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?