A South African-born aerospace entrepreneur has been recognised for his work in shaping Australia’s future space infrastructure at this year’s South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) South African in Australia Awards.
Bradley Hatton-Jones, Founder and CEO of next generation space infrastructure company Orbit2Orbit was awarded the Innovation and Technology Award at Thursday night’s awards ceremony for his work developing a fleet of refuellable, reusable, in-space-only logistics vehicles.
The Innovation and Technology Award highlights South African individuals who have made ground- breaking contributions to the fields of innovation and technology in Australia.
Driven by a deep responsibility to leave the world better than he found it, Mr Hatton-Jones founded Orbit2Orbit with the goal of supporting the emerging network of space stations, orbital depots and scientific facilities in low Earth orbit while drastically reducing the cost and environmental footprint of orbital logistics.
Prior to founding Orbit2Orbit, Mr Hatton-Jones also contributed to the development of digital health safety mining technology through his business, AProgramming, and the improvement of Australia’s sovereign satellite and launch technology capabilities at Gilmour Space Technologies.
SAICA Chief Executive Officer Patricia Stock said the evening was a moving celebration of the impactful work being done by South Africans in Australia who are leaders in their fields.
“This evening was such a special opportunity to come together in celebration of the achievements of South Africans in Australia who are dedicated to making a difference in their careers and communities,” Ms Stock said.
“These awards are an embodiment of our belief that Difference Making goes beyond borders, and that excellence can be sought no matter what field one chooses to pursue.
“Seeing the resumes of our award recipients span so broadly – from Olympians, executives, philanthropists, educators and more – it is aspirational for South Africans across Australia to see their peers excelling in any field imaginable.”
The 2025 South African in Australia Awards event was held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, bringing together Australia’s South African community in celebration of their industry achievements and community contributions.
Of the 23 finalists, 12 winners were celebrated for their achievements in entrepreneurship, community impact, academic excellence, arts and culture, sports, innovation and technology, professional contributions, social impact, South African culture, difference making, and financial leadership.
Complete list of winners in the 2025 SAICA South African in Australia Awards:
- CEO Award – Ian MacRitchieEntrepreneur Award – Frans du Plessis Community Champion Award – Anita
- Ndipange Academic Excellence Award – Dr Lyndie Bayne Arts & Culture Award – Kevin Fraser
- Sports Achievement Award – Jessica Hansen
- Innovation & Technology Award – Bradley Hatton-Jones Outstanding Professional Award – Dr Roger
- Pillemer OAM Social Impact Award – Ann Beck
- Ubuntu Award – Lawrence Jackson
- #DifferenceMaker Award – John Oxley
- Excellence in Financial Leadership Award – Fiona Hansen
