tag:theconversation.com,2011:/fr/topics/australian-space-agency-43175/articlesAustralian Space Agency – The Conversation2023-12-14T23:35:58Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2198132023-12-14T23:35:58Z2023-12-14T23:35:58ZThe first-ever survey on Australian attitudes towards space is out. So, what do we think?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/565712/original/file-20231214-19-k3ard3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=103%2C54%2C3858%2C2647&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">NASA rocket launched from the Arnhem Space Centre in NT on June 26 2022.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/details.cgi?aid=14164&button=recent">NASA Wallops/Brian Bonsteel</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>If someone were to ask you how space technologies impact your daily life, or how much Australia should invest in space, would you have an immediate answer or would you wonder why these questions were even being asked? </p>
<p>Understanding what the average Australian thinks about space is essential – voters and taxpayers will only encourage governments to fund space activities if they feel it is important. </p>
<p>Yet until now there was no comprehensive survey of Australian opinions about space in the 66 years since humans launched their first satellite in 1957.</p>
<p>Our new <a href="https://www.spacegovcentre.org/post/space-in-the-australian-public-eye-in-depth-survey-reveals-national-opinions">report</a> shows what the Australian public thinks about Australia’s investment and activities in space and the results are eye opening. </p>
<h2>Space tech is everywhere</h2>
<p>You’ve probably used space technologies <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrwJqdN6NF0">many times today</a> without thinking about it. This includes navigation apps on your phone, <a href="https://www.gps.gov/applications/timing/">paying for your coffee</a>, <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/satellite/about_satellites.shtml">checking the weather</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_Internet_access">high-speed internet</a> and maybe even remote health services. </p>
<p>Data and services from satellites underpin activities vital to our national economy. Space helps farmers predict when to harvest their crops and GPS ensures ships, planes and trucks reach their destinations. </p>
<p>Information from space also lets us investigate climate change, assists in predicting bushfires and helps emergency services respond to floods. Pictures from space contribute to Indigenous land and water management and protecting cultural heritage.</p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/painting-with-fire-how-northern-australia-developed-one-of-the-worlds-best-bushfire-management-programs-205113">‘Painting with fire’: how northern Australia developed one of the world’s best bushfire management programs</a>
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<h2>What do Australians think about space?</h2>
<p>To understand what the public thinks about space today, the <a href="https://www.spacegovcentre.org/">Australian Centre for Space Governance</a> commissioned a study, co-funded by <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/canberra">UNSW Canberra</a>, which polled a nationally representative sample of more than 1,500 members of the Australian public. Our report is the first of its kind.</p>
<p>Our results showed the Australian community is interested in space but is unsure about what Australia does there. One third of Australians agreed space affected their everyday life and 44% were neutral. Around half of those surveyed are interested in Australian space activities but only a quarter said they were knowledgeable of global space events. </p>
<p>Similarly, the number of Australians who follow the activities of the <a href="https://www.space.gov.au/">Australian Space Agency</a>, established in 2018, was only around one fifth and an equal number had never heard of it. </p>
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<p>Australia has a long history of space activities, usually in cooperation with international partners. Australia has tested rockets at Woomera in South Australia and supported US Moon landings. This included providing broadcast images to the world of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. </p>
<p>But when asked to choose from a list including tracking stations and Australian-born astronauts, more Australians remembered the 2001 comedy <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dish">The Dish</a> than any of Australia’s historic space activities.</p>
<p>In addition, only 16% of Australians were aware of the country’s first (and only) locally launched satellite, <a href="https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/innovation/wresat-%E2%80%94-weapons-research-establishment-satellite">WRESAT</a>, lofted into orbit on an American rocket from Woomera in 1967.</p>
<h2>How much should Australia spend on space?</h2>
<p>Space has also been a vital part of the country’s <a href="https://www.ussc.edu.au/the-evolution-of-the-australia-us-defence-space-relationship">defence forces</a> and a range of <a href="https://nsc.crawford.anu.edu.au/publication/18851/australia-space-power-combining-civil-defence-and-diplomatic-efforts">government functions</a> that support Australia’s security and resilience. Around 50% of Australians felt the Australian Defence Force should prioritise space alongside other areas of defence interest. </p>
<p>Many people are aware of important applications of Earth observation satellites, like weather forecasting, mapping, disaster response and climate data. However, less than a quarter disagreed with the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-29/labor-axes-morrison-government-satellite-program/102538686">cancellation</a> of the A$1.2 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation, a proposed ongoing Earth observation satellite program. Of those surveyed, 45% were neutral and less than a quarter felt the mission should not have been cancelled.</p>
<p>Space missions also allow us to understand the universe. If you’ve ever looked at a picture sent back from a NASA probe, it’s highly likely the image was received at the <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/international-facilities/cdscc">tracking station</a> just outside of Canberra, managed by CSIRO. Nearly 55% of Australians think it is important to invest in space science, even if there is no immediate social or economic benefit.</p>
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<p>Overall, Australians are split about whether the country is spending the right amount on space. While 20% felt too little was spent on space technologies, 31% believed the amount was about right.</p>
<p>But the highest proportion, 36%, did not know. This is important, suggesting there isn’t sufficient information provided to the public. </p>
<h2>What do these results mean for Australia’s space future?</h2>
<p>Australians appear to be uncertain about the country’s space trajectory. But there were some clues about what direction the public feels Australia should take. Communication satellite technology and Earth observation were identified as the most important of the Australian Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.space.gov.au/Advancing%20Space%20Australian%20Civil%20Space%20Strategy%202019%20%E2%80%93%202028">seven priorities</a>. </p>
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<p>Australians also saw building satellite capability as an important focus. But developing local launch capabilities was rated as the lowest priority, despite this often being the focus of <a href="https://theconversation.com/nasa-to-launch-3-rockets-from-northern-territory-in-boost-for-australian-space-efforts-184646">media reporting</a>.</p>
<p>Importantly, respondents saw space as a useful way to encourage study and work in the sciences. They also believed space activities should include a diverse representation of the community. </p>
<p>The clearest insight from this report is Australians are interested in space but are not very aware of what we do in space and why. This reflects longstanding national debates about government spending on space technologies. </p>
<p>There is an opportunity to address this. Clear messaging of how space services contribute to individual lives, national needs and government priorities, will help inform decision making. </p>
<p>It will also ensure those decisions align with what the public wants and values. </p>
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<p><em>Correction: This article previously stated the wrong year for the Apollo 11 Moon landing. It has now been corrected to 1969.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/219813/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tristan Moss receives funding from the Australian Research Council as part of a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award and from UNSW Canberra. He has previously been funded by the Department of Defence and as a Fulbright Scholar. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Aleksandar Deejay receives funding from Geoscience Australia. He is the Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Space Governance and a research fellow at the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cassandra Steer receives funding from Geoscience Australia, Home Affairs, Department of Defence, and has previously received funding from DFAT, the Australian Space Agency, and the Canadian and US Departments of Defence. She is Chair of the Australian Centre for Space Governance and is affiliated with the International Institute of Space Law.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kathryn Robison Hasani is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Space Governance. She is affiliated with Flinders University. </span></em></p>Despite what you may think, Australia has a long history of space activities. But this is the first time the Australian public has been asked its opinions on space.Tristan Moss, Senior lecturer, UNSW SydneyAleksandar Deejay, Research fellow, Australian National UniversityCassandra Steer, Deputy Director, Institute for Space (InSpace), Australian National UniversityKathryn Robison Hasani, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Flinders UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1856012022-06-23T02:55:08Z2022-06-23T02:55:08ZAustralia just flew its own ‘vomit comet’. It’s a big deal for zero-gravity space research<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470423/original/file-20220623-52178-3o78bp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=9%2C14%2C1590%2C1183&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Steve Gale (pilot) and Gail Iles (right) next to the Marchetti jet.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Kieran Blair</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Last Saturday, a two-seater SIAI-Marchetti S.211 jet took off from Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne with an expert aerobatic pilot at the controls and a case full of scientific experiments in the passenger seat. </p>
<p>Pilot <a href="https://www.anyfoolcanfly.com/">Steve Gale</a> took the jet on Australia’s first commercial “parabolic flight”, in which the plane flies along the path of a freely falling object, creating a short period of weightlessness for everyone and everything inside.</p>
<p>Parabolic flights are often a test run for the zero-gravity conditions of space. This one was operated by Australian space company <a href="https://beingssystems.com">Beings Systems</a>, which plans to run regular commercial flights in coming years. </p>
<p>As Australia’s space program begins to take off, flights like these will be in high demand.</p>
<h2>What was on the plane?</h2>
<p>The experiments aboard the flight were small packages developed by space science students at RMIT University. As program manager of RMIT’s space science degree, I have been teaching these students for the past three years, preparing them for a career in the Australian space industry. </p>
<p>The experiments investigate the effect of zero gravity on plant growth, crystal growth, heat transfer, particle agglomeration, foams and magnetism.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470227/original/file-20220622-26999-hzbn34.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">RMIT University science payloads designed for parabolic flight.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Gail Iles</span></span>
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<p>Scientific phenomena behave differently in zero gravity than in labs on Earth. This is important for two main reasons. </p>
<p>First, zero gravity, or “microgravity”, provides a very “clean” environment in which to conduct experiments. By removing gravity from the system, we can study a phenomenon in a more “pure” state and thus understand it better. </p>
<p>Second, microgravity platforms such as parabolic flights, sounding rockets and drop towers provide test facilities for equipment and science before it is sent into space.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/to-carve-out-a-niche-in-space-industries-australia-should-focus-on-microgravity-research-rockets-119225">To carve out a niche in space industries, Australia should focus on microgravity research rockets</a>
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<h2>Lab on a plane: a mini ISS</h2>
<p>Last Saturday’s flight was a success, with the six experiments recording a variety of data and images. </p>
<p>The plants experiment observed broccoli seedlings throughout the flight and found no adverse reactions to hyper- or micro-gravity. </p>
<p>Another experiment formed a crystal of sodium acetate trihydrate in microgravity, which grew much larger than its counterpart on the ground. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=205&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=205&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=205&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=258&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=258&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470282/original/file-20220622-24-u5clgq.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=258&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Insulin crystals grown in standard gravity (left) are smaller than those grown in microgravity (right).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span>
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<p>The biggest zero-gravity lab is of course the International Space Station (ISS), where studies of plant growth, crystal growth and physical science phenomena are commonplace. At any one time 300 experiments are taking place on the ISS. </p>
<p>Turning a benchtop experiment into a self-contained science payload for space is not easy. Each one must be rigorously tested before launch to make sure it will work once it gets there, using parabolic flights or other testing platforms.</p>
<h2>Going ‘zero-g’</h2>
<p>There’s a common misconception that you have to go into space to experience microgravity. In fact, it’s the condition of freefall that makes things apparently weightless and that can be experienced here on Earth too. </p>
<p>If you throw a ball to a friend, it traces an arc as it flies through the air. From the moment it leaves your hand it’s in freefall – yes, even on the way up – and this is the exact same arc that the aircraft flies. Instead of a hand, it has an engine providing the “push” it needs to travel and fall through the air, tracing out a parabolic arc as it goes.</p>
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<img alt="Diagram showing the speed, acceleration and direction of flight of an aeroplane in parabolic flight." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470252/original/file-20220622-22-habw01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">The flight trajectory during the parabolic manoeuvre.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03170-5">Van Ombergen et al., Scientific Reports (2017)</a></span>
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<p>Even the International Space Station is experiencing the very same freefall as the ball or the aircraft. The only difference for the ISS is it has enough velocity to “miss the ground” and keep going forwards. The combination of the forward velocity and the pull towards Earth keep it going around in circles, orbiting the planet.</p>
<h2>Human spaceflight</h2>
<p>Parabolic flights in the USA and Europe occur every two or three months. On the flights, researchers conduct science, companies test technologies and astronauts receive training in preparation for spaceflight missions. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1537970435538976768"}"></div></p>
<p>As a researcher at the European Space Agency and former <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/changing-direction-becoming-an-astronaut-instructor">astronaut instructor</a>, I am a veteran of five parabolic flight campaigns in Europe. I’ve completed over 500 parabolas on board the Novespace Airbus A300. </p>
<p>While I have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyZYP0jUyBU">never become sick on these flights</a>, up to 25% of people aboard do vomit in the zero-g conditions. This is why they are sometimes called “vomit comets”.</p>
<h2>Why now?</h2>
<p>So why does Australia need parabolic flights all of a sudden? Since the Australian Space Agency was established in 2018, several space projects have received funding, including a <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/news/gday-moon-australias-boldest-adventure-yet">lunar rover</a>, <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/industry/5371-budget-australia-will-build-and-operate-four-new-satellites">four Earth-observation satellites</a> and a <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2020/jun/locally-designed-space-suits">space suit</a>. </p>
<p>For these projects to succeed, all their various systems and components will need to be tested. That’s where parabolic flights come in. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=432&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=432&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/470398/original/file-20220622-39985-9leckq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=432&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The plane flying over Melbourne (top left), with students (bottom left) and readying for flight (right).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Beings Systems</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>As the demand increases, so too will the Australian aircraft. Beings Systems has plans to offer a larger aircraft –- such as a Lear jet – by 2023, such that researchers and companies alike can test their equipment, large and small, without leaving the country.</p>
<p>In addition to reading exciting scientific papers on the latest phenomena observed in microgravity, we’ll begin to see footage of satellites testing deployment of their antennae and people donning and doffing spacesuits on board parabolic flights.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/185601/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Gail Iles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A freefalling ‘parabolic flight’ launched from Essendon airport is a leap for home-grown space science in Australia.Gail Iles, Senior Lecturer in Physics, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1846462022-06-09T03:39:24Z2022-06-09T03:39:24ZNASA to launch 3 rockets from Northern Territory in boost for Australian space efforts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/467899/original/file-20220609-17-nzafzf.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C5472%2C3645&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Equatorial Launch Australia</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Over the next month, NASA will <a href="https://ela.space/ela-and-nasa-to-conduct-australias-first-ever-commercial-space-launch/">launch three rockets</a> from the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory on the Dhupuma Plateau, near Nhulunbuy. The rockets are 13 metre “sounding” rockets that will not reach orbit but will take scientific observations. </p>
<p>The launches represent a number of firsts for the Australian space industry. They also represent a major step forward for commercial space operators, as well as signalling the opportunity for future joint projects between Australia and the United States. </p>
<h2>The launches</h2>
<p>The Arnhem Space Centre is owned and operated by a commercial operator, Equatorial Launch Australia. It is located on the land of the Gumatj people, who as the traditional custodians of the land, have been consulted as part of the launch approval process.</p>
<p>Gumatj Corporation chair Djawa Yunupingu <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-15/nt-nasa-arnhem-space-centre-ready-2022-take-off/100538796">told the ABC</a> last year the launch plans are “a step towards the future for our people”.</p>
