The proposed Australian Space Debris Research Community would unite universities, specialist research centres, and commercial space companies in an effort to strengthen Australia’s role in safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment.
Space debris ranging from inactive satellites and discarded rocket bodies to fragments created by collisions and anti-satellite weapon tests has become a major concern for governments and industry worldwide.
With more than 10,000 active satellites now in orbit and megaconstellations expanding rapidly, experts warn that the risk of debris collisions is increasing, threatening everything from communications and navigation services to crewed missions aboard the International Space Station.
The agency is encouraging Australian-based organisations with relevant expertise, research programs, sensor networks, analytical tools or experimental facilities to participate.
Submissions are expected to highlight not just technical capability but also opportunities to collaborate across disciplines such as astrophysics, aerospace engineering, materials science, AI-driven tracking and orbital dynamics.
Australia already plays a rising role in global debris management, supported by its geographically advantageous southern-hemisphere ground-tracking sites and emerging space industry hubs in South Australia, Queensland and the ACT.
The new research community is intended to consolidate these strengths while creating a national focal point for long-term scientific and policy development.
The initiative is closely tied to Australia’s participation as an associate member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the peak international forum for technical cooperation on debris issues. The IADC operates four specialist working groups:
- WG1 (measurements): developing and refining space-object tracking and observation techniques.
- WG2 (environment and database): modelling orbital debris and managing global datasets.
- WG3 (protection): advancing shielding technologies and impact-testing methods.
- WG4 (mitigation): improving international standards and strategies to reduce debris generation.
The agency said the new research community will strengthen Australia’s voice in these global efforts while ensuring the nation keeps pace with the accelerating tempo of space activity.
Expressions of interest to participate close on Friday, 12 December 2025, with more information and submission application information available here.