Space Matters: The Space Governance Podcast

This episode captures a live panel on Space Middle Powers in the Asia Pacific Region, that was part of a workshop hosted by the ACSG back in February 2026, titled “Building Shared Satellite Connectivity in the Asian century”. Japan, Indian and the Philippines all demonstrate strategic leadership in the region, and have identified the role of sovereign space-based capabilities and space cooperation as key technological andpolitical factors in their regional ambitions. Dr. Cassandra Steer provides a context forthe term “space middle powers.” Panellist Dr. Raji Pillay Rajagalopan explores India’s strategic shift over six decades towards a very clear narrative for the role of space for social, political and economic aims. Dr. Noelle Riza Castillo from the Philippines Space Agency discusses the Philippines leadership in developing an ASEAN space declaration. Issues discussed include:The role of Japan, India and the Philippines in space diplomacy.Challenges and opportunities in space security and governance.The importance of transparency and confidence building measures in space.How the Philippines has built strong public-facing communication around why space capabilities matter for disasters, climate and governance.India's evolving space strategy and geopolitical ambitions. How India's space program was long driven by technocrats, but that the inclusion of Indian Foreign Secretary on the Space Commission reflects a more explicit political and strategic direction.The potential for a regional space agency in ASEAN.The need for smaller-scale consensus through bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral, and networked minilateral groupings as the best path forward for space diplomacy.What Australia should do more of with India, Japan and the Philippines?

In this episode, our founder and CEO, Dr Cassandra Steer, speaks with filmmaker and Professor Juan Francisco Salazar from Western Sydney University. We discuss Juan’s cultural research and visits to Antarctica, and consider how his research into the Anthropocene and socio-environmental change has provided perspectives for researching outer space.We also explore the role of popular culture, the importance of listening to Indigenous perspectives and the role of the social in space governance through “space humanities”. Juan encourages listeners to consider different perspectives and approaches, asking: what are we doing in outer space? Are we ready for space?We discuss human relationships with the environment, as well as the parallels and divergences between Antarctica and outer space, including questions of commercialisation and resource extraction. We consider different normative and governance models, including reflections on Antarctica’s unique legal regime. This podcast forms part of ACSG’s leadership in drawing on expertise across the humanities to advocate for and shape responsible space governance in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.Further information and listeningJuan’s documentary “Cosmographies”: https://cosmographies.info/Framing the Futures of Australia in Space: Insights from Key Stakeholders: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361608072_FRAMING_THE_FUTURES_OF_AUSTRALIA_IN_SPACE_Insights_from_Key_StakeholdersThe Routledge Handbook of Social Studies of Outer Space: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003280507/routledge-handbook-social-studies-outer-space-juan-francisco-salazar-alice-gorman

In this episode, Andre Kwok, Research Assistant at Australasian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG), speaks with Dr Kate Kitagawa, Professor of Practice of Space Education at La Trobe University and former Director of the Space Education Office at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Kate was an invited expert at a workshop ACSG held earlier in 2026 on space cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.Kate provides reflections from her time at JAXA and offers insights into the Australia-Japan relationship. We learn about Kate’s background as a historian and Japanese diplomat, and hear her thoughts on the role of public education and consider a regional approach to space in the Asia-Pacific. We also discuss some of the key opportunities and questions facing Australia in its space relationships, both bilaterally and at a broader regional level, with this episode also looking at Southeast Asia.This episode forms part of ACSG’s focus on space in the Asia-Pacific region. We also reflect on how space intersects with other issues Australia is engaged with across the region.Further information and listening:- Listen to an earlier podcast episode featuring our founder and CEO, Dr Cassandra Steer, presenting a keynote at the workshop earlier this year. The episode provides a framing of the regional focus and argues the case for Australian regional space cooperation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bAMQ9MvMrPsq5NmV1geBF?si=6vN737rYQPW_Sub3mkyNPQ- Another podcast episode exploring why the Asia-Pacific region matters to space cooperation, the value of regional perspectives and cross-cultural skills, and how “Asian literacy” connects with Australia’s international space relationships: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kXy6L82lrPJNBxOHAZuqH?si=hLfBvWpFQxatpiZMfxFB6g- Australia’s Maturing Space Capabilities in a National and Regional Context: https://www.nbr.org/publication/asias-space-ambitions-driving-the-next-chapter-in-global-space-competition/

This is part two of a collection of conversations recorded during our recent WRegSAT workshop (Workshops on the Regulation of Space Activities and Technologies)This episodes build on the mutual and cross-disciplinary learning recorded during an April workshop that brought together leading space experts. We speak with experts in space and military law, technology ethics, astrophysics, and Aboriginal perspectives on Sky Country. These discussions highlight WRegSAT’s strength in bringing together interdisciplinary thinking in finding solutions for space regulation. We speak with Dr Matthew Stubbs, Dr Rebecca Allen, Dr Evie Kendal and Amos Taylor. The workshop saw detailed and high-level discussions spanning space regulations together with broader space governance issues among participants. WRegSAT representatives are consolidating these insights into a Regulatory Options Paper. That work will continue through two further workshops later this year. For more information about WRegSAT, please visit our website at https://www.spacegovcentre.org/wregsat.

This is part one of a two-part podcast series on WRegSAT Series II.This podcast features interviews recorded during an April workshop that brought together Australian space experts, featuring Lesley Sutton, Luke Standen, Zamara Rodriguez, Dr Joel Lisk, Dr Melissa De Zwart, Dr Matthew Stubbs, Dr Rebecca Leshinsky, Dr Evie Kendal and Amos Taylor. Through a partnership with Gilbert + Tobin, participants explored gaps in Australia’s space regulatory framework and assessed potential approaches against seven key values:Maa Bullarbu and custodial responsibility for the next seven generationsPromoting safe and sustainable practicesEncouraging innovation and competitivenessEnsuring national securityIncluding diverse perspectivesMeeting international obligationsStrengthening regulatory effectiveness and resilienceThe workshop saw detailed and high-level discussions spanning space regulations together with broader space governance issues among participants. WRegSAT representatives are consolidating these insights into a Regulatory Options Paper. That work will continue through two further workshops in July and November.Stay tuned for part two of this series. For more information about WRegSAT, please visit our website at https://www.spacegovcentre.org/wregsat.