<p>This is the first time NASA has conducted a rocket launch from a commercial facility outside the US. This involves a significant logistical undertaking, with each rocket delivered to the launch site <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-08/nasa-launching-three-rockets-from-australia-northern-territory/101133750">via barge</a>. </p>
<p>More than <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/5473-equatorial-launch-australia-inches-closer-to-nasa-rocket-blast-off">70 NASA personnel</a> will travel to the NT to support the launch and the scientific program.</p>
<p>The rockets have been designed and built by NASA and will be used for scientific investigations into the physics of the Sun, astrophysics and the type of planetary science we can only conduct in the southern hemisphere. After the launches, NASA <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-08/nasa-launching-three-rockets-from-australia-northern-territory/101133750">says it will</a> clean up all material such as casing and payloads and return it to the US.</p>
<p>The NASA contract was first <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/3435-ela-set-to-launch-nasa-sounding-rockets-from-nt-space-base">announced in 2019</a>. However, COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions have delayed the launches until now. </p>
<h2>What else is likely to be launched from this site?</h2>
<p>Equatorial Launch Australia also plans to construct a larger launch facility, with three launch pads, accommodating larger rockets and payloads. </p>
<p>Several more launches <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/5475-ela-to-send-first-commercial-nasa-rocket-into-space-on-26-june">are planned</a> this year. The company is aiming to have 50 or more launches a year by 2024 and 2025.</p>
<h2>What does this mean for the future of the Australian space industry?</h2>
<p>The Arnhem Space Centre is one of three proposed commercial launch sites in Australia. </p>
<p>In September 2020 another operator, Southern Launch, conducted sub-orbital launches from its <a href="https://www.southernlaunch.space/koonibba-test-range">Koonibba Test Range</a> in South Australia, which is <a href="https://www.southernlaunch.space/koonibba-community">operated with</a> the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation. </p>
<p>Southern Launch has also recently obtained a licence to operate its own commercial launch site, <a href="https://www.southernlaunch.space/wwolc">Whaler’s Way Orbital Launch Complex</a>, on the Eyre Peninsula. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/3-2-1-liftoff-the-science-of-launching-rockets-from-australia-98307">3, 2, 1...liftoff! The science of launching rockets from Australia</a>
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<p>Gilmour Space Technologies <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-24/gilmour-set-to-launch-bowen-rockets-from-2022/100562926">has applied for a licence</a> to undertake launches from Bowen in North Queensland. Its application is supported by the Queensland government and <a href="https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/cyber-space/traditional-owners-welcome-gilmour-space-s-new-launch-site">the Juru people</a>, who are the traditional owners of the land. The company plans to build and launch its own rockets from this site.</p>
<h2>Decades of disappointment</h2>
<p>The development of an Australian launch capability will be a big step for the country’s space industry. </p>
<p>In the 1960s, Australia’s launch facilities at Woomera in South Australia were used as part of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Launcher_Development_Organisation#Australian_downrange_tracker">European Launcher Development Organisation</a> (ELDO) project.</p>
<p>In 1967, Australia became the <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learning-resource-themes/war/defence-equipment-and-weapons/launch-australias-first-satellite-documentary">fourth nation in the world</a> to launch a domestic-built satellite from its own territory. That satellite, the WRESAT, was launched from Woomera on an American Redstone rocket, and stayed in orbit until early 1968.</p>
<p>However, Australia lost interest in launching rockets when ELDO relocated to French Guiana.</p>
<p>In the early 1990s, an American company expressed interest in <a href="https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/whatever-happened-cape-york-spaceport">building a launch facility</a> in Australia. However, those plans never materialised. </p>
<h2>Onwards and upwards</h2>
<p>In recent years, Australia’s interest in space science has been returning. However, even when the Australian Space Agency was created in 2018 there was <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-launch-from-australia-something-missing-from-our-plans-for-the-new-space-race-97924">some doubt</a> over whether we would be able to carry out our own launches.</p>
<p>These latest developments make it clear we will. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/nasa-go-launch-northern-territory">described</a> the launches as a project to “bring together global and local industry to take Australia’s space sector into a new era”.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/no-launch-from-australia-something-missing-from-our-plans-for-the-new-space-race-97924">No launch from Australia: something missing from our plans for the new space race</a>
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<p>Australia has also signed the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-accords/index.html">Artemis Accords</a>, joining the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon and on to Mars. The Artemis Accords were developed by NASA as “a shared vision for principles, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, to create a safe and transparent environment which facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity to enjoy”. </p>
<p>Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, <a href="https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/nasa-go-launch-northern-territory">said</a> the Northern Territory launch would “further cement our reputation as a nation that global space players want to do business with”. </p>
<p>With new businesses and jobs at stake, this is an important move forward for Australia’s re-emergence as a serious space operator.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/184646/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa de Zwart is Deputy Chair of the Space Industry Association of Australia. </span></em></p>Australia may soon have three commercial space launch facilitiesMelissa de Zwart, Professor (Digital Technology, Security and Governance), Flinders UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1797602022-03-23T19:06:19Z2022-03-23T19:06:19ZWhat will Australia’s new Defence Space Command do?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453725/original/file-20220323-19-1eb4id.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=10%2C0%2C2385%2C1591&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://images.defence.gov.au/20210521raaf8659002_0027.jpg">Department of Defence / LAC Sam Price</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia established a Defence Space Command <a href="https://www.airforce.gov.au/our-mission/defence-space-command">in January</a> this year, “to achieve our strategic space ambitions and lead the effort to assure Australia’s access to space”. The government also plans to spend <a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/Factsheet_Space.pdf">around A$7 billion</a> on space defence over the next decade.</p>
<p>Many areas within defence are already engaged in space activities, but Defence Space Command will bring them together. It will aim to build space capability not only in defence but also the rest of government, industry, and the research and education sectors. </p>
<p>I’m director of <a href="https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/unsw-canberra-space">UNSW Canberra Space</a> – the space mission, research and education program at the Australian Defence Force Academy, which develops and flies satellite missions for Defence Space Command. I have seen first-hand how defence, universities and industry can work together to develop Australian space technology and skills.</p>
<h2>Preparing for (and preventing) conflict</h2>
<p>Why do we need to put so much effort into space and space defence? One reason is Australia (like the rest of the world) depends on space-based technologies to provide communications, navigation and timing, and Earth-observing services.</p>
<p>However, space is increasingly “<a href="https://www.un.org/press/en/2013/gadis3487.doc.htm">congested, contested and competitive</a>”, according to the United Nations committee responsible for disarmament and international security in space. </p>
<p>Space services such as <a href="https://www.planet.com">Planet’s remote sensing network</a> (every part of the planet imaged from space, every day) and <a href="https://www.starlink.com">Starlink’s broadband internet constellation</a> are growing rapidly. There are now <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database">almost 5,000 operational satellites</a> orbiting Earth. </p>
<p>The risk of collisions is increasing, as is the potential for conflict. Many nations now regard space as a “<a href="https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/1/Space%20Capstone%20Publication_10%20Aug%202020.pdf">warfighting domain</a>”, and the challenges are not just technological but political and ethical.</p>
<p>Defence Space Command will prepare for such space conflict, and deter it as much as possible.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/an-australian-space-command-could-be-a-force-for-good-or-a-cause-for-war-158232">An Australian 'space command' could be a force for good — or a cause for war</a>
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<h2>A commercial environment</h2>
<p>Another reason for Australia to step more boldly into space is increasing commercialisation. Space is no longer solely the domain of government space agencies. A rapidly growing array of private companies are now leading the way.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/about-us/about-the-australian-space-agency">Australian Space Agency</a>, established in 2018, is tasked with growing the country’s space industry to take a share of the global space economy. Along the way, this industry will support Defence Space Command and defence more broadly. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/space-agency-for-australia-heres-why-its-important-96105">Space Agency for Australia: here's why it's important</a>
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<p>Australian players are new to the game, and the history of competitive markets shows disruptive innovation – the kind that creates new markets or sources of value – is the only way new entrants can compete and win against incumbents. <a href="https://issuu.com/bpts/docs/nobel_iii-digital-book/418">Australia must be prepared to take risks in space</a>, flying often, learning from failure, and commercialising innovative technologies from research-driven space missions. </p>
<p>Australia (defence included) must embrace disruptive innovation in the space domain, or we will become technically capable but not necessarily commercially or militarily competitive.</p>
<h2>Skills for space</h2>
<p>To rise to these challenges, Defence Space Command will need a highly skilled space workforce. </p>
<p>There are currently few personnel in defence who understand the complexities and harsh realities of operating in space through hands-on experience. Knowing which missions to do and how to do them right can’t be learnt from textbooks.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/06/the-3-skill-sets-workers-need-to-develop-between-now-and-2030/">Analysis from various quarters</a> also emphasises the workforce of the future will have a growing need for technological skills, particularly in the areas of automation and artificial intelligence; social and emotional skills, for leadership and teamwork in complex situations; and higher cognitive skills, including critical thinking and complex information processing.</p>
<p>All these are crucial for defence. The complexities of the space domain, the cross-disciplinary skills required, and the relevance of space to all aspects of society, mean training a future space workforce can inspire and educate, not just technologists and war fighters, but the critical thinkers and leaders of the future.</p>
<h2>How universities fit in</h2>
<p>This is where universities come in. Many of Australia’s universities are rapidly building space expertise, including Curtin University and the University of Melbourne. Take, for example, our work.</p>
<p>We help meet three critical needs: attracting and training a highly skilled workforce; pursuing and commercialising disruptive innovation; and performing early analysis and feasibility studies of potential space missions.</p>
<p>Defence and UNSW Canberra have jointly invested more than A$30 million since 2015 in this program. In that time, we have has developed four missions with five satellites. We have also performed extensive research and development for artificial intelligence-enabled space systems. We have also tracked and predicted the behaviour of satellites and their interactions with the space environment (known as “space domain awareness”).</p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/unsw-canberra-space/missions/m2">most recent mission, M2</a>, was launched in March 2021. It consists of two advanced satellites demonstrating technologies for Earth observation, satellite monitoring, communications and in-orbit artificial intelligence. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453728/original/file-20220323-27-eog8j5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">The M2 mission demonstrated cutting-edge technologies.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">UNSW Canberra</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<p>Our missions have grown defence’s capacity and capability for developing and operating space technologies to meet national needs. The technical and operational lessons we learn feed directly into our space education program and also our plans for the future. </p>
<p>Just as importantly, the team has spawned three Canberra-based spin-off companies (<a href="https://www.skykraft.com.au">Skykraft</a>, <a href="https://infinityavionics.com">Infinity Avionics</a> and <a href="https://www.nominalsys.com">Nominal Systems</a>) and established a domestic supply chain of approximately 30 organisations to support the missions. We have also contributed more than 20 highly skilled space professionals to other parts of the Australian space sector. </p>
<p>UNSW Canberra Space, along with our colleagues across the university sector, agencies such as Defence Science and Technology Group, the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, and in industry, has ambitious plans for new Australian space missions in the coming years. </p>
<p>The innovations that flow will be many, and the growth in skills across the country will be extensive. With coordination, these outcomes will make an important and enduring contribution to the success of Defence Space Command. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-wants-a-space-industry-so-why-wont-we-pay-for-the-basic-research-to-drive-it-178878">Australia wants a space industry. So why won't we pay for the basic research to drive it?</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/179760/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Russell Boyce owns shares in Skykraft, and chairs the board of Infinity Avionics. </span></em></p>The future of Australia’s space efforts will hinge on coordination between defence, industry and universities.Russell Boyce, Chair for Intelligent Space Systems and Director, UNSW Canberra Space, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1788782022-03-22T19:01:57Z2022-03-22T19:01:57ZAustralia wants a space industry. So why won’t we pay for the basic research to drive it?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/450853/original/file-20220309-17-1pj7nzu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=10%2C7%2C2385%2C1340&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Australian Space Agency</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In the past few years, Australia has <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-the-details-emerge-on-australias-new-space-agency-we-might-finally-have-lift-off-96542">formed its own space agency</a> and launched a defence “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/22/peter-dutton-says-space-command-needed-as-some-countries-see-space-as-a-territory-for-their-taking">space command</a>”. Billions of dollars for defence, and hundreds of millions for civilian space, have been allocated from the public purse to develop capability in this growing sector. </p>
<p>This funding covers the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/news/moon-to-mars-initiative-launching-australian-industry-to-space">Moon-to-Mars Program</a>, the <a href="https://smartsatcrc.com/about/about-us/">SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre</a>, the <a href="https://www.globalaustralia.gov.au/about-us/news-and-resources/australia-invests-space">Modern Manufacturing Initiative</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/19/australian-military-to-set-up-space-division-with-7bn-budget">opportunities in defence</a>, various state-funded projects such as <a href="https://www.saspacemission.com.au">SA-SAT</a>, and more.</p>
<p>This level of investment is unquestionably a good thing. But the great majority of it supports applied research and engineering, and commercialisation of outcomes. None of the new funding goes to basic research.</p>
<p>In the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, India, South Korea, China, Russia, and United Arab Emirates – to name a few – basic research in space and planetary science, and science missions, are key elements in strategies to grow their sectors. In Australia, this kind of fundamental work only gets <a href="https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/science-policy-and-analysis/decadal-plans-science/australiainspace">around A$2 million a year</a>. It hasn’t budged in a decade. </p>
<h2>Why basic research is important</h2>
<p>Applied research and engineering aims to provide practical solutions to well-defined problems by applying existing knowledge. </p>
<p>Basic research aims to expand knowledge. It’s the most successful mechanism humans have ever invented for generating new knowledge. </p>
<p>Every other major spacefaring nation funds basic research in space and planetary science from the public purse. They do it for a good reason, and it’s not to make planetary scientists like me happy. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-outer-space-matters-in-a-post-pandemic-world-141977">Why outer space matters in a post-pandemic world</a>
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<p>It’s because in space science, an unusually short thread connects basic research, applied research and engineering, commercial outcomes, and a trained workforce. </p>
<p>Basic research isn’t an optional extra: it’s a crucial catalyst for everything else. </p>
<h2>How it works</h2>
<p>In other nations, scientists like me come up with an idea or hypothesis. Something big and exciting about how we think our Solar System works. </p>
<p>To test that hypothesis, we develop a space mission with engineers from both industry and academia. Because the universe defines the problem, not a human, that team is continually presented with unique challenges, requiring completely new technical solutions. </p>
<p>As a happy byproduct, this process creates an environment that is almost perfectly optimised for technology breakthroughs. I learned this lesson on the very first mission I was on: the UK’s Beagle 2 Mars lander. </p>
<p>The mission didn’t succeed. We didn’t get to sniff for trace methane on Mars. But the technology turned out to be a great way to <a href="https://laboratorytalk.com/article/278557/beagle-2-and-rosetta-technology">detect early-onset tuberculosis</a>. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/450858/original/file-20220309-13-145epty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Exploring the solar system is the kind of inspiring project that draws people to space science.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/17125224860/in/album-72157651214973856/">NASA</a></span>
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<p>And exploring the Solar System to make fundamental new discoveries is a great way to inspire young engineers and scientists. So you inspire your public, you get students interested in STEM careers, and in the long term you get your highly trained workforce of the future.</p>
