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Australia’s strategy with its Indo-Pacific partners to secure space, maintain the space environment and enhance earth observation capabilities will form the foundation of an international conference, hosted by the Perth USAsia Centre in collaboration with The University of Western Australia.

The conference will be held on Monday 8 October at Optus Stadium.

With Australia emerging as a leader in international space engagement, and the recent establishment of the Australian Space Agency, the conference; ‘ The Zone Above: the Indo-Pacific Era in Space’ , is a timely gathering of key stakeholders to explore three thought-provoking themes of security, earth observation and space environment.

Perth USAsia Centre’s CEO Professor Gordon Flake said the conference will delve into the legal and political frameworks required for Australia and the Indo-Pacific region to explore space, discuss cutting-edge applications, and investigate how countries can cooperate to manage the space environment.

“The nation’s capability as an advanced economy with world-class research and development, positions it to influence and grow the region’s space industry and high-tech economy,” Professor Flake said.

“As a strategic partner with Indo-Pacific countries, Australia is an ideal coordinator for international space initiatives.”

Dr Megan Clarke, head of the Australian Space Agency, will be joined by Former NASA Astronaut Pamela A Melroy, President of The Spaceship Company and UWA graduate Enrico Palermo and approximately 30 other high calibre speakers, to explore the future of space engagement.

Professor Flake said the conference will also examine the role Australia and the Indo-Pacific has to play as technology evolves to expand capabilities.

“This will be the ninth ‘In the Zone’ conference since its establishment in 2009, and will be delivered by the Perth USAsia Centre in collaboration with UWA, with experts from around the globe descending upon Perth to unite our thinking about shared opportunities, challenges and risks in space.”

“We support the WA Government’s approach to space policy, acknowledging the potential of Western Australia as a space hub for the nation,” Professor Flake said.

Tickets for the In the Zone conference, The Zone Above: the Indo-Pacific Era in Space are $220 or $110 for concession, and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketswa.com/event/zone-2018 .

Media references

Tammy Wayne-Elliot (Perth USAsia Centre)                                         08 6488 4329 / 0414 428 440

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)                  08 6488 3229 / 0432 637 71