Gender and other forms of intersecting inequality in space: The case of the Australian space sector

Although access to the benefits of space-based technologies and services is opening up globally, barriers to access careers in space demonstrate many of the same challenges related to gendered (and intersectional) inequality that appear in other STEM-related fields. This paper outlines the lived experiences of intersectional inequality in the space sector, and explores how the space sector could remediate harm. It also makes a conceptual contribution to the literature on gender and other forms of equity, diversity and inclusion in emerging institutions, using Australia's space sector as a case study. The paper draws on a mixed methodological analysis of survey results collected from the inaugural Diversity at the Frontiers: Gender Equality in Space Conference in Australia in 2023, which comprised a public conference, signature event, and two expert workshops. The survey sought to understand key barriers to the space sector, including sexism, racism, ableism, socioeconomic status and other forms of intersectional inequality. The paper also summarises crowd-sourced responses on desired changes and perspectives on why diversity matters to this unique area of human endeavour. We argue that the establishment of many new institutions, policies, and practices of emerging space actors may be a critical juncture to 'get things right' from the start. However, narratives shared by participants on their experiences in the sector reinforce that space demonstrates the same kinds of gendered and intersectional dynamics seen more widely in STEM. We attribute this to the reliance on pre-existing ‘ways of doing’ that have carried through even to new institutions in the sector, alongside the influence of long-standing inequalities in more developed space contexts. Findings show that the strong support for diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging amongst participants is contradicted by evidence of pervasive formal and informal institutional barriers experienced by historically excluded groups in space careers. We conclude that there are both moral and practical reasons for ensuring greater diversity – reasons that have only become more important as of 2025 and new waves of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion backlash stemming from space superpower, the US. Space industry actors face heightened needs to embed well founded practices to ensure more diversity and inclusivity. Policy-makers too face important imperatives, including navigating pushback and responsibly mandating and supporting practices and initiatives for diversity and inclusion, including with funding, so that space fulfills the promise of being for all humankind.We argue that this is to the national benefit of all nations.