Australia on the Moon: Our Next Giant Leap

Join the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Adelaide University for a deep dive into Australia’s growing footprint in lunar exploration and the many ways our nation is contributing to humanity’s return to the Moon. This session will explore the full spectrum of Australia’s lunar activities — from the Roo‑ver Mission and our role in NASA’s Artemis program to the broader ecosystem of research, technology development, and industry partnerships driving our next giant leap.

Mission experts will unpack the technologies behind the Australian‑built lunar rover, the engineering challenges of operating in the harsh lunar environment, and the expanding opportunities for Australian companies and researchers as international lunar missions accelerate. We’ll also examine how Australia’s strengths in robotics, remote operations, resource utilisation, and advanced manufacturing are positioning us as a key partner in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Looking ahead, the session will highlight the pathways Artemis and other global initiatives are opening for Australian students, researchers, and emerging space professionals. With an interactive audience Q&A, participants will have the chance to engage directly with the people helping shape Australia’s future on the lunar frontier.

BONUS!

Limited availability for Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources tours following the event – come and see Australia’s simulated lunar surface lab and have the opportunity to see how Rovers can really navigate on the moon! Register now for free! (Please only register for one session)

Speakers

• Dr Shannon Walker, Former Astronaut and Former Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office, NASA
• Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency
• Flavia Tata Nardini, Co-Founder and CEO, Fleet Space Technologies
• Ben Sorensen, Director, ELO2 and Roo-ver Mission
• William Foster-Hall, Research Associate, The Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources

Event Summary

📅 Thursday 5th February 2026

🕔 6:00-7:30pm (Doors open from 5:30pm)

📍 The Braggs, Adelaide University

🎟️ FREE to attend

❓If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch via [email protected]