<p>I see this all the time. It’s one of the joys of my job.</p>
<p>Our space program at Curtin University is called Binar, from the Nyungar word for “fireball”. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.binarspace.com/mission/1/">We flew our first satellite, Binar-1</a>, last year. We’ll be flying another six over the coming 18 months. Our eventual goal is a lunar orbiter. </p>
<p>At any one time, around 60 undergraduate engineers are involved in Binar. Last week, dozens of high school students visited us. WA government is supporting a program that will see them flying experiments on Binar spacecraft from next year. That’s what inspiration looks like. </p>
<p>And yes, a collateral benefit is that you make planetary scientists happy. But their discoveries win you credibility and visibility on the world stage, so that’s not a bad thing either. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/vesta-and-ceres/305266254BEC32A6DF24260D6448DD53">Our work on the geophysical evolution of the dwarf planet Ceres</a>, based on Dawn Mission data, is one example.</p>
<h2>Funding cuts have hit home</h2>
<p>In Australia, basic research is formally excluded from the new funding schemes (for example, the <a href="https://business.gov.au/-/media/grants-and-programs/mmidmg/moon-to-mars---demonstrator-mission---grant-guidelines-pdf.ashx?sc_lang=en&hash=50C9092986E7932AD8FF0DD5A6A29189">Moon-to-Mars Demonstrator Mission scheme</a> states “STEM, scientific or research projects without a clear commercialisation pathway” are ineligible activities). So no science missions.</p>
<p>That exclusion, and the lack of funding, means that planetary science is no longer seen as a strategic area by universities. As a result it has been one of the first areas to be cut as belts have been tightened because of COVID. </p>
<p>Colleagues at the Australian National University and Macquarie University have <a href="https://eos.org/opinions/australias-unfolding-geoscience-malady">lost their jobs</a>. In fact, our team at Curtin University is the only substantial group left in Australia. </p>
<h2>Not a zero-sum game</h2>
<p>The Australian model is consistent with a belief that each dollar you spend on science is a dollar less for industry. Is this the case?</p>
<p>NASA doesn’t think so. Its model is built around basic research and science missions. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_economic_impact_study.pdf">A recent NASA-commissioned study</a> found this model was extremely successful at generating benefits for the wider economy. Over a single year, every dollar spent on the agency generated around US$3 in total US economic output. Over longer timescales the return is even higher.</p>
<p>Other agencies, large and small, can demonstrate a similar return on investment with science-based models. <a href="https://www.ukspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Spillovers-in-the-space-sector_March2019.pdf">Each ₤1 the UK Space Agency invests</a> in space science and innovation yields ₤3-4 in direct value to the space industry and additional spillover impacts of ₤6-12.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-australia-in-deep-space-119533">Why isn't Australia in deep space?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>A risky experiment</h2>
<p>No other major spacefaring nation has implemented a strategy that formally excludes basic research. It follows that Australia is engaged in a unique experiment to see whether growth of our space sector is optimised by minimising our ability to generate new knowledge.</p>
<p>With hundreds of millions in new funding for civilian space, and billions for defence, our space sector can’t help but grow. The question is whether that investment is efficiently generating growth. Will our taxpayers see the same return on their investment as taxpayers in those other nations if we delete science? </p>
<p>Overseas space agencies can point to an economic return of three to 12 times the original investment. Can our space agency do better with a model that formally excludes basic research and science missions?</p>
<p>I don’t know the answer. Unfortunately, no one does, because there are no examples or studies to draw on. </p>
<p>My hunch is that this novel strategy is not optimal. Hedging our bets – learning from the strategies of other nations – wouldn’t cost much. </p>
<p>It would mean looking again at that A$2 million of annual funding for basic research. Engaging scientists in how research programs are defined. Possibly even the odd science mission. Doesn’t seem like a lot if it buys you peace of mind.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/178878/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Phil Bland receives funding from the Australian Research Council, and the Australian Space Agency under its Demonstrator Mission Feasibility scheme. </span></em></p>In Australia, space defence gets billions of dollars in funding, and commercial projects get hundreds of millions. Space science gets only $2 million a year.Phil Bland, Director, Space Science and Technology Centre, Curtin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1690272021-10-07T04:53:55Z2021-10-07T04:53:55ZForecasting space weather is hard. A new Australian satellite may help make it easier<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425153/original/file-20211007-27-1fxi6es.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2851%2C1556&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The CUAVA-1 satellite departs from the International Space Station.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">JAXA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Australian-made space weather satellite CUAVA-1 was deployed into orbit from the International Space Station on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHbRKOzzvp0&t=1223s">Wednesday night</a>. <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/australia/australian-made-cubesats-blast-off-to-the-iss/">Launched to the space station</a> in August aboard a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CirCiSe96Yk&t=925s">SpaceX rocket</a>, a major focus of this shoebox-sized CubeSat is to study what radiation from the Sun does to Earth’s atmosphere and electronic devices.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/spaceweather/index.html">Space weather</a> such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/massive-sunspots-and-huge-solar-flares-mean-unexpected-space-weather-for-earth-83677">solar flares</a> and changes in the solar wind affects Earth’s ionosphere (a layer of charged particles in the upper atmosphere). This in turn has an impact on <a href="https://www.sws.bom.gov.au/Category/Educational/Other%20Topics/Radio%20Communication/Intro_HF_Radio.pdf">long-distance radio communications</a> and the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/impacts/satellite-drag">orbits of some satellites</a>, as well as creating fluctuations in the electromagnetic field that can wreak havoc with electronics in space and down to the ground. </p>
<p>The new satellite is the first designed and built by the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Cubesats, UAVs, and their Applications (or <a href="https://www.cuava.com.au/">CUAVA</a> for short). It carries payloads and technology demonstrators built by collaborators from the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and UNSW-Sydney. </p>
<p>One of CUAVA-1’s aims is to help improve space weather forecasts, which are currently very limited. As well as its scientific mission, CUAVA-1 also represents a step towards the Australian Space Agency’s goal of <a href="https://publications.industry.gov.au/publications/advancing-space-australian-civil-space-strategy-2019-2028.pdf">growing the local space industry by 20,000 jobs by 2030</a>.</p>
<h2>Satellites and space weather</h2>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=353&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=353&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=353&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=444&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=444&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425198/original/file-20211007-15-jsspfy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=444&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Exploded view of CUAVA-1 and its components and payloads. Tanned labels indicate Australian-made components.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Xueliang Bai</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While the Australian Space Agency was only formed in 2018, Australia has a <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">long history in satellite research</a>. In 2002, for example, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/40947">FedSat</a> was one of the first satellites in the world to carry a GPS receiver onboard. </p>
<p>Space-based GPS receivers today make it possible to routinely measure the atmosphere all around the world for weather monitoring and prediction. The Bureau of Meteorology and other weather forecasting agencies rely on <a href="https://www.gpsworld.com/ucar-system-boosts-gnss-data-for-weather-forecasting/">space-based GPS data</a> in their forecasting.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Space-based GPS receivers also make it possible to monitor the Earth’s ionosphere. From heights of about 80km to 1,000km, this layer of the atmosphere transitions from a gas of uncharged atoms and molecules to a gas of charged particles, both electrons and ions. (A gas of charged particles is also called a plasma.) </p>
<p>The ionosphere is the location of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpLd20_htF8&t=1s">beautiful auroral displays</a> that are common at high latitudes during moderate <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/storms-on-sun.html#.VHaLDHVdXfE">geomagnetic storms</a>, or “bad space weather”, but there is much more to it.</p>
<p>The ionosphere can cause difficulties for satellite positioning and navigation, but it is also sometimes useful, such as when <a href="https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/feature/seeing-over-the-horizon">ground-based radar</a> and radio signals can be bounced off it to scan or communicate over the horizon.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=463&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=463&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=463&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=581&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=581&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425178/original/file-20211007-13-jrxwqd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=581&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Technological and infrastructure affected by space weather events.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Why space weather is so hard to predict</h2>
<p>Understanding the ionosphere is an important part of operational space weather forecasting. We know the ionosphere becomes highly irregular during severe geomagnetic storms. It disrupts radio signals that pass through it, and creates surges of electric current in power grids and pipelines. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8jwTpG-26E?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">What is space weather?</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>During severe <a href="https://media.bom.gov.au/social/blog/2454/space-weather-and-the-sun/">geomagnetic storms</a>, a large amount of energy is dumped into the Earth’s upper atmosphere near the north and south poles, while also changing currents and flows in the equatorial ionosphere.</p>
<p>This energy dissipates through the system, causing widespread changes throughout the upper atmosphere and altering high-altitude wind patterns above the equator hours later. </p>
<p>In contrast, X-rays and UV radiation from solar flares directly heat the atmosphere (above the ozone layer) above the equator and middle latitudes. These changes influence the amount of drag experienced in low-Earth orbit, making it difficult to predict the paths of satellites and space debris.</p>
<p>Even outside geomagnetic storms, there are “quiet-time” disturbances that affect <a href="https://theconversation.com/predicting-daily-space-weather-will-help-keep-your-gps-on-target-34750">GPS</a> and other electronic systems.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/predicting-daily-space-weather-will-help-keep-your-gps-on-target-34750">Predicting daily space weather will help keep your GPS on target</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>At present, we can’t make accurate predictions of bad space weather beyond about three days ahead. And the flow-on effects of bad space weather on the Earth’s upper atmosphere, including GPS and communication disturbances and changes in satellite drag, are even harder to forecast ahead of time. </p>
<p>As a result, most space weather prediction agencies are restricted to “nowcasting”: observing the current state of space weather and projecting for the next few hours.</p>
<p>It will take a lot more science to understand the connection between the Sun and the Earth, how energy from the Sun dissipates through the Earth system, and how these system changes influence the technology we increasingly rely on for everyday life.</p>
<p>This means more research and more satellites, especially for the equatorial to mid-latitudes relevant to Australians (and indeed most people on Earth). We hope CUAVA-1 is a step towards a constellation of Australian space weather satellites that will play a key role in future space weather forecasting.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/169027/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Brett Carter receives funding from the Australian Reseach Council. He and Iver Cairns acknowledge contributions from the ASPiRE team working on space weather prediction and science.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Iver Cairns receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Investment NSW. He and Brett Carter acknowledge contributions from the ASPiRE team working on space weather prediction and science.
</span></em></p>The CUAVA-1 cubesat will monitor space weather and changes to Earth’s ionosphere that affect satellites and electronics.Brett Carter, Senior lecturer, RMIT UniversityIver Cairns, Professor of Space Physics, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1419772020-07-05T19:49:37Z2020-07-05T19:49:37ZWhy outer space matters in a post-pandemic world<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345467/original/file-20200703-33939-1hk8d0q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=5%2C0%2C1159%2C874&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Department of Defence</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>With all of the immense challenges we face on Earth this year, space can feel like an afterthought. </p>
<p>Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the hope of a growing space industry was palpable. Ribbons were cut, <a href="https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2020/australian-space-agency-unveils-adelaide-headquarters.html">buildings were dedicated</a> and Australia’s space industry was going to triple in size in just ten years. But a few weeks into March, Europe and then Australia were slowly grinding to a halt as the reality of COVID-19 set in. </p>
<p>Satellite images from ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission in space showed the extent to which the virus lockdown was affecting major cities. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345457/original/file-20200703-33931-ebc44m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Air pollution plummeted as countries went into lockdown.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-5P/Coronavirus_lockdown_leading_to_drop_in_pollution_across_Europe">ESA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Next came the dramatic global economic downturn that seemed certain to crush Australia’s space ambitions. Consultants began sending a flurry of email surveys to see how everyone in the industry was coping. How would this change the future of our nation’s newest dream? </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/ten-essential-reads-to-catch-up-on-australian-space-agency-news-108671">Ten essential reads to catch up on Australian Space Agency news</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Suddenly, space is everywhere</h2>
<p>Work in the space industry has always continued even under the most difficult circumstances. Missions take years to plan and launch. The global space industry has, out of necessity, always embraced uncertainty. Innovation will not stop. International cooperation is still strong. Missions are continuing. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=1175&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=1175&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=1175&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1477&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1477&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345463/original/file-20200703-33943-llfw0v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1477&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The first test flight of a Europa-1 first stage rocket, a repurposed British Blue Streak missile, from Woomera, Australia, 5 June 1964.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_history/Fifty_years_since_first_ELDO_launch">ESA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was just announced that the European Union is signing a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/eu-ramps-up-space-efforts-with-1bn-deal-20200629-p5576b.html">billion-euro agreement</a> with French global launch services company Arianespace, with the hope of injecting another 16 billion euros into the European space industry by 2027. This is big news for Australia’s space industry too. Our history with Arianespace goes back to its predecessor, which <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_history/Fifty_years_since_first_ELDO_launch">launched the Europa rocket</a> for the first time ever in South Australia in 1964. </p>
<p>NASA and SpaceX are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-31/space-x-launches-astronauts-to-iss-from-nasa-pad/12304294">making headlines</a> for the first trip to the International Space Station in a commercially built and operated American spacecraft with astronauts on board. China’s space program is rapidly developing and an <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/24/china/china-mars-mission-intl-scli-scn/index.html">upcoming mission</a> could make it the second country to land and operate a spacecraft on Mars.</p>
<h2>Australia’s space capabilities</h2>
<p>In this multinational mix, Australia has much to offer. We are currently leaders in advanced and <a href="https://www.cqc2t.org/">quantum communication</a> that would make deep space communication possible, as well as creating unhackable communications on Earth. </p>
<p>Our government has taken steps to realise these opportunities through its first round of funding to accelerate the industry and galvanise the future of our space agency. </p>
<p>Ten strategic space projects <a href="https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/karenandrews/media-releases/11m-space-grants-boost-businesses-and-local-jobs">just received government funding</a> to help Australia build relationships with other international space agencies. In defence funding announcements last week, space was <a href="https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/space-the-new-defence-spending-frontier">highlighted</a> as one of the five defence domains for a strong Australian Defence Force.</p>
<h2>A quick recovery</h2>
<p>We are now seeing some amazing post-COVID wins for Australia. Planet Innovation, a Melbourne-based company, was the <a href="https://medeng.jpl.nasa.gov/covid-19/ventilator/registration/">only Australian manufacturer</a> to be chosen by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to make an innovative COVID ventilator. More than 300 companies around the world applied for the opportunity. </p>
<p>SpaceX chief Elon Musk <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-18/elon-musk-names-incat-as-potential-launch-pad-builder/12368032">suggested</a> Hobart-based boat builder, Incat, could help build “floating, superheavy-class space ports for Mars, Moon and hypersonic travel around the Earth.” Fleet Space Technologies and Oz Minerals were <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/fleet-space-wins-share-of-29m-in-sa-mining-grants-to-boost-exploration/news-story/a43577a993f39154b53e9883ef2c2596">just awarded a grant</a> to use space technology in mineral exploration.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago, the Australian National University National Space Test Facility (NSTF) was the <a href="https://inspace.anu.edu.au/news/anu-reopens-space-testing">first non-COVID research facility</a> at the university to reopen. Its first project was testing a piece of space equipment created by Australian company Gilmour Space Technologies that will fly on an Australian space mission in 2022. </p>
