The Australian Space Agency's (the Agency) purpose is to transform and grow a globally respected Australian space industry that lifts the broader economy and improves the lives of Australians. The Moon to Mars (M2M) initiative is a $150 million investment to accelerate the growth of Australia’s space sector. It is an investment in Australia to provide the opportunity for Australian businesses and researchers to join NASA’s inspirational plan to return to the Moon and then go on to Mars.

The M2M initiative will support Australian businesses to access international space supply chains, create jobs in Australia and support the growth of industries across the economy through the development and application of space technologies. The program is comprised of three integrated elements:

• Supply Chain program – this program targets projects and activities to build capability in Australia’s space industry and support Australian industry to deliver products and services to international U.S. space supply chains
• Demonstrator program – Demonstrator and pilot projects showcasing Australia’s strengths to the world by providing a pathway for Australian industry to develop and launch products that will create new capability, enabling new business ventures, revenue streams or markets.
• Trailblazer program – A major project supporting NASA’s activities related to going forward to the Moon and on to Mars.

This investment will be focused in Australia, and is available over a five year period, with funding commencing in the 2020-21 financial year.

Consultation sessions

The Agency is seeking feedback on the M2M initiative, this includes consideration of the objectives, program design and potential areas of investment that will develop Australia’s space industry and inspire the public.

The consultation sessions will run for up to three hours. Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration.

To support the consultation, a consultation paper is available on the Moon to Mars consultation hub: www.consult.industry.gov.au/space/m2m. Comments will close on 11:59pm AEST on 6 March.

Who should attend?

The space industry, businesses and researchers who are interested in opportunities under the Moon to Mars initiative.

These consultation sessions are intended for the broader space industry, they are not open to media. Should media be interested in a briefing, contact media@space.gov.au