South Australia has now been recognised as the 'space state' according to the government, as the region gains even more momentum within the industry. On this week's Space Connect Podcast, host Adam Thorne and reporters Bella Richards and Liam Garman discuss the new space weather hub launched in South Australia, and what that means for the industry. Then, the crew chat about Lockheed Martin recruiting engineering company Shoal Group for the nation-wide Joint Project 9102, set to develop Australia's own communications satellite, and how it will further sovereign capability within the defence and space sector. Lastly, the trio discuss the fourth Aussie to reach space onboard Blue Origin's New Shepard, and his thoughts on space travel soon becoming affordable.