<p>Next, the NSTF team performed testing for Fleet Space Technologies, who drove their components from Adelaide to Canberra as there were no connecting flights. The NSTF has been continuously testing other space components for Australian missions since it reopened. </p>
<p>These are all hard-won successes in the face of COVID, and they speak volumes about the promise of Australia’s space industry. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/spacexs-historic-launch-gives-australias-booming-space-industry-more-room-to-fly-139760">SpaceX's historic launch gives Australia's booming space industry more room to fly</a>
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<hr>
<h2>Space will help Australia recover</h2>
<p>Our space industry also enables others. Space technologies are transferrable to Earth-bound sectors such as health and mining, and the industry helps economic recovery because it operates at many scales from small research projects to large multi-disciplinary initiatives. </p>
<p>Our nation is set to give rise to bespoke satellites that are proprietary to Australia. We will have our own satellite constellations to address critical issues like <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/new-satellites-show-worrying-view-of-droughts-and-ice-loss">drought</a>, <a href="https://www.spatialsource.com.au/remote-sensing/smartsat-crc-launches-aquawatch-other-projects">water quality management</a> and <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/eyes-in-space-to-spot-bushfire-danger-zones">bushfires</a>.</p>
<p>Our innovation will protect our sovereignty, and global space industry titans like NASA can see our <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-mars-rover-detects-ancient-life-australia">promise</a> with missions like Artemis: Moon to Mars.</p>
<p>Australia’s space industry began in uncertainty, and – despite bushfires, pandemics and massive change – it will succeed under uncertainty.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/141977/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Professor Anna Moore works for the Australian National University that hosts the National Space Test Facilities. ANU has received funding from UNSW-Canberra, the ACT state government, DSTG, and the New Zealand Space Agency to operate the NSTF.</span></em></p>Australia’s space industry is booming despite the impact of coronavirus.Anna Moore, Director of The Australian National University Institute for Space and the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1397602020-06-01T19:28:53Z2020-06-01T19:28:53ZSpaceX’s historic launch gives Australia’s booming space industry more room to fly<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338758/original/file-20200601-83195-175cg7b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=324%2C101%2C3924%2C2720&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/49419331818/in/album-72157647244171004/">NASA Kennedy/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>At the weekend, Elon Musk’s commercial giant SpaceX <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-31/space-x-launches-astronauts-to-iss-from-nasa-pad/12304294">launched two NASA astronauts</a> in a spacecraft named Crew Dragon which, from the inside, looked like a souped-up Tesla. </p>
<p>The Falcon 9 rocket launched the spacecraft, returned to Earth and landed on a ship to later be re-used. And the Crew Dragon eventually docked autonomously with the International Space Station (ISS).</p>
<p>The flight marks the first time in history:</p>
<ul>
<li>a commercial company has launched astronauts</li>
<li>a crewed spacecraft has docked with the ISS while “self-driving” and </li>
<li>a reusable rocket has been used to launch people, which can help cut down on debris re-entering the atmosphere, such as the rocket pieces that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/22/absolutely-amazing-space-junk-delivers-light-show-across-the-sky-in-south-east-australia">recently burned up over Victoria and Tasmania</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>SpaceX has well and truly revolutionised space travel. But what does this mean for the many Australian companies making up a new space sector Down Under?</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338779/original/file-20200601-83282-dnvdyo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The Crew Dragon spacecraft can carry up to seven astronauts.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spacex/21314715631">Official SpaceX Photos/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>A burgeoning local industry</h2>
<p>Globally, the space sector is worth at least <a href="https://apps.bea.gov/scb/2019/12-december/1219-commercial-space.htm">US$415 billion</a>, and is expected to grow to US$1 trillion over the next decade. By then, the Australian space sector is also expected to be <a href="https://business.nt.gov.au/developing-industries/space-industry/territory-space-industry-2020/market-analysis">worth A$12 billion</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/spacex-astronaut-launch-heres-the-rocket-science-139398">SpaceX astronaut launch: here's the rocket science</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>An estimated <a href="https://www.consultancy.com.au/news/1626/australias-space-industry-crosses-5-billion-revenue-mark">770 Australian entities</a> already develop space-related infrastructure. This includes satellites, and technologies for telecommunications or television, bushfire monitoring, weather and climate tracking, search and rescue, navigation, deep space research, and defence and security.</p>
<p>In 2018, the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/strategies-for-the-future/australian-space-agency">Australian Space Agency (ASA)</a> was established with a mandate to the support Australian space industry, rather than develop a national civil space program. </p>
<p>The global commercial space sector is now watching Australia with excitement, and possibly some envy. Many countries over-regulate their space industries, or fail to give them legislative support. But Australia is a new entrant to the space sector that benefits from full government support through an industry-dedicated space agency.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338760/original/file-20200601-83195-py40mu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/49430129116/in/album-72157647244171004/">NASA Kennedy/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The commercialisation of spacefaring</h2>
<p>The 20th century <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/postwarera/1950s-america/a/the-start-of-the-space-race">space race</a> began with government programs spurred by a technological and ideological competition between the US and the Soviet Union. However, today’s space race is highly commercial. </p>
<p>Many national space programs and militaries outsource to commercial entities for space services. Just this month, the Australian Department of Defence <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/lreynolds/media-releases/defence-signs-agreement-gold-coast-space-company">signed a contract with Queensland company Gilmour Space technologies</a> to develop rockets for small military cargo and satellites. </p>
<p>Rather than large, expensive technologies developed for single purposes by government agencies, we’re now in an era of <a href="https://www.geospatialworld.net/article/emerging-commercial-space-industry-new-technologies/">“NewSpace”</a>. This is a term associated with small and medium sized companies developing smaller, lighter, and therefore cheaper technologies that can be repurposed and turned into “off the shelf” components. </p>
<p>Australian companies excel at this, as demonstrated by Gilmour, <a href="https://renewalsa.sa.gov.au/neumann-space-lifts-off-at-lot-fourteen/">Neumann Space</a> – which has a unique thrust technology for small satellites – and <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/06/myriota-raises-19-3-million-to-expand-its-iot-satellite-constellation/">Myriota</a>, a world leader in groundbreaking Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. </p>
<p>Giants such as SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing NewSpace technologies alongside their larger launch projects, and smaller companies benefit from their success when it comes negotiating public-private partnerships.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/spacex-reaches-for-milestone-in-spaceflight-a-private-company-launches-astronauts-into-orbit-138765">SpaceX reaches for milestone in spaceflight – a private company launches astronauts into orbit</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Innovative mindsets pave the way</h2>
<p>Even the opening of our own spaceport in East Arnhem land, expected by early 2021, is thanks to industry innovation. </p>
<p>NewSpace company <a href="https://ela.space/what/">Equatorial Launch Australia</a> is the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/world-first-startup-wins-nasa-deal-to-launch-rockets-from-australia-20190531-p51t8g.html">first commercial company ever to receive a launch contract from NASA</a>. As a result, the company is developing the spaceport, where it will specialise in new launch technologies for small and light satellites. </p>
<p>With our own spaceport, Australia will join the ranks of just 13 other nations that have launch capacity from their territory. </p>
<p>And aside from NASA, many Australian companies and research institutes will be keen customers. <a href="https://www.inovor.com.au/">Inovor, which builds tiny nanosatellites</a> may be among the first. </p>
<p>Or perhaps Gilmour, as it tests a revolutionary hybrid propulsion rocket <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/r-d/4358-anu-re-opens-national-space-testing-facility-discovers-cosmic-hidden-treasurers?utm_source=SpaceConnect&utm_campaign=29_05_20&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3&utm_emailID=71b8ae82567b8c1542c01de0febc35d1246cdfc9f33cc7cc762cccff9659ae65">in partnership with the Australian National University</a>. This could be the first commercial rocket of its kind to launch in the world. </p>
<h2>Even in a pandemic, the space economy booms</h2>
<p>According to a <a href="https://home.kpmg/au/en/home/insights/2020/05/30-voices-on-2030-future-of-space.html">report released</a> in May by accounting organisation KPMG, by 2030 every business will be a “space business”. The report suggests humans will live, work and holiday in space, and will be mining the moon for water and minerals.</p>
<p>And while human space flight from Australian shores may not be on the horizon, SpaceX’s launch is a beacon of hope for local commercial entities – especially because they push new technologies faster than government programs tethered to budgets and low-risk approaches. </p>
<p>Moreover, the ASA is considering entering into an <a href="https://spacenews.com/nasa-announces-artemis-accords-for-international-cooperation-in-lunar-exploration/">Artemis Accord</a> with the US. The launch technology demonstrated by SpaceX this weekend will be part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024.</p>
<p>So although the national and global economy reels from the impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns, the global space economy continues to boom. And with Australia’s space industry taking off, the sky is definitely not the limit.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/338774/original/file-20200601-83282-fi8sgt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley piloted the Crew Dragon. It’s the first spacecraft to carry humans into space from US shores since 2011.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/49727102273/">NASA Kennedy/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139760/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cassandra Steer receives funding from the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canadian Department of National Defence. </span></em></p>About 770 Australian entities are already developing space-related infrastructure, most of which are privately owned.Cassandra Steer, Lecturer, ANU Center for International and Public Law; Mission Specialist, ANU Institute for Space, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1239942019-09-25T02:05:10Z2019-09-25T02:05:10ZDig deep: Australia’s mining know-how makes it the perfect $150m partner for NASA’s Moon and Mars shots<p>In the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, the Australian government <a href="https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/karenandrews/media-releases/backing-australian-business-jobs-us-moon-mars-mission">announced</a> on Sunday a commitment of A$150million “into our local businesses and new technologies that will support NASA on its inspirational campaign to return to the Moon and travel to Mars”.</p>
<p>It is unclear at this point where the government intends to spend this money, but there’s no harm in some reflective speculation.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-big-global-space-agencies-rely-on-australia-lets-turn-that-to-our-advantage-97939">The big global space agencies rely on Australia – let's turn that to our advantage</a>
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<p>Because this new commitment is to deep space missions, clearly it is separate from the A$245 million being invested in Australia’s <a href="https://smartsatcrc.com/">Smartsat Cooperative Research Centre</a> or the A$4.5 million for the <a href="https://www.cuava.com.au/">Centre for Cubesats, UAVs and their Applications</a>, both of which are generally looking at applications in Earth orbit.</p>
<p>The funding should also be separate from that committed to two Australian Space Agency initiatives: the A$6 million <a href="https://www.sasic.sa.gov.au/media/news/2019/03/19/lift-off-for-new-mission-control-centre">Mission Control Centre</a> for South Australia, and the A$4.5 million <a href="https://consult.industry.gov.au/space/robotics-automation-and-ai-program-design/user_uploads/space-infrastructure-fund--sif--robotics--automation-and-ai-control-centre-consultation-paper-1.pdf">Robotics, Automation and Artificial Intelligence Command and Control Centre</a> for Western Australia. Both of these centres could, however, be used in any planned Moon and Mars initiatives.</p>
<p>The funding allocation should also not include the money already committed to space projects by CSIRO under its <a href="https://research.csiro.au/space/">Space Technology Future Science Platforms</a> initiative.</p>
<h2>Where should it be spent?</h2>
<p>In thinking about where the money can be spent, it’s worth noting the brief is explicitly to “support NASA”. So, where could Australia help?</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=785&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=785&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=785&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=986&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=986&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/293930/original/file-20190925-51463-102tb06.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=986&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">NASA’s Orion spacecraft, centrepiece of the Artemis mission, will need lots of technical support.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>NASA’s two main lunar initiatives are the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars/lunar-gateway">Lunar Gateway</a> and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/what-is-artemis">Project Artemis</a>, both of which have been mentioned in relation to Australia’s funding pledge. Mars may be the long-term destination, but the Moon is where it’s at right now.</p>
<p>The Lunar Gateway is infrastructure: a spacecraft placed in a <a href="https://www.universetoday.com/142896/the-lunar-gateway-will-be-in-a-near-rectilinear-halo-orbit/">halo orbit</a> (always in view of Earth) that is sometimes as close as 3,000km to the Moon’s surface. It will be used as a hub for astronauts, equipment and communications, and a staging post for lunar landings and returns.</p>
<p>Artemis aims to use NASA’s large new rocket, the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html">Space Launch System</a>, to deliver astronauts, including the first woman to walk on the Moon, to the lunar surface by 2024. It will develop a host of new technologies and is openly collaborative.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-australia-in-deep-space-119533">Why isn't Australia in deep space?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>One contribution that cannot be ignored in this context is the technology emerging from Australia’s dominant mining industry. The strength in robotics, automation and remote operations has led to the above-mentioned robotics centre being slated for WA. What’s more, the <a href="http://spaceindustries.com.au/hot-news/remote-operation/">Australian Remote Operations in Space and on Earth institute</a>, a wide-ranging industry collaboration launched in July, is also likely to be headquartered in WA.</p>
<p>Another area where Australia is developing interesting technology is in optical communications with spacecraft, being driven by <a href="https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/aitc/capabilities/laser-communications">research at the Australian National University</a>. At a recent CSIRO workshop to develop “flagship” missions for Australia, the idea of using lasers to beam communications rapidly to the Moon and back was highly rated.</p>
<h2>Putting ideas out there</h2>
<p>Of the nine possible flagships considered, seven are potentially relevant to the new funding. These include a space weather satellite, an asteroid detection system, a cubesat to Mars, a radiotelescope on the Moon, and a solar sail that could power spacecraft to the Moon. There are plenty of good Australian ideas around.</p>
<p>However, the flagship most closely related to the content of the announcement was a project proposal (<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-can-pick-up-its-game-and-land-a-moon-mission-121109">disclosure: it’s mine!</a>) that would place an orbiter around the Moon and design a lander/rover to establish our ability to extract water from permanent ice. Water can be used for many things in a settlement, and when split into hydrogen and oxygen it can be used as rocket fuel to move things around, including to Mars.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-can-pick-up-its-game-and-land-a-moon-mission-121109">Australia can pick up its game and land a Moon mission</a>
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<p>All of our <a href="http://www.acser.unsw.edu.au/mining-water-on-the-moon-the-wilde-project">research in this area</a> has focused on how this can be done in a commercial way, very much in line with the philosophy of “Space 2.0”. We are putting together a significant team of academics, companies (not just mining and space ones), and agencies to pursue these missions seriously.</p>
<p>There has never been a better time to be working in the space sector in Australia. I and all of my colleagues in the field hope the latest announcement is the next step in establishing the vibrant, sustainable space industry so many in Australia now see as achievable.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123994/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Dempster works for the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at UNSW, which is developing moon missions. He has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Space Research Program. He sits on the Advisory Board of the Space Industry Association of Australia. </span></em></p>From solar sail-powered spacecraft, to laser communications, to asteroid detection systems, there is no shortage of Australian ideas and expertise to help NASA explore the Moon and Mars.Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1239782019-09-22T12:13:21Z2019-09-22T12:13:21ZView from The Hill: To go to China you have to be invited: Morrison<p>Scott Morrison was frank, when quizzed at a news conference during his state visit to Washington, on whether he would be seeking to travel to China in the next year.</p>
<p>“Well, you have to be invited to go,” he said.</p>
<p>With Australia-China relations at a low point – due to Australia’s foreign interference legislation, the banning of Huawei from 5G network and other issues – there’s no indication when an invitation might come.</p>
<p>Not that the Prime Minister wants to seem anxious. </p>
<p>He referred to his encounters with the Chinese leadership in the margins of summits, as well as senior level meetings in the areas of foreign affairs, defence and trade.</p>
<p>Pressed on whether he would like to be invited, Morrison said: “Well of course we would go if there was an invitation to attend.</p>
