IAC Sydney 2025 paper: Breaking barriers

Jacqui Tyack
3 days ago
2 min read

Breaking barriers: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Australian space workforce

Authors: Jacqui Tyack, Keira Chrystal

Abstract

The global space and STEM sectors face persistent workforce shortages, compounded by projected industry growth. Attracting and retaining a diverse workforce is key to securing an innovative and sustainable space sector. The Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA) was founded to address the critical need for greater inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in Australia’s space sector, recognising that a more inclusive workforce drives greater innovation, collaboration, and decision-making.

Despite Australia’s rich history in space dating back to the 1960s, the industry remains relatively immature. This presents a unique opportunity to embed diversity and leadership from the outset, ensuring that the workforce reflects the full spectrum of capabilities and talent. Young and emerging space leaders are particularly vocal in their call for increased visibility and representation as essential drivers for attracting new entrants to the sector.

As Space 2.0 broadens access to space through technological advancements and commercial investment, the challenge remains to develop a space sector that is not only competitive but also inclusive. Research has long demonstrated the benefits of diverse leadership—resulting in more effective decision-making and enhanced

collaboration. However, IDEA in the space industry is far from assured. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) reports that women represent only 20% of the global space workforce, a figure that has remained stagnant for over three decades. In Australia, the broader STEM workforce comprises 28% women, with estimates suggesting female participation in the space sector is closer to 20%, and other minority groups at less than 5%.

To drive meaningful change, ASDA was a part of the largest Australian and New Zealand survey of the space and spatial industries in late 2024 to establish baseline diversity metrics. The Space, Spatial and Surveying Diversity Leadership Network survey data highlights gaps and areas for improvement, providing a foundation for informed, targeted interventions. By leveraging partnerships across government, industry, and academia, ASDA aims to set new benchmarks for inclusion, ensuring that as Australia’s space sector scales, it does so with diversity as a cornerstone of

its success and resilience.

This paper will present the findings of the survey, outline emerging trends, and propose actionable strategies for fostering a more diverse and inclusive space workforce. Key takeaways will include industry best practices and lessons learned from international counterparts. The session will invite global collaboration, encouraging stakeholders to share insights and drive collective progress towards an equitable, future-ready space workforce.