When you think of leaders in the space sector, big hitters like NASA and private companies like SpaceX spring to mind.

But since the very beginning of the Space Age, Australia has played a role in the space flight industry.

And this year, an Australian company tried to launch a rocket from Australian soil.

So why is Australia building and launching rockets at all, especially when so many nations are already miles ahead?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.