<p>"But it’s not something that is overly vexing us because we have this partnership. We continue to work closely with China,” he said. “So it’s not an issue that’s troubling me at all.”</p>
<p>Amid the glamour and glitter and the mutually admiring exchanges of rhetorical hype between Donald Trump and Morrison, China and Iran were the central policy issues of interest.</p>
<p>Morrison made clear that Australia and the United States brought differing economic perspectives on China. He was keen to encourage a deal to end the US-China trade war, but also to show understanding of Trump position.</p>
<p>He praised Trump’s “natural instinct of restraint” on Iran, despite the President making reference to his nuclear arsenal. Morrison also stressed Australia’s present commitment was strictly limited to the protection of the sea lanes.</p>
<p>He did not explicitly rule out further involvement if the situation escalated, rather saying nothing like that had been asked and people should not get ahead of themselves.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/as-scott-morrison-heads-to-washington-the-us-australia-alliance-is-unlikely-to-change-121930">As Scott Morrison heads to Washington, the US-Australia alliance is unlikely to change</a>
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<p>The theme of the Morrison visit is repeated over and over – renewing and modernising the deep connection between the two countries, which is now cast as looking from one century of “mateship” to a second century of it. Leaders of more powerful nations would visit, Morrison said, “but you won’t find a more sure and steadfast friend, a better mate, than Australia”.</p>
<p>From where Trump sits, Australia and its PM could hardly tick any more boxes.</p>
<p>The US has a trade surplus with Australia. Australia, as Morrison emphasised, would be spending 2% of GDP on defence – that is, an ally putting its weight. And, as Trump emphasised, it is buying a great deal of defence equipment from the US.</p>
<p>Then there is the fact that Morrison is right up Trump’s alley as a leader – a conservative who has won an election against the odds.</p>
<p>No wonder Trump had a ready reply when reminded of George W Bush dubbing Howard “a man of steel” - Morrison is “a man of titanium”.</p>
<p>On China, the President dwelt on the pain the US was imposing. “They’re having a very bad year, worst year in 57 years. … We’re taking in billions and billions of dollars of tariffs. … They’ve lost over three million jobs there. Supply chain is crashing. And they have a lot of problems. And I can tell you, they want to make a deal.”</p>
<p>Morrison highlighted Australia’s strategic partnership with China. “We have a great relationship with China. China’s growth has been great for Australia.</p>
<p>"But we need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field,” he said.</p>
<p>On the Middle East, when asked “are you open to further military action against Iran or is the Australian commitment solely contained to a freedom of navigation patrol exercise?” Morrison replied: “As the President said … there are no further activities planned or requested for assistance from Australia, so the question to that extent is moot”.</p>
<p>He praised the “calibrated, I think very measured response” of the US, as the administration announced further sanctions.</p>
<p>“Obviously at any time when issues are raised with us as an ally, we consider them on their merits at the time in Australia’s national interests,” Morrison said at their joint news conference.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-being-a-trump-bestie-comes-with-its-own-challenges-for-scott-morrison-120609">Grattan on Friday: Being a Trump 'bestie' comes with its own challenges for Scott Morrison</a>
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<p>Speaking at his news conference for the travelling media Morrison said there was no discussion of anything beyond the present commitment.</p>
<p>“I think people need to be careful about getting ahead of themselves and in running off on where these things might go. I mean these matters … are dealt with I think in a very iterative way, and I think that’s what you’re seeing.”</p>
<p>Morrison announced a five year $150 million investment for the Australian Space Agency to “foster the new ideas and hi-tech skilled jobs that will make Australian businesses a partner of choice to fit out NASA missions” to return to the Moon and travel to Mars.</p>
<p>He said the investment would bring more jobs, new technologies and more investment.</p>
<p>“We’re backing Australian businesses to the moon, and even Mars, and back,” he said. </p>
<p>“We’re getting behind Australian businesses so they can take advantage of the pipeline of work NASA has committed to. There is enormous opportunity for Australia’s space sector which is why we want to triple its size to $12 billion to create around 20,000 extra jobs by 2030.”</p>
<p>The announcement prompted Malcolm Turnbull to tweet:</p>
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<p>Morrison repeatedly dismissed as “gossip” - but did not deny – a Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-australian-prime-minister-look-to-reinforce-an-at-times-strained-alliance-11568983183">report</a> that he had wanted his close associate Hillsong founder Brian Houston invited to the state dinner but the Americans had vetoed him.</p>
<p>Houston said: “I have had no invitation to the White House and I have had no discussion with the prime minister or anyone else about this”.</p>
<p>Houston received an adverse finding from the royal commission into child sexual abuse. It found that “in 1999 and 2000, Pastor Brian Houston and the National Executive of the Assemblies of God in Australia did not refer the allegations of child sexual abuse against Mr Frank Houston [ Brian’s father] to the police”.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123978/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Amid the glamour and glitter and the mutually admiring exchanges between Donald Trump and Morrison, China and Iran were the central policy issues of interest during the PM’s Washington trip.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1214972019-08-21T19:52:57Z2019-08-21T19:52:57ZIndia has it right: nations either aim for the Moon or get left behind in the space economy<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288854/original/file-20190821-170956-8y6xfl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4801%2C3046&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">India's Chandrayaan-2 Moon mission blasts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, on 22 July 2019.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Indian Space Research Organisation/EPA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49404019">on September 7</a>. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.</p>
<p>As with all previous Moon missions, national prestige is a big part of India’s Moon shot. But there are some colder calculations behind it as well. Space is poised to become a much bigger business, and both companies and countries are investing in the technological capability to ensure they reap the earthly rewards.</p>
<p>Last year private investment in space-related technology skyrocketed to US$3.25 billion, according to <a href="https://spacenews.com/space-startup-investments-continued-to-rise-in-2018/">the London-based Seraphim Capital</a> – a 29% increase on the previous year.</p>
<p>The list of interested governments is also growing. Along with China and India joining the lunar A-list, in the past decade eight countries have founded space agencies – Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288858/original/file-20190821-170918-gi69yi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">China’s Chang'e 4 spacecraft landed on the far side of the Moon on 11 January 2019. This image taken with the lander’s camera shows the mission’s lunar rover Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit 2.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">China National Space Administration/EPA</span></span>
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<p>Of prime interest is carving out a piece of the market for making and launching commercial payloads. As much as we already depend on satellites now, this dependence will only grow. </p>
<p>In 2018 <a href="https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/do-you-know-how-many-satellites-earth/">382 objects</a> were launched into space. By 2040 it might easily be double that, with companies like Amazon planning “constellations”, composed of thousands of satellites, to provide telecommunication services. </p>
<p>The satellite business is just a start. The next big prize will be technology for “in-situ resource utilisation” – using materials from space for space operations. One example is extracting water from the Moon (which could also be split to provide oxygen and hydrogen-based rocket fuel). NASA’s administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has suggested <a href="https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/wanted-australian-mining-know-how-for-moon-mars-missions-20190710-p525vo">Australian agencies and companies</a> could play a key role in this.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-well-placed-to-join-the-moon-mining-race-or-is-it-111746">Australia: well placed to join the Moon mining race ... or is it?</a>
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<p>All up, the potential gains from a slice of the space economy are huge. It is estimated the space economy could grow from about US$350 billion now to <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investing-in-space">more than US$1 trillion</a> (and as possibly as much <a href="https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-space-future-where-to-next-on-the-final-frontier/">US$2,700 billion</a>) in 2040.</p>
<h2>Launch affordability</h2>
<p>At the height of its Apollo program to land on the Moon, NASA got more than <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apollo-11-moon-landing-how-much-did-it-cost/">4% of the US federal budget</a>. As NASA gears up to return to the Moon and then go to Mars, its budget share is about 0.5%.</p>
<p>In space money has most definitely become an object. But it’s a constraint that’s spurring innovation and opening up economic opportunities.</p>
<p>NASA pulled the pin on its space shuttle program in 2011 when the expected efficiencies of a resusable launch vehicle failed to pan out. Since then it has bought seats on Russian Soyuz rockets to get its astronauts into space. It is now paying SpaceX, the company founded by electric car king Elon Musk, <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/07/27/dragon-captured-with-new-science-experiments/">to deliver space cargo</a>. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288669/original/file-20190820-170914-18ziby8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft just moments after undocking from the International Space Station on 8 March 2019.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA/EPA</span></span>
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<p>SpaceX’s stellar trajectory, having entered the business a little more than a decade ago, demonstrates the possibilities for new players. </p>
<p>To get something into orbit using the space shuttle <a href="https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/handle/2346/74082">cost about US$54,500 a kilogram</a>. SpaceX says the cost of its Falcon 9 rocket and reuseable Dragon spacecraft is about US$2,700 a kilogram. With costs falling, the space economy is poised to boom. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-spacex-lowered-costs-and-reduced-barriers-to-space-112586">How SpaceX lowered costs and reduced barriers to space</a>
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<h2>Choosing a niche</h2>
<p>As the space economy grows, it’s likely different countries will come to occupy different niches. Specialisation will be the key to success, as happens for all industries. </p>
<p>In the hydrocarbon industry, for instance, some countries extract while others process. In the computer industry, some countries design while others manufacture.
There will be similar niches in space. Governments’ policies will play a big part in determining which nation fills which niche. </p>
<p>There are three ways to think about niches.</p>
<p>First, function. A country could focus on space mining, for instance, or space observation. It could act as a space communication hub, or specialise in developing space-based weapons. </p>
<p>Luxembourg is an example of functional specialisation. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in the satellite industry. Another example is Russia, which for now has the monopoly on transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=482&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=482&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/288670/original/file-20190820-170906-usipbu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=482&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin flanked by NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Nick Hague at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, as they prepare for their launch aboard the Soyuz MS-12 in March 2019.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA</span></span>
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<p>Second, value-adding. A national economy can focus on lower or higher value-add processes. In telecommunications, for example, much of the design work is done in the United States, while much of the manufacturing happens in China. Both roles have benefits and drawbacks. </p>
<p>Third, blocs. Global production networks sometimes fragment. One can already see the potential for this happening between the United States and China. If it occurs, other countries must either align with one bloc or remain neutral. </p>
<p>Aligning with a large power ensures patronage, but also dependence. Being between blocs has its risks, but also provides opportunities to gain from each bloc and act as an intermediary. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-economic-reasons-why-australia-needs-a-stronger-space-industry-84583">The economic reasons why Australia needs a stronger space industry</a>
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<p>The first space race, between the Soviet Union and the United States, was singularly driven by political will and government policy. The new space race is more complex, with private players taking the lead in many ways, but government priorities and policy are still crucial. They will determine which countries reach the heights, and which get left behind.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121497/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicholas Borroz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>India’s Moon shot isn’t just about prestige. As launch costs fall, the space economy is poised to boom. A lengthening list of nations is eyeing the sky.Nicholas Borroz, PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata RauLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1211092019-08-01T06:51:42Z2019-08-01T06:51:42ZAustralia can pick up its game and land a Moon mission<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286544/original/file-20190801-169692-joh3mw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=9%2C613%2C6092%2C2867&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The 'Stairway to the Moon' as seen from Western Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/grumblie/29319001672/">Flickr/Gary Tindale</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Now all the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing have died down it’s worth considering where we are with future lunar missions half a century on.</p>
<p>Australia has long played a role in space exploration beyond helping to bring those historic images of the first moonwalk <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-one-but-two-aussie-dishes-were-used-to-get-the-tv-signals-back-from-the-apollo-11-moonwalk-108177">to our television screens back in 1969</a>.</p>
<p>Labor MP Peter Khalil has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5aDbDO5Ox8">already called for Australia</a> to be involved in a mission to the Moon, and later to Mars. He is co-chair of the recently reformed Parliamentary Friends of Space, along with the National’s MP Kevin Hogan.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/not-one-but-two-aussie-dishes-were-used-to-get-the-tv-signals-back-from-the-apollo-11-moonwalk-108177">Not one but two Aussie dishes were used to get the TV signals back from the Apollo 11 moonwalk</a>
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<p>But there is plenty of interest from others in going to the Moon.</p>
<h2>The new Moon race</h2>
<p>Only last month, India <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49032603">launched its Chandrayaan 2 mission</a> that’s already orbited the Moon and <a href="https://earthsky.org/space/chandrayaan-2-isro-india-moon-mission">due to land there on September 7</a>.</p>
<p>China recently landed <a href="https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/01/13/china-releases-more-images-from-far-side-of-the-moon/">Chang’e-4</a> on the far side of the Moon while Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/apr/18/spacewatch-israel-private-moon-mission-crash-lands">almost</a> succeeded in landing its Beresheet probe.</p>
<p>NASA has committed to sending <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/sending-american-astronauts-to-moon-in-2024-nasa-accepts-challenge">people to the Moon</a> again by 2024, and to significant lunar infrastructure such as the lunar <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-artemis-contract-for-lunar-gateway-power-propulsion">Gateway</a>, lunar <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-taps-11-american-companies-to-advance-human-lunar-landers">landers</a> and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/commercial-lunar-payload-services">companies to deliver payloads</a> to the Moon.</p>
<p>There is no doubt the Moon has once more captured the world’s interest. One of the reasons for this is human exploration, and that a Moon presence is now recognised as being <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars">essential</a> to any future mission to Mars.</p>
<h2>Water on the Moon</h2>
<p>Another is the presence of <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-well-placed-to-join-the-moon-mining-race-or-is-it-111746">water on the Moon</a>, and the usefulness of water for all sorts of reasons in space.</p>
<p>By the time we hosted the second <a href="http://www.acser.unsw.edu.au/oemf2019">Off-Earth Mining Forum</a> in 2015, it was clear water was the space resource of most immediate interest. </p>
<p>But the companies that existed at that time were mainly looking to source that water from asteroids. It has only been in the past two years that companies like <a href="https://ispace-inc.com/">iSpace</a> have come to the fore, aiming at extracting water from the Moon.</p>
<p>Australia has reacted quite quickly to this evolving environment. Only last month, the first workshop met to establish a <a href="https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/governments-put-8m-into-australian-space-agency-plans-for-wa-base-to-control-robots-in-space-ng-b881255647z">Remote Operations Institute</a> in Western Australia to look at operating automated machines at a distance - remote mines and space.</p>
<p>The CSIRO identified nine potential “nation-building” flagship space missions, of which four relate to the Moon. One (disclosure, championed by me) is an orbiter and lander aimed at extracting water, but the other three could all support such a mission. Of those nine, four (including mine) have been selected for further examination at a workshop in mid-August in Brisbane.</p>
<p>Since January, we have been working on the <a href="http://www.acser.unsw.edu.au/mining-water-on-the-moon-the-wilde-project">Wilde</a> project, where we have re-focussed our space resources research towards the permanently shadowed craters at the Moon’s poles, where <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/115/36/8907" title="Direct evidence of surface exposed water ice in the lunar polar regions">water is highly likely</a> to occur in acceptable concentrations.</p>
<p>We are also looking to reduce the risk of investing in a water extraction venture, including the design of orbiter and lander missions.</p>
<h2>Explosion of Aussie interest</h2>
<p>These Australian initiatives are all being driven in part by the explosion of the Australian space sector. One symptom of this is the establishment of the Australian Space Agency. The agency’s very existence and its promise have further emboldened space businesses and researchers.</p>
