Australia has played a crucial role in the historic Artemis II mission - which has seen humans further into space than ever before.

But as the astronauts prepare for their re-entry this weekend, leading scientists say Australia is letting the moment to capitalise slip.

The Australian government opted out of seeking full membership of the European Space Observatory program - which is seen as a key pillar for industry growth by the sector.

• GUEST: Australian National University's Professor Brian Schmidt, Nobel Prize recipient for Physics and a Fellow at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering