Space Hub Connect - Crafting Solutions for Orbital Sustainability

Launch into 2024 with our latest Space Hub Connect event! In collaboration with ANT61, join us for this special edition on driving sustainable practices in space.

The vast expanse of space offers limitless possibilities for exploration and progress. However, with increasing space activity comes a growing threat: space debris. This ever-expanding cloud of defunct satellites, rocket parts, and other man-made objects presents a significant risk to operational spacecraft and hinders our ability to explore space freely.

To help navigate this critical challenge, we're bringing together the brightest minds in the space sector, from a founder pushing the boundaries of responsible space operations, a government representative leading IAC2025, legal experts navigating the complexities of space law and engineering pioneers tackling technical challenges of debris mitigation. 

Let's address the pressing issues in space exploration together. How can we innovate for a cleaner, safer space environment? What policies and regulations should be advanced to foster responsible practices and guarantee a sustainable space economy?

 Led by Alex Shapilsky, Cicada's Head of Space this conversation will feature: 

• Mikhail Asavkin, CEO and Founder of ANT61
• Jessica Saladine, Senior Associate, Defence and Space NSW, Investment NSW 
• Joann Yap, Director and Chair of the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand
• Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research

Whether you're a seasoned space professional, a passionate startup founder with your eyes on the stars, or a driven space enthusiast, your voice matters. Join the conversation to shape a more sustainable future for space exploration and pave the way for a thriving space economy for generations to come. 

This is more than an event; it's a stepping stone towards a legacy of innovation and sustainability in space. Be part of the movement that defines our future among the stars.

Meet the speakers

Jessica Saladine, Senior Associate, Defence and Space NSW, Investment NSW 

Jessica Saladine is the Senior Associate of Space at Investment NSW. With more than seven years of experience spanning across multiple portfolios within both Commonwealth and State governments, Jessica brings a strong understanding of the Government's industry policy and national security priorities. 

In her current role, Jessica is an integral member of a team dedicated to driving economic growth and capability uplift of NSW's space sector. Notably, she led the NSW Government efforts for securing the International Astronautical Congress and now plays a key role in delivering the conference in Sydney in 2025. Previously, as an Assistant Director in the Industry Policy Division at the Department of Defence, Jessica led a high-performing team focused on delivering defence industry policy and export initiatives. Jessica holds a double degree in Arts and Science (Psychology) from the University of Sydney and is fluent in Mandarin.

Joann Yap, Director and Chair of the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand

Joann is a corporate lawyer and Space Lead at Lander & Rogers. She works with deep space technology and other businesses in the space economy, including in relation to the liability and other risks of in-orbit activities, regulatory advice for space activities, fundraising, corporate governance and intellectual property.

Joann is also the Chair and a Director of the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand, a not-for-profit company established to further the interests of all in securing sustainable access to the benefits of space activities and contribute to the advancement of space law and policy. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Joann was a medical radiation scientist.

Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research

Professor Andrew Dempster is Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER) in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He has a BE and MEngSc from UNSW
and a PhD from the University of Cambridge in efficient circuits for signal processing arithmetic. He was system engineer and project manager for the first GPS receiver developed in Australia in the late 80s and has been involved in satellite navigation ever
since. His current research interests are in satellite navigation receiver design and signal processing, areas where he has six patents, and new location technologies, and space systems, especially those related to extracting water. He is leading the development of space engineering research at ACSER.