<p>But more than a year after its founding we still await any real missions, or commitment to upstream projects (upstream in space projects means those that are actually in space – those great Australian contributions to Apollo were all on the ground - downstream).</p>
<p>The other important driver for the new space projects mentioned above is that Australia has such a strong mining industry, and that so much mining innovation is created in Australia.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-big-is-the-moon-let-me-compare-118840">How big is the Moon? Let me compare ...</a>
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<p>As disciplines, space and mining have a lot in common: both involve complex engineering systems, work in hostile environments, and human control is increasingly handed over to autonomous robotics. Exploiting resources in space represents a genuine opportunity for Australia to establish a niche around which a sustainable space industry can be built.</p>
<p>So now is a perfect time for Australia to consider a new Moon mission. The industry is growing rapidly and a flagship mission would give it something around which to build. </p>
<p>Our special expertise in resource extraction offers a unique opportunity, which others have only just started to pursue. And a community of companies and researchers has been gathered for the task.</p>
<p>Hopefully it won’t be another 50 years before Australia has its own presence on the Moon.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121109/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Dempster works for the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at UNSW, which is developing moon missions. He has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Space Research Program. He sits on the Advisory Board of the Space Industry Association of Australia. </span></em></p>Australia should be involved in any new mission to the Moon: we have the interest and the expertise so let’s be part of the race.Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1195332019-07-19T22:54:41Z2019-07-19T22:54:41ZWhy isn’t Australia in deep space?<p>This weekend marks 50 years exactly since humans first walked on the Moon. It also marks Australia’s small but significant role in enabling NASA to place boots on the lunar landscape – or at least to broadcast the event. </p>
<p>Those literally otherworldly images – beamed into countless schools, homes and workplaces – were at times routed through the Parkes Radio Telescope in New South Wales.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/not-one-but-two-aussie-dishes-were-used-to-get-the-tv-signals-back-from-the-apollo-11-moonwalk-108177">Not one but two Aussie dishes were used to get the TV signals back from the Apollo 11 moonwalk</a>
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<p>Thanks to a strong radioastronomy program dating back to the 1950s, a warm political relationship, and a geographically useful position in the Southern Hemisphere, Australian facilities have served NASA’s <a href="https://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/">Deep Space Network</a> for well over half a century. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283010/original/file-20190708-51258-1kmd8s9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The Spaceflight Operations Center at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where the Australian component of the Deep Space Network can often be seen relaying data.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA JPL/Caltech</span></span>
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<p>Today, if you walk into the <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/7309/space-flight-operations-facility-at-the-jet-propulsion-laboratory/">Spacecraft Operations Facility</a> at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California (which served as backup control room for the Apollo missions), you’re sure to notice an Australian flag positioned near a monitor showing a live stream of data from the Deep Space Network. The symbol for the Australian relay flashes as data arrive from spacecraft orbiting objects in the inner Solar System, and from others operating beyond the orbit of Pluto.</p>
<p>Through the <a href="https://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/">Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex</a>, Australia’s telescopes and tracking stations have played a role in every deep space mission since Apollo. However, our involvement is largely serendipitous rather than intentional, with generations of Australian governments having shown close to zero interest in space science.</p>
<p>Until the formation of the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/strategies-for-the-future/australian-space-agency">Australian Space Agency</a>, almost 49 years to the day since the Parkes dish helped people everywhere watch the moon landings, Australia was the only OECD country without a national space agency. </p>
<p>Yet we were once a genuine space power. Australia was the third nation to launch a satellite from within its national borders, and the seventh overall. During the Apollo era, Woomera was the largest land-based test range in the Western world.</p>
<p>Notwithstanding a recently reinvigorated commercial light launch industry and a range of <a href="https://smartsatcrc.com/">Earth observation and communications satellites</a>, space science has followed a downward trajectory in Australia ever since. Deep space exploration in particular is viewed as the exclusive playground of superpowers, far too expensive for a middling nation. </p>
<p>Yet examples abound of smaller nations punching well above their weight in deep space. Take Canada, a country of comparable population and wealth to Australia, which has contributed numerous payloads to international missions. The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, better known as the <a href="https://www.ieee.ca/millennium/canadarm/canadarm_technical.html">Canadarm</a>, has worked on both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, inspiring a generation of robotics students along the way. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283003/original/file-20190708-51262-15i9192.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Canada’s Remote Manipulator System (RMS) seen from the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2005.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span>
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<p>Canada will now build and operate a similar instrument on the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars">Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway</a>, the first stepping stone for astronauts headed to Mars. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283006/original/file-20190708-51253-19lg67i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Canada will build a new arm for NASA’s Lunar Gateway space station (right).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span>
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<p>Looking towards the next favourable launch window for Mars, which will occur in mid-2020, the United Arab Emirates (with a GDP less than a quarter of Australia’s) will launch its <a href="http://emiratesmarsmission.ae/">Mars orbiter</a>. The European and Russian space agencies will launch a combined <a href="http://sci.esa.int/mars/">orbiter, lander and rover mission</a>. China is on track to launch the first Chinese Mars rover in the same window, and shortly thereafter India will launch a new Mars orbiter based on the tremendously successful (and, at US$73 million, surprisingly affordable) <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/pslv-c25-mars-orbiter-mission">Mars Orbiter Mission</a>.</p>
<p>NASA’s upcoming Mars 2020 rover mission will carry contributions from France, Norway, Denmark and Italy, to name a few. </p>
<p>Norway has channelled its experience studying glaciers with ground-penetrating radar into a <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/instruments/rimfax/">geophysical instrument that will peer below the Martian surface</a>. The Danish Technical University has designed a new lens that can photograph objects the size of a <a href="http://www.pippi.kemi.dtu.dk/news/nyhed?id=749083EE-D765-4F06-9279-725B45070B73&utm_device=web&utm_source=RelatedNews&utm_campaign=DTU-Space-to-develop-breast-cancer-scanner">grain of sand on Mars</a>.</p>
<p>And that’s just Mars.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-next-giant-leap-for-humankind-in-space-we-asked-3-space-experts-120428">What's the next 'giant leap' for humankind in space? We asked 3 space experts</a>
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<p>These and many other nations have a front-row seat on multibillion-dollar missions designed to address some of the biggest questions in science. The experience gained will all but ensure they stay on board for yet more ambitious international collaborations in the future.</p>
<p>This sort of contribution is within Australia’s compass, and we are well placed to collaborate with established space powers including the US, Europe, Japan and China. As more of the Solar System is explored and settled by robots, missing out means losing our voice on space policy issues.</p>
<p>Now we have a national space agency, we can at least rebuild the legal framework needed for international collaboration, and develop technologies to pitch to future missions. One hurdle here is the chicken-and-egg problem of having no current product pipeline because of no previous funding.</p>
<p>Fortunately, despite the near-total absence of a local space industry for decades, there is a considerable contingent of Australian expats working in space agencies overseas. This valuable talent pool can hopefully be enticed home.</p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IdYeWN9ZivE?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">NASA is developing a nuclear-powered unmanned aerial vehicle for exploring the surface of Titan, one of Saturn’s moons.</span></figcaption>
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<p>A diverse and ambitious array of deep space missions is currently in development. Almost every part of the Solar System is receiving some attention. NASA is developing a lander to study organic molecules on Europa, and has just announced a <a href="http://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu/">nuclear-powered drone for exploring Titan</a>. Numerous missions to comets, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex">asteroids</a> and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-new-horizons-team-publishes-first-kuiper-belt-flyby-science-results">Kuiper Belt Objects</a> are in planning or already underway. </p>
<p>Where might Australia get the best bang for our buck? What’s the next “Moon shot”? After all, we might as well hitch our wagon to the largest beast in the yard. </p>
<p>Arguably, the next grand challenge is to bring Mars samples back to Earth. Both NASA and the Chinese Space Agency are planning missions that could culminate in achieving this during the 2030s.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283009/original/file-20190708-51284-1mywz1w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">NASA’s upcoming Mars 2020 Rover.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA JPL/Caltech</span></span>
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<p>NASA’s Mars 2020 rover represents the first mission in that series – indeed, one of its instruments will carry out a chemical analysis project <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/instruments/pixl/">led by Australian geologist Abigail Allwood</a>. I am another Australian <a href="https://www.qut.edu.au/science-engineering/about/news?id=141472">involved in this mission</a>, and our compatriot Adrian Brown is the <a href="https://nai.seti.org/content/adrian-brown">Mars 2020 Deputy Program Scientist</a>.</p>
<p>Samples from Mars, some of which will be older than any surviving rocks on Earth, will provide new insights into the evolution of our own planet. They may even answer the question of whether life has evolved elsewhere in the Solar System, and thus whether we are likely ever to encounter living organisms beyond Earth.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=690&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=690&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283008/original/file-20190708-51284-1ykoub2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=690&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">This 2.7 bilion-year-old stromatolite grew in a lake environment that was probably similar to the lake that formed the sediments in Jezero Crater on Mars - the landing site for NASA’s next flagship Mars rover mission.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">David Flannery</span></span>
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<p>Australia can help answer these kinds of questions, given our expertise in mining geology and remote sensing – not to mention studying the world’s oldest evidence for life on Earth: the ancient microbial fossils of Western Australia.</p>
<p>In this and in other deep space science opportunities, all we lack is the courage to imagine what is possible, and the confidence in our ability to succeed.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/119533/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Flannery works for the Queensland University of Technology and consults for NASA JPL. He has previously received research funding from NASA. </span></em></p>Australia played a vital role in beaming the Apollo 11 Moon landing to the world. But since then we’ve passed up the opportunity to cement our place in exploring outer space.David Flannery, Planetary Scientist, Queensland University of TechnologyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1197422019-07-03T02:31:18Z2019-07-03T02:31:18ZTo be a rising star in the space economy, Australia should also look to the East<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/282159/original/file-20190702-105182-1ocuvj2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Diversifying its space partners could help Australia avoid getting pushed around by the space rivalry of China and the United States.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Alex Cherney/CSIRO/EPA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The UK’s space agency is already planning for spaceflights to Australia, taking just <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/uk-space-flights-could-launch-from-cornwall/510c9e2b-e253-42ef-8c40-a51cc66aba47">90 minutes</a>. This week it announced the site of its first “spaceport”.</p>
<p>Where exactly a spacecraft might land in Australia is still anyone’s guess.</p>
<p>Australia wants to become a bona fide space power in the emerging space economy – exemplified by the rise of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45919650">private space companies</a> such as SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and others.</p>
<p>But the UK Space Agency’s well-developed plans to build Europe’s first spaceport in Cornwall, southwest England, as well as another to launch rockets carrying micro-satellites in Sutherland, north Scotland, shows the Australian venture has a lot more groundwork to do.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/ten-essential-reads-to-catch-up-on-australian-space-agency-news-108671">Ten essential reads to catch up on Australian Space Agency news</a>
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<p>The Australian government founded the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-12/what-will-the-new-space-agency-mean-for-adelaide-and-australia/10609274">Australian Space Agency</a> just one year ago. It is about to invest tens of millions of dollars in international space projects. </p>
<p>But right now, it could be argued, it has a large problem: How will Australia connect to the rest of the international space economy?</p>
<h2>Focused on old friends</h2>
<p>Before the Australian Space Agency was founded, Australia’s main international relations regarding outer space were with the United States and some European countries. It has long hosted ground stations for <a href="https://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/Pages/other_history.html">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/New_Norcia_-_DSA_1">European Space Agency</a>.</p>
<p>It has cooperated with other international partners to a lesser extent. The most notable project is the Square Kilometre Array, an astronomy project being built in Australia and South Africa. International partners include Canada, China, India and New Zealand.</p>
<p>Though Australia has indicated it wants to “<a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/australian-civil-space-strategy-2019-2028">open doors internationally</a>” for space partnerships, so far it has been focused on building up ties with its old friends in the US and Europe. </p>
<p>The Australian Space Agency has been talking to NASA about cooperation, including on NASA’s <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/05/australia-join-nasa-moon-plans-1246914">Lunar Gateway</a> effort to build a permanent presence on the Moon. It has signed statements of strategic intent with <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/joint-ssi-australian-space-agency-and-boeing-company.pdf">Boeing</a> and <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/joint-ssi-australian-space-agency-and-lockheed-martin.pdf">Lockheed Martin</a>, two large American aerospace firms that are NASA contractors. A private northern Australian rocket launch company <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/world-first-startup-wins-nasa-deal-to-launch-rockets-from-australia-20190531-p51t8g.html">reports it is negotiating</a> to launch NASA sounding rockets next year. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/nasa-and-space-tourists-might-be-in-our-future-but-first-we-need-to-decide-who-can-launch-from-australia-117912">NASA and space tourists might be in our future but first we need to decide who can launch from Australia</a>
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<p>The US communications firm <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/alice-springs-lands-first-indigenousowned-earth-ground-station/news-story/bb325545fa82578e9569683aeaaddf4c">Viasat</a> plans to build a ground station near Alice Springs. American universities are the only <a href="https://www.cuava.com.au/partners/">foreign partners</a> of Australia’s newly opened CubeSat and unmanned aerial vehicle research centre, CUAVA.</p>
<p>With the Europeans, the Australian Space Agency has signed memoranda of understanding with <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/australian-space-agency-and-french-counterpart-sigh-mou/news-story/f7d1d4311b64b70c2b2158c39764740d">France</a> and <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/748599/181002_MoU_UKSA-ASA_final-SIGNED.pdf">Britain</a>. The Italian space company <a href="http://www.sitael.com/sitael-branch-australia/">SITAEL</a> has expanded to Adelaide, where the Australian Space Agency is based. The federal government’s new SmartSat cooperative research centre has a consortium of nearly 100 industry and research partners. One is the European aerospace giant <a href="https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/manufacturing/3316-industry-researchers-jump-on-board-new-smartsat-crc">Airbus</a>, with which the Australian Space Agency has also signed a statement of strategic intent. </p>
<p>These are still early days, but outside of partnerships with the Americans and Europeans, the only major international developments since the Australian Space Agency’s founding are with <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/mou-australian-space-agency-and-canadian-space-agency.pdf">Canada</a> and the <a href="https://spacewatch.global/2019/02/australia-and-uae-space-agencies-sign-partnership-mou-in-adelaide/">United Arab Emirates</a>. </p>
<h2>Ties with China and India</h2>
<p>So should Australia diversify its relations? </p>
<p>On the one hand, tying Australia’s space economy to the Americans and Europeans makes sense. Both have large markets and developed space industries. Close ties to both will likely ensure a steady stream of business. </p>
<p>On the other hand, there are benefits to pursuing a new type of multilateralism that is less US- or Euro-centric. </p>
<p>Through the Square Kilometre Array project, Australia has links with China and India. Compared to the Americans and Europeans, these two countries have different competitive strengths in the global space industry. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/to-carve-out-a-niche-in-space-industries-australia-should-focus-on-microgravity-research-rockets-119225">To carve out a niche in space industries, Australia should focus on microgravity research rockets</a>
