groups from accessing opportunities in Australia’s space sector.
Mouser highlighted that “for global competitiveness and longevity, as a relatively young space sector, Australia needs to attract and retain diverse talent, which requires early STEM engagement, visible role models and equitable career pathways”.
“We look to our leaders setting examples by driving structural change, encouraging collaboration and honouring accountability, but we can all contribute as individuals.”
When discussing how organisations can overcome bias and barriers to entry for under-represented groups, Mouser stated that the “ways to remove these can be inclusive hiring, mentorship programs, flexible policies and targeted outreach”.
Indeed, Mouser urged organisations to “adopt bias-free hiring, diverse recruitment panels and leadership development for under-represented groups” as a start in bridging the gap towards a more inclusive space workforce.
She also suggested companies implement “transparent pathways, sponsorship programs and workplace policies that support flexibility and inclusion to ensure a stronger, more equitable space industry”.
These strategies, when implemented effectively, can cultivate a workplace culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Although she stressed that in order to create meaningful, long-term change, “diversity goals must be measurable and ideally be embedded in industry frameworks”.
To learn more from Katie Mouser, come along to the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition.
The summit will take place on the 27th and 28th May 2025 at Ilumina in Sydney. Click here to buy tickets.
Click here to learn more about the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition.
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