Celebrating its inaugural year, the Australian Space Awards sets the new benchmark for excellence in space, recognising the outstanding achievements made by both individuals and firms working in Australian space industry.

From the major listed organisations and corporates servicing Australia’s space economy to SMEs, start-ups, academic institutions and associations, the Australian Space Awards acknowledges the professionals and businesses that are driving innovation, change and the development of Australia’s space sector.

The finalists, announced on Tuesday, 4 February, represent 128 individuals and groups across the space industry over 22 different categories.

William Magee, head of strategy at Space Connect, the brand behind the Australian Space Awards, welcomed the level of participation for the inaugural Australian Space Awards – and engagement from sectors across the space industry.

“The interest in the awards program, and the number of submissions received, [reinforce] the opportunity we identified in giving Australia’s space sector a national platform of recognition,” he said.

“The backing of the Australian Space Agency plus the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) as supporting partners of the Australian Space Awards is testament to the collective drive of the sector to realise a robust, globally competitive domestic space industry.

“We’re proud to deliver this awards program and play our role in the developing space economy.

“The number of submissions received, plus the calibre of partners and judges we’ve attracted to the program, is an extraordinary vote of confidence for Australia’s space industry and representative of the depth of talent we have in our sector – I would like to thank each of the entrants for their submissions and wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

Sam Bell, CEO at AW Bell, said that he was humbled to be recognised and proud to be a part of such an extensive network.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner later in the year.