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<p>Positioning between them could put Australia in a unique place in the global production networks of space science and technology. This is particularly so if relations between some of these larger players are distant (the United States and China, for example). Australia could benefit from being a go-between.</p>
<p>Australia could also choose to supplement these larger relationships with ties to smaller countries. Especially with other new entrants into the space economy – New Zealand established a <a href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/">space agency</a> in 2016, for example – there are common points of interest. </p>
<p>All are likely to want to diversify relationships with big space powers and not be pushed into dealing with just one or another. Again, friction between the United States and China comes to mind. Smaller space powers could band together to maintain their ability to make their own independent decisions. </p>
<p>There is no right answer about how Australia should proceed with international engagement in the space economy. More accurately, there are different right answers depending on what sort of space power Australia ultimately wants to become.</p>
<p>Australia’s space agency is just one year old. The country does not need to automatically continue its Western orientation. It can instead recreate itself as a truly international actor in the new space economy.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/119742/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicholas Borroz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Australia needs more friends, particularly in China and India, to be a force in the international space economy.Nicholas Borroz, PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata RauLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1192252019-06-30T19:30:31Z2019-06-30T19:30:31ZTo carve out a niche in space industries, Australia should focus on microgravity research rockets<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280923/original/file-20190624-97745-1i54qu6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Experiments performed in microgravity – like this one in the International Space Station by astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti – can give us data not able to be gathered on Earth. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.nasa.gov/beta/content/esa-astronaut-samantha-cristoforetti-2">NASA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia now has a <a href="https://theconversation.com/ten-essential-reads-to-catch-up-on-australian-space-agency-news-108671">space agency</a>, and our federal and South Australian governments are looking to grow a prosperous space industry to boost productivity and employment. </p>
<p>The challenge for Australia is to find a niche in the expanding global race to commercialise space. </p>
<p>I suggest we should focus on microgravity experiments. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-well-placed-to-join-the-moon-mining-race-or-is-it-111746">Australia: well placed to join the Moon mining race ... or is it?</a>
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<p>First of all, let’s get the definition of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-microgravity-k4.html">microgravity</a> right. </p>
<p>Micro means very small, so the term microgravity is used interchangeably with “Zero-G” or zero gravity.</p>
<p>If you’ve seen videos of people floating on board an aircraft known as the “<a href="http://www.novespace.fr/en,vol.html">vomit comet</a>”, they’re in microgravity. That doesn’t mean there’s no gravity; it means they are in freefall. </p>
<p>It’s the same sensation you may have felt at an amusement park, or in a fast-moving elevator when your stomach lifts up. </p>
<p>Objects in freefall are all falling towards something at the same speed. So in the vomit comet: the aircraft, the people and everything inside are all falling towards the ground at the same speed.</p>
<h2>A spherical flame</h2>
<p>Microgravity research makes use of that freefall condition to conduct scientific experiments. It’s particularly interesting to do so because most systems we understand well usually behave differently in microgravity. </p>
<p>For example, on Earth the flame from a struck match looks like an inverted teardrop shape and is orange. In microgravity, that same flame is spherical and <a href="https://www.space.com/13766-international-space-station-flex-fire-research.html">blue in colour</a>. This is because heat transfer is very different in microgravity than in normal gravity. </p>
<p>We learn in school that heat rises: this is what makes the match flame become pointed at the top – all the heat in the flame is rising upwards.</p>
<p>In microgravity, heat doesn’t rise. It stays exactly where it is. So the flame in microgravity keeps its heat focused around the match and burns much hotter, which is why it appears blue. </p>
<p>Understanding these simple processes allows scientists and engineers to design equipment for use in spacecraft, which experience microgravity all the time.</p>
<h2>Experiments at microgravity</h2>
<p>There are more than <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/">300 experiments</a> currently happening aboard the International Space Station, making it the largest off-world scientific laboratory. From biotechnology to earth and space science, and from physics to human research, we are continually finding out new things about our world from experiments in microgravity.</p>
<p>Scientifically, such experiments have great value. For example, crystal forms of a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=1169">protein involved in the disease cystic fibrosis</a> – a life-threatening lung disease caused by a genetic mutation – can be grown in microgravity. Without the effects of gravity, the crystals grow much bigger and with higher purity. Researchers can use these “super crystals” to determine protein structure, and improve the drugs currently used to treat cystic fibrosis. More efficient drugs reduce the need for lengthy lab-based research and development and improve the quality of life of patients. </p>
<p>Data from observations of <a href="http://eea.spaceflight.esa.int/portal/exp/?id=9641">how liquid metals solidify</a> in microgravity has been used to change how we cast turbine blades on Earth. Changes to these models and processes has resulted in the manufacture of <a href="http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/impress/text/education/Circular%20Motion/Turbine_Blades.html">lighter and stronger blades</a> for aircraft engines. Lighter aircraft leads to lower fuel consumption and so less greenhouse gas emission resulting in reduced airfares to the consumer.</p>
<h2>Opportunity for Australia</h2>
<p>Australia has little involvement with the International Space Station and we don’t have a Zero-G aircraft. So we must look to other types of microgravity platform to conduct any research. </p>
<p>Up until the 1970s we <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">launched sounding rockets from Woomera, South Australia</a> – but as a defence project those flights stopped when other countries pulled out. </p>
<p>A sounding rocket is so-called from “sonda” the Latin word for “probe” – it’s a rocket that takes measurements. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years</a>
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<p>In 2019 the <a href="https://ayaa.com.au/">Australian Youth Aero Association</a> held the inaugural <a href="https://aurc.ayaa.com.au/">Australian Universities Rocket Competition</a> to boost new capability in sounding rocket technology in Australia. </p>
<p>The rocket launches with a rapid acceleration which lasts for a few seconds. After the motor has used up all its fuel, the rocket traces out a huge arc in the sky, where everything inside is in zero gravity before it falls back down to earth.</p>
<p>Because we only need the rocket to be in freefall to achieve microgravity, the rocket doesn’t even need to go into space to conduct the experiment. </p>
<p>This growing number of microgravity platforms available in Australia provides scientists with a new environment in which to <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2019/apr/hive-rocket-team">conduct experiments</a>. </p>
<h2>Cost versus risk</h2>
<p>Student-built rockets are low cost – however, model rocketry is also high-risk, and not ideal for precise scientific measurements. If the safety parachute fails to deploy, the rocket risks a ballistic landing, destroying the rocket and everything on board – including that valuable scientific experiment.</p>
<p>Many nations have active sounding rocket programmes using reliable rockets that regularly launch to altitudes well above 100 km, the boundary that separates aeronautics from astronautics and the commonly accepted “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%A1rm%C3%A1n_line">edge of space</a>”. </p>
<p>In Australia, <a href="https://ela.space/">Equatorial Launch Australia</a> (ELA) are working with The Gumatj Corporation Limited, Developing East Arnhem Limited and the Northern Territory Government to build Australia’s first spaceport. </p>
<p>The site in the Northern Territory is sufficiently well advanced that <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/world-first-startup-wins-nasa-deal-to-launch-rockets-from-australia-20190531-p51t8g.html">NASA recently announced</a> they would work with ELA to launch sounding rockets into sub-orbital space from the Arnhem Space Centre in 2020.</p>
<p>Thanks to the proximity of northern Australia to the equator and expertise in ground station operation, Australia has an opportunity to carve out a niche in launching sounding rockets to conduct microgravity research.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/119225/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Gail Iles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>On Earth the flame from a struck match looks like an inverted teardrop shape and is orange. In microgravity, that same flame is spherical and blue. Heat transfer is different with minimal gravity.Gail Iles, Lecturer in Physics, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1179122019-06-10T20:07:05Z2019-06-10T20:07:05ZNASA and space tourists might be in our future but first we need to decide who can launch from Australia<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/278019/original/file-20190605-40723-1r96nkh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=18%2C0%2C2048%2C1364&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US, May 2019.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/32826734977/">NASA Kennedy </a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>In a sign the Australian Space Agency is already opening up new doors for Australian industry, NASA <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/nasas-surprise-australian-location-pick-for-worldfirst-rocket-launch/news-story/aa14341726461cac0918ff79bfe2daa1">says</a> it will be launching rockets from Arnhem Space Centre, in Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, in 2020.</p>
<p>Minister for Industry, Science and Technology <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/another-part-of-the-puzzle-andrews-looks-to-the-science-on-climate-change-20190530-p51spy.html">Karen Andrews has also indicated</a> she will encourage space tourism from Australia. She wants passengers to experience zero-gravity from the convenience of a domestic airport.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/five-ethical-questions-for-how-we-choose-to-use-the-moon-116801">Five ethical questions for how we choose to use the Moon</a>
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<p>But who gets to decide what can be launched into space? That depends on where the launch takes place, and in the case of Australia those rules are currently under review.</p>
<h2>International treaty</h2>
<p>The authority for who approves, supervises and grants permission for launch of space objects is based on UN treaties that provide a framework for international space law. The most important is the Outer Space Treaty (<a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html">OST</a>), which entered into force in 1967.</p>
<p>Article VI of the OST provides that nation states (that is, countries) bear “international responsibility” for “national activities” undertaken in outer space by government and commercial users alike. </p>
<p>States remain responsible for activities undertaken by commercial entities – for example, companies such as SpaceX – and are obliged to undertake ongoing supervision of such activities. </p>
<p>How individual countries choose to conduct such supervision is left entirely up to them, but in most cases it is done by way of domestic space law. </p>
<p>Another international treaty, the <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introliability-convention.html">Liability Convention</a> provides that the liability of the state extends to all launches that are made from that state’s territory. For example, the US is legally responsible for all launches that take place from that country as well as for launches elsewhere that it procures.</p>
<p>This imposes a significant burden on the state to ensure that international requirements are complied with. </p>
<p>Domestic space law regulates matters such as the granting of launch permits, and insurance and indemnity requirements. In Australia, this is achieved through the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018A00092">Space Activities (Launches and Returns) Act 2018</a>. In New Zealand, the <a href="http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2017/0029/latest/DLM6966275.html">Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017</a>, applies. </p>
<h2>The Starlink network</h2>
<p>In the US, it’s the Federal Communications Commission (<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/">FCC</a>) that gave Elon Musk’s SpaceX permission to launch <a href="https://theconversation.com/lights-in-the-sky-from-elon-musks-new-satellite-network-have-stargazers-worried-117829">thousands of Starlink satellites</a> as part of a plan to create a low-orbit internet network.</p>
<p>The licence is for one constellation of 4,409 satellites and a second constellation of 7,518 satellites. The FCC requires launch of half of the total number planned within six years.</p>
<p>The first <a href="https://www.space.com/spacex-launches-60-starlink-internet-satellites.html">60 satellites were launched into orbit</a> last month, and have already given rise to a number of concerns.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lights-in-the-sky-from-elon-musks-new-satellite-network-have-stargazers-worried-117829">Lights in the sky from Elon Musk's new satellite network have stargazers worried</a>
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<p>Scientists and <a href="https://theconversation.com/lights-in-the-sky-from-elon-musks-new-satellite-network-have-stargazers-worried-117829">astronomers are worried</a> such a large constellation of satellites will be <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2205172-astronomy-group-calls-for-urgent-action-on-spacex-starlink-satellites/">visible to the naked eye</a> in the night sky. In response, Musk has already agreed to make the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/astronomers-worry-new-constellation-satellites-could-impact-night-sky-180972312/">next batch less shiny</a>.</p>
<h2>Penalties apply</h2>
<p>As well as granting launch licences, the FCC can also issue fines for any unlicensed launch by US operators.</p>
<p>Swarm Technologies <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/20/18150684/swarm-technologies-illegal-satellite-launch-fcc-settlement-fine">launched four SpaceBee satellites</a> from India in January 2018, after having been denied a licence from the FCC. The FCC was concerned the satellites were too small to be effectively tracked by the US Space Surveillance Network.</p>
<p>FCC subsequently <a href="https://spacenews.com/fcc-fines-swarm-900000-for-unauthorized-smallsat-launch/">fined Swarm US$900,000</a>, partly as a way to spread the word that licensing of launching is a serious business but because the company had also performed other activities that required FCC authorisation.</p>
<p>In addition to presenting issues for tracking, new satellites also presented a hazard in terms of their <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/spacexs-starlink-could-cause-cascades-of-space-junk/">potential to create large debris fields</a>.</p>
<p>Notably, there are no binding international laws with respect to the creation of space debris. There are <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/spacelaw/sd/IADC-2002-01-IADC-Space_Debris-Guidelines-Revision1.pdf">non-binding Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines</a> issued by the UN Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee. But these are only guidelines and are frequently overlooked in the interests of commercial expediency.</p>
<p>The 2018 Australian Act does require the applicant for various Australian licences (such as a launch permit) to include “a strategy for debris mitigation”. This may include, for example, a plan to de-orbit the satellite after a certain number of years.</p>
<h2>Launches from Australia</h2>
<p>Australia’s first claim to fame as a space-faring nation was the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-29/50-years-since-first-satellite-launch-wresat/9205878">launch of WRESAT (the Weapons Research Establishment Satellite)</a> from Woomera, South Australia, in 1967. </p>
<p>But the launch platforms on nearby Lake Hart were dismantled following the departure to French Guiana in 1971 of the European Launcher Development Organisation (<a href="https://digital.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/nodes/view/2805">ELDO</a>) – whose name ELDO still graces the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eldohotel/">sole hotel in Woomera</a>, in outback South Australia. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/278038/original/file-20190605-40727-u9ls8z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The ELDO hotel in Woomera.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kool_skatkat/198371680/in/photolist-iwGZo">Flickr/kool skatkat</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
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<p>From this time until the late 1990s there was <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">little interest in space launches</a> from Australia. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years</a>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A00391">Space Activities Act 1998</a> was enacted in response to a <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-launch-from-australia-something-missing-from-our-plans-for-the-new-space-race-97924">brief interest in US company Kistler Aerospace developing a spaceport</a> at Woomera, SA. </p>
<p>But no spaceport was constructed nor any launches conducted. A review of the Space Activities Act and of the Australian space industry in 2016-2017 led to the new Space Activities (Launches and Returns) Act in 2018.</p>
<p>This Act envisions a broader role for domestic space industries, including but not limited to, launch.</p>
<p>The rules which flesh out the details of the application of that licensing regime are <a href="https://consult.industry.gov.au/space/space-launches-and-returns-act-2018-draft-rules/">currently open for public review and comment</a>. The deadline for making a submission closes at the end of this week.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/117912/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa de Zwart is a Board Member of the Space Industry Association of Australia. </span></em></p>This are looking up when it comes to launching things into space from Australia. The rules on what can be launched are currently under review and open for comment.Melissa de Zwart, Professor, Adelaide Law School, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1081562018-12-07T03:54:36Z2018-12-07T03:54:36ZThe problems with small satellites – and what Australia’s Space Agency can do to help<p>Australia is part of the global explosion in space industries – including the design and engineering of satellites smaller than a loaf of bread. </p>
<p>But we’re at a point now where we need to take the next step. </p>
<p>The growing number of small satellites orbiting Earth presents some unique challenges, such as interference with communication networks, the buildup of space junk, and the legal questions that arise if something goes wrong. </p>
<p>Australia’s new <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/australian-space-agency-43175">Space Agency</a> can play a vital role in coordinating our government policy around these issues.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-weve-got-a-space-agency-but-our-industry-needs-space-prize-australia-98703">Yes we've got a space agency – but our industry needs 'Space Prize Australia'</a>
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<h2>Acceleration in small sats</h2>
