SA calls for national space agency

South Australia has called on the federal government to establish a national space agency to help deliver opportunities for manufacturers operating in the sector.

Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith says the agency could be headquartered in Canberra but have an operational base in Adelaide.

"Australian space activity currently accounts for less than one per cent of the global industry. Increasing the focus on the space sector with the establishment of a national agency will be a fantastic way to increase Australia's share and grow our economy," Mr Hamilton-Smith says.