December 1st - 2nd, 2025
On the 19th - 20th of February 2025, the Australian astronomy community, industry and space science leads gathered for the first Australian space-based astronomy conference held at Macquarie University.
Filled with ideas and ambitions, the community decided: it was time to build a new Australian Space Telescope.
Blue Horizons is a new annual conference series to position our community for the next Australian astronomy mission that is out of this world.
Have a say in shaping what the next Australian space telescope mission will look like
Connect with a rapidly growing community of Australian space-based astronomy, instrumentation and space science experts
Track the latest advancements and discoveries in space science and astronomy
Call for talks: Closed due to influx of applications! Program Finalised
* University of Melbourne staff and students, please contact Kim Dorrell directly for bookings and payment at kdorrell@unimelb.edu.au
* Invited speakers please contact Dr. Sarah Caddy for registration at sarah.caddy@unimelb.edu.au
From discovering new habitable worlds, exploring the Universe in the Ultraviolet and detecting Gamma Ray Bursts, all the way to tracking satellites and searching for bushfires. Key science drivers for space telescopes span a wide range of applications from those that help us understand the workings of Universe, to future proofing our world here on Earth.
Australia may be a new player to the space race, but that doesn't mean we are not already breaking new ground. Our contributions to international space based astronomy missions will form a key part in establishing a respected and thriving space economy in Australia.
Australia has always been a world leading player in astronomical instrumentation. Hear about the latest advancements from the experts, including new Small Sat concepts, optical communications, ground stations and innovative space telescope designs.
Blue Horizons is a unique opportunity to celebrate the Australian success stories both launched and in development, from industry to academia, that serve as inspiration for the next missions yet to be conceived.
Chair - Prof. Simon Driver (AAL SSLC Chair)
Roger Franzen AO (Director and Principal Consultant - Earthspace)
Prof. Peter Moar (Head of Space Instrumentation - Space Technology Industry Institute)
Dr. Jane Kaczmerak (Senior Operations Scientist - SKA Observatory)
Dr. Mark Cheung (Science Director & Deputy Director, Space & Astronomy - CSIRO)
Prof. Richard McDermid (Director - Australian Astronomical Optics Macquarie)