The AusSpace24 Australian Space Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses who have been instrumental in driving the development of Australia’s space sector.

The finalist list announced on Friday, 5 April 2024, features over 160 high-achieving professionals and businesses across 25 categories.

The AusSpace24 Australian Space Awards acknowledges all space industry stakeholders, from the major listed organisations and corporates servicing Australia’s space sector to SMEs, start-ups, academic institutions and associations driving innovation and taking the industry to new heights.

Adam Thorn, editor of Space Connect, said:

“Now in its fifth year, the standard of entries for our awards has never been higher. Our shortlisted finalists show why Australia has become one of the most innovative space nations and is punching so far above its weight.”

Ben Sorensen, Director Innovation & Commercialisation at EPE Oceania, said he was humbled to be recognised personally as a finalist in the AusSpace24 Australian Space Awards but that what he was most proud of is that 34 of the finalists were representatives from the ELO₂ Consortium.

“These nominations highlight the extraordinary breadth of talent that the ELO₂ Consortium is bringing together to deliver the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Trailblazer program. Stage 1 of the Trailblazer program is a competitive process and the ELO₂ Consortium’s recognition in these Awards shows we have the best team to deliver Australia’s first rover to the Moon.”

As Technical Director for the ELO₂ Consortium, Joseph Kenrick from Lunar Outpost Oceania was shortlisted for the Executive of the Year Award, alongside Ben, and is also a Finalist in the Mentor of the Year category. Joseph noted that ELO₂’s representation across 18 of the Awards’ categories was remarkable and commented that three Consortium companies are being recognised for Business of the Year – SME, and that two are vying for Start-up of the Year.

“We have a strong team of high performing businesses and individuals within the ELO₂ Consortium, and it is great to see these companies and individuals being recognised for their work across various space sector initiatives, including the Trailblazer rover project. I am especially pleased to see that two of our consortium members have been shortlisted for the Diversity Initiative Program of the Year – this demonstrates commitment to ensuring Australia’s space sector is open to all, and building a space workforce that draws on diverse skills and backgrounds,” he said.

ELO₂ Consortium members shortlisted as finalists are: