In this episode, Andre Kwok, Research Assistant at Australasian Centre for Space Governance (ACSG), speaks with Dr Kate Kitagawa, Professor of Practice of Space Education at La Trobe University and former Director of the Space Education Office at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Kate was an invited expert at a workshop ACSG held earlier in 2026 on space cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kate provides reflections from her time at JAXA and offers insights into the Australia-Japan relationship. We learn about Kate’s background as a historian and Japanese diplomat, and hear her thoughts on the role of public education and consider a regional approach to space in the Asia-Pacific. We also discuss some of the key opportunities and questions facing Australia in its space relationships, both bilaterally and at a broader regional level, with this episode also looking at Southeast Asia.This episode forms part of ACSG’s focus on space in the Asia-Pacific region. We also reflect on how space intersects with other issues Australia is engaged with across the region.

Further information and listening:

- Listen to an earlier podcast episode featuring our founder and CEO, Dr Cassandra Steer, presenting a keynote at the workshop earlier this year. The episode provides a framing of the regional focus and argues the case for Australian regional space cooperation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bAMQ9MvMrPsq5NmV1geBF?si=6vN737rYQPW_Sub3mkyNPQ

- Another podcast episode exploring why the Asia-Pacific region matters to space cooperation, the value of regional perspectives and cross-cultural skills, and how “Asian literacy” connects with Australia’s international space relationships: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kXy6L82lrPJNBxOHAZuqH?si=hLfBvWpFQxatpiZMfxFB6g

- Australia’s Maturing Space Capabilities in a National and Regional Context: https://www.nbr.org/publication/asias-space-ambitions-driving-the-next-chapter-in-global-space-competition/

This is part two of a collection of conversations recorded during our recent WRegSAT workshop (Workshops on the Regulation of Space Activities and Technologies)
This episodes build on the mutual and cross-disciplinary learning recorded during an April workshop that brought together leading space experts. We speak with experts in space and military law, technology ethics, astrophysics, and Aboriginal perspectives on Sky Country. These discussions highlight WRegSAT’s strength in bringing together interdisciplinary thinking in finding solutions for space regulation. We speak with Dr Matthew Stubbs, Dr Rebecca Allen, Dr Evie Kendal and Amos Taylor.

The workshop saw detailed and high-level discussions spanning space regulations together with broader space governance issues among participants. WRegSAT representatives are consolidating these insights into a Regulatory Options Paper. That work will continue through two further workshops later this year.

For more information about WRegSAT, please visit our website at https://www.spacegovcentre.org/wregsat.

This is part one of a two-part podcast series on WRegSAT Series II.

This podcast features interviews recorded during an April workshop that brought together Australian space experts, featuring Lesley Sutton, Luke Standen, Zamara Rodriguez, Dr Joel Lisk, Dr Melissa De Zwart, Dr Matthew Stubbs, Dr Rebecca Leshinsky, Dr Evie Kendal and Amos Taylor. Through a partnership with Gilbert + Tobin, participants explored gaps in Australia’s space regulatory framework and assessed potential approaches against seven key values:

1. Maa Bullarbu and custodial responsibility for the next seven generations
2. Promoting safe and sustainable practices
3. Encouraging innovation and competitiveness
4. Ensuring national security
5. Including diverse perspectives
6. Meeting international obligations
7. Strengthening regulatory effectiveness and resilience
   

The workshop saw detailed and high-level discussions spanning space regulations together with broader space governance issues among participants. WRegSAT representatives are consolidating these insights into a Regulatory Options Paper. That work will continue through two further workshops in July and November.

Stay tuned for part two of this series. For more information about WRegSAT, please visit our website at https://www.spacegovcentre.org/wregsat.