From mid-century fashion and unidentified flying objects, to early satellites and the Moon landing, the 20th-century space race captured the imagination of Australians, young and old. National Archives of Australia’s touring exhibition Out of This World: Australia in the space age has landed at the State Library of South Australia. This fascinating exhibition looks back at exciting times, from the 1950s to the 1970s, when Australia played a key role in space research and exploration.
Celebrating Australia’s involvement in the space race, Out of This World has something for everyone, from cutting-edge scientific research to space-inspired design, television and much more.
National Archives Director-General Simon Froude said the exhibition tells a diverse range of stories, all connected by our nation’s desire to understand space.
“Sparked by the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 in 1957, the space race really captured the imaginations
of Australians. We look forward to sharing the memories of that time with the South Australian
community.”
State Library’s Director Megan Berghuis said:
“The State Library is thrilled about this partnership with the National Archives and to share this
stellar exhibition with our community. Space holds a special place for South Australians, with so
much of Australia’s early space research activity taking place in Woomera. Today, South Australia
remains at the forefront of space innovation – with the Australian Space Agency based at Lot
Fourteen in Adelaide, and astronauts Andy Thomas, Eric Philips, and Katherine Bennell-Pegg – the
first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag – inspiring the next generation
through their achievements.”
Curator Catriona Donnelly said the impact of the space race had a fascinating impact on
Australian culture.
“New technologies were developed, inspiring people of all ages to explore their own ideas and
aspirations for the future. What occurred was an explosion of creative responses from Australian
scientists, designers, architects, television producers, community groups and children alike.”
The exhibition will be complemented by a program of tours, workshops and family activities, in partnership with the Australian Space Discovery Centre. Launching with an exclusive tour by renowned space historian Kerrie Dougherty OAM on the exhibition’s opening day – Friday 4 July, to an interactive art installation for families called ‘Moon builders wanted!’, there is something for
everyone. Find out more information about programs and events at slsa.sa.gov.au/series/out-ofworld-programs-and-events
Out of This World: Australia in the space age is on at the State Library Gallery from 4 July to 5 October 2025.
Find our more information at Out of This World: Australia in the space race.
Exhibition supported by the State Library of South Australia, and the Australian Government’s National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program and Visions of Australia.
Media enquiries
Mark Gilbert
phone 08 7424 6187
mark.gilbert@sa.gov.au