On the evening of November 14th, ASPI DC and Australian Women in DC (AWDC) were thrilled to host a lively event on US and Australian Women and Space: New Frontiers for Business and Government.

At a time when most everyone in DC, and beyond, is consuming a diet of election outcomes and political appointments, it was great to step back and discuss the importance of space as a domain for innovation and development in defense, science, and communications.

A big thank you to Paula Trimble, US Space Force Space Development Agency; Jeremy Hallett, Space Industry Association of Australia; and Lisa Wood, BAE Systems, Inc. for generously sharing their time, expertise, and advice on what makes a great mentor and exciting career. Thanks also to our moderator Nerida King of ASPI DC and AWDC who drew these connections together.

Some key takeaways that resonated with our audience as they chatted over Australian wine and seasonal food:

• The US must collaborate with its allies and partners on space. It is impossible for any one company or business to keep up with technological change required.
• Space development is integral on the world stage—from responding to global challenges like great power competition, communications failures, climate change and natural disasters—down to the personal level, like navigating oneself with GPS.
• President-elect Trump's role in establishing the US Space Force in 2019 and close connection with Space X entrepreneur Elon Musk ensures the sector will continue to attract interest in the US.

Thanks to everyone who joined and made it such a successful (and topical) event!