Australian Space Week: AHK Australien hosts event on Life in Space

[Adelaide, 14 July 2025]. This year, the 18^th Australian Space Forum was held in Adelaide and while many professionals of the space industry, from technology to life science to higher education, gathered in Australia, the Health Cluster of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Australien) put together an event with an insightful panel on Life in Space. 

For the third year in a row, AHK Australien invited members and professionals of the space and life science industries to a high-profile event that included two expert panels on crucial topics in the industry right now: 

• Space Law, Regulation and Supply Chain Needs in Space and Life Sciences 
• Research & Development (R&D) in Space Life Sciences and Returns 

The event was kindly sponsored by Merck Life Science ANZ, Egress Space, and the Department of State Development of South Australia. 

Speakers included professionals from The University of Adelaide, Southern Launch, the Department of State Development of South Australia, the Australian Space Agency, Zeiss Australia and New Zealand, Deloitte Consulting, Egress Space, Austronaut, and Merck Life Science Australia and New Zealand. 

The Backbone of Australia’s Space Future 

South Australia isn’t just leading with ambition, it’s also taking action. Supported by strong state government backing, the region benefits from advanced research and development in satellite and space technologies. What truly sets it apart, however, is its geography and infrastructure. The ability to support safe and efficient land returns gives South Australia a rare and strategic advantage. This unique capability enables a faster pace of space launches and returns, which is vital for boosting innovation both in orbit and on Earth. 

Space Law as a Framework for Innovation 

In the first panel of the event, attention focused on the foundation of space activity: law and regulation. From the Outer Space Treaty to national legal frameworks, regulation plays a vital role in maintaining space as a peaceful and scientifically productive domain. Australia has long played an active role in shaping these laws, and South Australia is helping to ensure they evolve to meet the needs of emerging industries. But this isn’t just about legal theory, it's about unlocking real opportunities. The message was clear: collaboration between government and industry is key to paving the way for future advancements in space-enabled life sciences. As highlighted by local launch provider Southern Launch, international cooperation is essential. Initiatives like Plants for Space also underscore the importance of addressing ethical and cultural considerations, especially regarding food and resource use in space. 

Life sciences in space offer solutions for Earth 

 
Shifting from policy to practice, the second panel explored the life sciences breakthroughs enabled by space. The Australian Government is focusing strategically here, funding R&D that supports not only astronaut health but also critical needs on earth, such as treatments for aging populations. 

Microgravity is proving to be a game-changer for pharmaceutical and biological research, enabling experiments that can’t be done on Earth. Companies like Zeiss Microscopy are laying the groundwork through pre-launch research, aiming to better understand how cell types react to drugs in zero gravity. Others are exploring new food sources for astronauts and Earth alike, driven by the urgent need for sustainability and resilience in food systems. 

However, high costs still serve as a major obstacle to sending materials into space. That’s where startups like Egress Space come in. They aim to make space-based research and production commercially viable, accessible, and scalable. 

Furthermore, it doesn’t stop there. Insights from space are also starting to tackle global issues, such as increasing crop yields and helping farmers deal with mental health challenges caused by climate change. The success of this research relies on partnerships with communities and industries to ensure that research leads to real-world benefits. 

The future of space life sciences isn’t in a lab, it’s in our hospitals, farms, and everyday lives. 

A Launchpad for Global Collaboration and Innovation 

All panelists agreed: space is a powerful catalyst for global collaboration and innovation. South Australia is leading the way in connecting science, policy, and industry to ensure that space discoveries have a real impact here on earth. 

AHK Australien’s Health and Life Sciences Cluster offers companies in the industry, operating bilaterally, a unique platform to connect and have in-depth conversations on the latest developments within the space. The Cluster is guided and coordinated by a dedicated Cluster Manager, who has their finger on the pulse. Cluster members benefit from individual support through AHK Australien’s dedicated team and enjoy a range of industry-focused activities. In the past, AHK Australien held exclusive roundtables with advisors of the Federal Health Ministry in Australia, brought together industry-focused delegations and provided crucial contacts to state and federal governments. 

AHK Australien is part of the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), consisting of bilateral Chambers of Commerce Abroad, delegations and representative offices of German business, advises, supports and represents German companies worldwide. With 150 locations in over 90 countries across the world, AHKs are your reliable contact partner. The close cooperation between AHKs and the 79 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) in Germany helps understanding the needs of the business community. The mission and task of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad is to promote German foreign trade and a dynamic, flourish and open German international economy.