Space Connect has officially launched the Australian Space Awards 2021, inviting nominations and submissions from leading stakeholders.

Supported by principal partner KBR, the awards program will showcase the nation’s best and brightest space businesses and professionals.

The program recognises individuals and businesses supporting the development of Australia’s space economy — from major ASX-listed corporations to SMEs, start-ups, academic institutions and associations.

Awards are open to all organisations operating in Australia in support of the space industry, including stakeholders from the telecommunications, satellite, energy, mining and transport sectors, as well as the defence, agriculture, disaster and water management industries.

Winners will be announced at a five-star gala dinner held in Sydney, with the ceremony also live-streamed nationwide.

“It’s a great honour to announce the launch of the second annual Australian Space Awards,” Joe Vince, Momentum Media’s head of strategy, defence and aerospace, said. 

“We are looking forward to building on the success of the inaugural awards in 2020, and sharing a wonderful evening with friends and colleagues from across the space sector as we celebrate and recognise all of the talented businesses and individuals that are invested in advancing our domestic market as well as projecting Australia’s space industry on the global stage.” 

Rob Hawketts, vice president, government solutions APAC, KBR, said the firm was proud to sponsor the event for the second consecutive year. 

“KBR is proud to once again be the principal partner for the Space Connect Australian Space Awards, recognising and celebrating the hard work, inventiveness and achievements of both people and companies in the Australian space industry,” he said. 

Vince thanked KBR and other industry partners for their continued support, before calling on eligible stakeholders to get involved in the nomination process. 

“I would like to say a big thank you to our principal partner, KBR, for their ongoing support, and to the program’s supporting partners, the Australian Space Agency and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA). Our partners are key to ensuring we can deliver the Australian Space Awards for the industry and they play a central role in fostering interest from across the space sector,” Vince added. 

“I would like to encourage all space professionals and businesses to nominate for the awards, winning one of these prestigious awards will help you gain acknowledgement for your contribution to the space sector and help you stand our in a competitive market.”

Submissions close on Friday, 9 April. 

Further details, including a full list of award categories, can be found on the Australian Space Awards website. Participants are encouraged to register their details to ensure they receive the latest updates.

The Australian Space Awards is produced by one of Australia’s top events businesses, Momentum Media, and is part of a suite of major national awards programs including the Australian Defence Industry Awards, Australian Law Awards, Australian Accounting Awards and the Australian Broking Awards.