Celebrating 50 Years of Connection and Innovation in the Space Industry
To mark the significant 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, the Australia-Japan Society of NSW (AJS-NSW) and The Japan Foundation, Sydney are proud to co-host this special event, bringing together leading voices from academia, industry and the broader space sector to explore the intersection of space exploration, technology and innovation through an Australia-Japan lens.
The evening will commence with a special presentation by Kate Kitagawa, internationally recognised space educator, author and strategic advisor, who will share her insights on the history, future and societal significance of space exploration.
Following her presentation, Kate will moderate a panel discussion featuring Melissa de Zwart, Akihiko Nishino and Tim Parsons.
Reflecting the spirit of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, the event will celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years while considering how the next generation can strengthen Australia-Japan cooperation through science, innovation and shared vision.
Together, they will explore the evolution of space research and technology, emerging opportunities and challenges in the rapidly expanding space sector, and the role Australia and Japan can play in shaping the future of international collaboration.
Speaker bios
Melissa de Zwart is Professor at the University of Adelaide and a prominent legal researcher working across the commercial and military uses of outer space, including domestic and international space law. She is a member of the International Institute of Space Law, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve, and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. Her expertise helps the Centre address the complex legal and regulatory environment arising from novel space technologies. Her extensive academic and professional leadership experience also supports her roles as a program lead and Deputy Director.
Akihiko Nishino is a researcher and educator exploring how space technology and geospatial data can help address societal challenges. He is a Project Senior Assistant Professor at Keio University, Japan, and a Senior Researcher at the Space Service Innovation Laboratory (SSIL), a cooperative of space ventures. He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and is currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
His research focuses on using satellite technology and geospatial data for disaster response and urban heat risk. Beyond technology and data, he values learning directly from people and places through fieldwork and dialogue, with a focus on applying his research in the real world.
Akihiko also facilitates workshops on systems thinking and design thinking—frameworks for understanding societal challenges and developing solutions—for students, industry, and government professionals. Based in Sydney, he is active across the Asia-Pacific region through research, education, and international collaboration.
Tim Parsons leads partnerships for HEO’s Apophis flyby and GEO science missions.
A technologist and entrepreneurship educator with advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and computer science, Tim has been focused on helping to build the Australian space ecosystem and startup space companies since 2014.
Of particular note for this event, four members of Tim’s family all named Parsons have represented Japan as Consul to Adelaide between 1896 and 1982.
Moderator
Kate Kitagawa is a space educator and international strategist, currently Professor of Practice in Space Research and Education at La Trobe University. Before moving to Australia, she worked at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), where she served as Advisor to the Senior Vice President and Director of the Space Education Office.
Kate’s work is driven by a curiosity about space and what exploring it can teach us about ourselves and life on Earth. Her interests range from space missions and human life in space to the new ideas and connections that space exploration can inspire.
Above all, she is passionate about sharing the possibilities of space with people well beyond the space community.
Based in Melbourne, Kate is an internationally active speaker and author, and an occasional broadcaster, sharing her enthusiasm for time and space with audiences around the world.
Thanks to our corporate member The Japan Foundation, Sydney, for hosting us in their space.
Registrations are now open HERE so please register (and pay online or to our bank account).
