Australia is playing a growing role in space domain awareness as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) progresses at Exmouth in Western Australia.

Speaking with Space Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Northrop Grumman Australia director of programs Derek Reinhardt and Northrop Grumman's director of next-generation space systems, Kevin Giammo, discuss DARC, Australia's role in the program and the future of space domain awareness.

The trio examine how DARC will monitor objects in geosynchronous orbit, supporting greater awareness of an increasingly congested and contested space environment.

Reinhardt discusses the growing involvement of Australian industry, with local workers supporting construction, engineering, integration and testing while building the skills needed to operate and sustain the system.

They also explore the logistical challenges of delivering the complex radar system at remote Exmouth, highlighting the importance of Australian and US collaboration with local expertise.

Looking ahead, Reinhardt expects Australian capability to expand across DARC's 22-year life cycle, while Giammo highlights the growing importance of space domain awareness as more nations and commercial companies expand their presence in orbit.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Space Connect team

Phil Tarrant is joined by Space Industry Association of Australia CEO Dan Lloyd and chairman Darin Lovett to examine Australia's growing dependence on space and the strategic implications of an increasingly contested space domain.

They unpack the critical role space plays across Australia's economy and national security, from positioning, navigation and timing, and communications to defence, transport, energy, agriculture, and emergency services.

Does Australia have the strategy, investment, and risk appetite needed to turn its space ambitions into a practical national capability?

How should Australian aerospace and defence companies use patents and intellectual property to protect innovation and gain a competitive advantage?

In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, news editor Robert Dougherty is joined by Edward Genocchio, shareholder at GLMR and an experienced patent attorney and engineer with more than 30 years' experience across patents and the defence industry.

The pair, attending Cicada X Tech23 in Sydney, discuss the strategic role of patents and intellectual property in Australia's aerospace and defence sector, including protecting sensitive technologies, managing trade secrets, and leveraging IP as a commercial asset.

The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

• The role of patents in protecting innovation and generating commercial opportunities.
• How SMEs can balance the cost of patent protection with the strategic value of their intellectual property.
• The differences between patents and trade secrets, including the challenges of maintaining secrecy.
• How secrecy orders can protect sensitive technologies from public disclosure.
• The importance of early patent filing and monitoring global developments to identify competitors and inform technology development.
• Emerging opportunities around drones, autonomy, swarm warfare, and connected autonomous systems.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Space Connect team