<p>Since Sputnik 1 in 1957, there have been 8,303 <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/osoindex/search-ng.jspx">registered</a> space objects. Only 20 of those, so far, have been registered to <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/osoindex/search-ng.jspx#?c=%7B%22filters%22:%5B%7B%22fieldName%22:%22en%23object.launch.stateOrganization_s%22,%22value%22:%22Australia%22%7D%5D,%22sortings%22:%5B%7B%22fieldName%22:%22object.launch.dateOfLaunch_s1%22,%22dir%22:%22desc%22%7D%5D%7D">Australia</a>, but five satellites have been launched for Australia in just the past four weeks (although not all of them have been registered yet).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.iotaustralia.org.au/2018/12/06/iotnewanz/fleet-space-launches-first-iot-nanosatellites/">Fleet Space</a> in Adelaide had two satellites launched from New Zealand, one from India and one from the United States. The University of New South Wales in Canberra had the M1 satellite launched on the <a href="https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/raaf-m1.htm">same rocket</a> as the Fleet Space satellite from the US. </p>
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<p>Globally, there are almost 1,900 <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-weapons/space-weapons/satellite-database#.XAj4iC17HOQ">active satellites</a> in orbit. That number is set to increase rapidly in the near future – regulators in the US alone have recently <a href="https://spacenews.com/fcc-approves-spacex-telesat-leosat-and-kepler-internet-constellations/">approved</a> more than 12,000 new satellites to be launched into space over the next decade. </p>
<p>In Australia, Fleet Space plans to launch <a href="https://spacenews.com/fleet-details-100-nanosat-constellation-for-internet-of-things-connectivity/">100 satellites</a> over the next decade.</p>
<p>The volume is growing, but the satellites are shrinking. We’ve moved from satellites the size of buses, to those similar in size to a washing machine, to cubesats (10x10x10cm), and even smaller still.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/were-drafting-a-legal-guide-to-war-in-space-hopefully-well-never-need-to-use-it-86677">We're drafting a legal guide to war in space. Hopefully we'll never need to use it</a>
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<p>Australia has committed itself to secure a large proportion of a global space market <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/June%202018/document/extra/global_space_industry_dynamics_-_research_paper.docx">worth</a> more than A$400 billion, <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/g/files/net3906/f/June%202018/document/pdf/review_of_australias_space_industry_capability_-_report_from_the_expert_reference_group.pdf">tripling</a> the Australian space industry from A$4 billion to A$12 billion and growing many thousands of jobs in the many new space start-ups in Australia. </p>
<p>That’s great news for the Australian economy, and the new Australian Space Agency has the mandate to make that happen.</p>
<p>Here’s where we need new policy around satellites to meet the challenges involved. </p>
<h2>1. Congestion in signalling networks</h2>
<p>Communication with your satellite is essential, even if communication is not its main purpose - to get data from remote sensing satellites, navigational satellites, experimental satellites, or just to track it, control it and monitor its status. But the use of radio frequency by small satellites has been hotly contested.</p>
<p>Big satellite manufacturers and operators, and others, oppose the allocation of frequency to small satellites through the international regulator – the <a href="https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/workshops/2015-prague-small-sat/Presentations/AM-PHA-ART5.pdf">International Telecommunications Union</a> and its domestic equivalent – the Australian Communication and Media Authority (<a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/">ACMA</a>). </p>
<p>Notwithstanding that big satellite manufacturers and operators have a commercial incentive to oppose the disruptive upstarts, they have a point. </p>
<p>Small satellites don’t use less bandwidth in proportion to their small size (although they may transmit with less power). So, by their sheer number, they represent a significant risk of congestion and interference in the electromagnetic spectrum - leading to mobile phones not working properly, WiFi networks being degraded, and maybe even failure of your Netflix account. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/spectrum-for-small-satellites-and-cubesats">ACMA is seeking solutions</a> to those potential problems, but if the solutions involve imposing significant technical and financial burdens on new space start-ups, these companies may go offshore to find better solutions – a loss for Australia.</p>
<h2>2. The problem of space junk</h2>
<p>Small satellites add to the space debris problem in outer space – because a significant proportion of them <a href="https://spacenews.com/smallsat-developers-focus-on-improving-reliability/">fail</a> and not all of them follow international best practice (such as it is) on the operation of small satellites. </p>
<p>For example, US company Swarm Technologies went ahead with the launch of several very small satellites known as “Space Bees” via a launch on an Indian rocket even though the US Federal Communications Commission had previously <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/09/spacebees-swarm-unauthorized-satellite-launch/569395/">declined</a> to grant them a licence, on the basis that they were too small to be tracked, thereby making collision avoidance impossible.</p>
<p>SpaceFlight, a company that finds and facilitates launch opportunities for satellite operators, facilitated this opportunity for Swarm Technologies, and it was SpaceFlight that facilitated launch opportunities for the five Australian satellites launched in the last four weeks.</p>
<p>To be fair, Swarm Technologies and SpaceFlight have taken <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/4/17928452/swarm-technologies-spacebees-satellites-spacex-falcon-9-fcc-license">good steps</a> to earn back the confidence of regulators in the US and globally, but it does demonstrate the need for clear and enforced best practice standards. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is a lack of <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/long-term-sustainability-of-outer-space-activities.html">consensus</a> internationally on what those standards should be.</p>
<p>In Australia, our Space Agency has yet to decide on the content of subordinate legislation (<a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/regulation-and-standards/space-regulation">Rules</a>) under the new <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/space_launches_and_returns_act_2018_-_future-law-compilation.pdf">Space Activities (Launches and Returns) Act 2018</a> that may commit Australia to best practice standards for small satellites. </p>
<p>Again, there is a difficult balancing act – if the standards are too lax, there is a greater possibility of something going wrong and we lose reputation, influence, bargaining power and the opportunity to optimise international conditions for Australian commercial and other national interests. </p>
<p>If they are too strict, new space start-ups may find them unpalatable, and move their operations offshore – and the prospect of new jobs and economic growth in the industry dissipates.</p>
<h2>3. Mistakes can happen</h2>
<p>What happens if something does go wrong? Who bears the liability? </p>
<p>Under <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/index.html">international law</a>, in the first instance, liability rests with any state that launches, procures the launch or whose facility or territory is used for launch. Ultimately, that means the taxpayer. </p>
<p>A small satellite could conceivably be responsible for a failure at launch, or a collision in orbit, where there is infrastructure worth many hundreds of billions of dollars (not least, the International Space Station). Thankfully, the probability of any such failure or collision is generally extremely small. </p>
<p>But who accepts that risk of liability on behalf of the Australian taxpayer? For non-governmental operators, it is the Australian Space Agency. </p>
<p>Government operators are largely exempt from the legislation. Australia’s <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/">Department of Defence</a> has been involved in the recent <a href="http://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/cyber-space/first-buccaneer-satellite-mission-hailed-as-a-success">Buccaneer cubesat</a> and the <a href="https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/christopher-pyne/media-releases/m1-satellite-track-september-launch">M1 cubesat</a>, and CSIRO has recently initiated a <a href="https://research.csiro.au/cceo/underpinning-technologies/csirosat-1-cubesat/">project</a> to acquire its own cubesat. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249401/original/file-20181207-128190-cvnc9q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">An artist’s impression of CSIROSat-1 CubeSat.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Inovor Technologies</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is the possibility of different standards within government and relative to the private sector. Australia’s Space Agency does not currently have a strong <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/g/files/net3906/f/June%202018/document/extra/australian_government_response_to_the_review_of_australias_space_industry_capability.pdf">mandate</a> to coordinate across all space activities in which our nation participates. </p>
<p>In the case of the Buccaneer cubesat and the M1 cubesat, the University of New South Wales in Canberra – which built and arranged the launch of the satellites – is subject to control by the Space Agency under legislation. </p>
<p>In other cases, the Space Agency will have to engage and influence others through excellent communication and soft influence. <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/news-media/australian-space-agency-news/100-days-of-the-australian-space-agency">So far</a>, the staff and leadership of the agency have managed that with great skill. </p>
<p>But there’s more work to be done.</p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/its-not-clear-where-trumps-space-force-fits-within-international-agreement-on-peaceful-use-of-space-98545">It's not clear where Trump's 'Space Force' fits within international agreement on peaceful use of space</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/108156/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Duncan Blake is writing in his academic capacity, but he is also Special Counsel, Space Law at International Aerospace Law and Policy Group, a law firm providing legal services to air and space industries.</span></em></p>If the Australian space industry is to grow and create thousands of jobs then we need new policy around satellites to meet the challenges involved.Duncan Blake, PhD candidate, law and military uses of outer space, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/987032018-07-01T20:07:38Z2018-07-01T20:07:38ZYes we’ve got a space agency – but our industry needs ‘Space Prize Australia’<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/225071/original/file-20180627-112634-97qm4f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A launch like this could happen from Australian soil - with the right investment. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/baikonur-kazakhstan-18-july-2011-launch-588688073">from www.shutterstock.com </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/INDUSTRY/IndustrySectors/SPACE/Pages/default.aspx">Australian Space Agency</a> commenced operations on July 1 2018 with the ambition of <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-14/australian-space-agency-boss-predicts-jobs-boom/9756890">tripling the Australian space economy</a> by 2030. </p>
<p>But with the Australian government <a href="https://theconversation.com/budget-2018-space-agency-details-still-scant-but-gps-and-satellite-imagery-funded-96011">investment of A$41 million</a>, we should not expect anything like <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> (which has a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fy_2018_agency_fact_sheet.pdf">budget</a> more than 2,000 times greater).</p>
<p>On the contrary, the impetus for growth must come from the Australian space industry itself – and that’s why “Space Prize Australia” can work. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/budget-2018-space-agency-details-still-scant-but-gps-and-satellite-imagery-funded-96011">Budget 2018: space agency details still scant - but GPS and satellite imagery funded</a>
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<p>The space industry in Australia is currently characterised by many small, independent and disparate enterprises in niche areas. Surviving in an increasingly competitive global market will require collaboration, pooled experience, and teamwork. In addition to the space agency, we need something to galvanise Australian enterprises in the space industry. </p>
<p>But turning new technology into marketable commodities is a risky enterprise. Along that journey, a prize provides the opportunity to gain financial rewards for demonstrated achievement of milestones. It provides context to draw the attention of potential clients to the prospective commodities of Australian space start-ups.</p>
<p>In the model of previously successful prizes in aeronautics and space, Space Prize Australia could drive an Australian space launch – where the satellite, components, launch vehicle, launch facility, operation, ground control station and user applications all come from Australia.</p>
<h2>The Great Air Race</h2>
<p>On 19 March 1919 the government of Prime Minister Billy Hughes announced a £10,000 prize for the first successful flight from the UK to Australia in an aircraft manned by Australians, for the purpose of “<a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164127030?">stimulating aerial activity</a>”. </p>
<p>It was known as the <a href="https://www.greatairrace.com.au/">Great Air Race</a>, and within five months of the announcement, six groups of former WWI airmen and their aircraft had formally registered to compete in the race.</p>
<p>Four Australians – Captain Ross Smith, Lieutenant Keith Smith, Sergeant Wally Shiers, and Sergeant James Bennett – <a href="https://www.greatairrace.com.au/history/">won the prize</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Smith and his team landed at Fannie Bay Airfield in Darwin at 4.12 p.m. on December 10, 1919 and were instantly mobbed by almost the entire population of just under 1,500. Lieutenant Hudson Fysh, soon to be co-founder of the newly formed Qantas, was the first to greet the four airmen.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Their trip was a bold demonstration of what Australians could do. It connected us to the global economy and community, put Australia at the forefront of global aviation, and provided inspiration and energy for the Australian aviation industry.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/3-2-1-liftoff-the-science-of-launching-rockets-from-australia-98307">3, 2, 1...liftoff! The science of launching rockets from Australia</a>
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<h2>Other space prizes</h2>
<p>The Great Air Race and others like it were the inspiration for more recent prizes, specifically in the space industry. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://ansari.xprize.org/">Ansari X Prize</a> was initiated in 1996 at a value of US$10 million. It was designed to reward the first non-government organisation to launch a reusable manned rocket into space twice within two weeks. The prize was won in 2004 by the <a href="https://www.scaled.com/">Scaled Composites company</a> led by Burt Rutan. </p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JbNAvhcoIRQ?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">The Ansari X Prize resulted in the first non-government launch of a reusable rocket into space twice in two weeks.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Of greater significance is that it was estimated to have <a href="https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/sites/default/files/article/foundation/Power%20of%20Prizes_0.pdf">generated</a> US$100 million in new technologies investments. The winning technology was licensed to the newly created Virgin Galactic, and Scaled Composites was later sold to aerospace and defence firm Northrop Grumman. </p>
<p>With an initial target date of March 31 2018, the <a href="https://lunar.xprize.org/">Google Lunar X Prize</a> included rewards totalling US$30 million for the first privately funded team to place a spacecraft on the Moon, travel 500 metres and transmit high definition video and images back to Earth. </p>
<p>Interim prizes were awarded, but no team was able to meet the challenge by the deadline. Nevertheless, it is estimated that it <a href="https://lunar.xprize.org/news/blog/important-update-google-lunar-xprize">generated</a> over US$300 million in investments.</p>
<h2>Let’s get started</h2>
<p>Space Prize Australia is, at this stage, a proposal: no one has committed the funds. However, it has the capacity not just to galvanise our space industry enterprises, but also to inspire the Australian population broadly – just as the Great Air Race did. </p>
<p>It could start with crowd-funding – so that everyday Australians can have a stake in the Australian space industry – and with philanthropy from wealthier individuals or groups.</p>
<p>State governments may be interested. The states and territories have already <a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/2018/06/State-comp-heats-up-over-space-agency">demonstrated</a> interest in and commitment to attracting space industry to their cities, and are seeking further opportunities to do so.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/step-up-australia-we-need-a-traffic-cop-in-space-86464">Step up Australia, we need a traffic cop in space</a>
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<p>Federal government agencies could chip in too. As well as the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/INDUSTRY/IndustrySectors/SPACE/Pages/default.aspx">Australian Space Agency</a>, <a href="https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-future-space">Defence</a>, <a href="http://www.ga.gov.au/">Geoscience Australia</a>, <a href="https://www.csiro.au/">CSIRO</a> and <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/">Bureau of Meteorology</a> would <a href="https://room.eu.com/article/call-for-australia-to-head-back-into-space">benefit</a> from the development of an Australian capability to launch Australian satellites on Australian rockets from Australian sites and operate them from Australian facilities.</p>
<p>It is impossible to say how much could be raised as a prize pool from all those sources. But if it could be announced on 19 March 2019 – the 100th anniversary of the announcement of the <a href="https://www.greatairrace.com.au/">Great Air Race</a> – then AU$10m would seem apt. It’s a figure of comparable significance to the £10,000 prize offered in 1919, and would be sufficient to attract several competitive teams.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/225252/original/file-20180628-112604-1rsspbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">The world was captivated by the launch of Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blakespot/40090623822/in/photolist-245EWSu-G3kqaS-245DUQA-oTGQQW-23tUm6u-24X8q4u-245EVJ7-247u4Co-9K66RE-EsQFRK-233DNwq-6YsCmo-8GHZ2Q-7CrvRW-9whwcW-adPdvM-ASHtjf-nbqrTq-dT1Zo6-ZnQ9Gn-dT1ZdB-24S6xa8-zmeF3c-8WH9Xi-8WLdbS-aGGF9D-8WLcJd-aqQN98-aqTv8b-VKFogu-UANBD7-f1Esh-9EsqPc-9EsqP2-GqVmke-RcNCC9-AQ22Pc-DFNnzW-GH1RXL-CdKsub-237N6kM-NExEWp-rus7QP-JRpiq6-PQvW5M-HHoTuh-vikKJh-uD1orR-FTtngR-nsXaR3">blakespot/flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Inspiration matters</h2>
<p>Space Prize Australia would provide an opportunity for Australian space enterprises to demonstrate their technology, with financial and other support. </p>
<p>The prize would be a means to encourage and facilitate collaboration – potentially with benefits even for enterprises that don’t win. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/no-launch-from-australia-something-missing-from-our-plans-for-the-new-space-race-97924">No launch from Australia: something missing from our plans for the new space race</a>
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<p>The prize could be used, in part, to send the winners on a global tour, to meet with major clients, attend several major events and promote what Australia can do. </p>
<p>It would attract global attention and inspiration and it would showcase Australian space capability to the world. </p>
<p>Perhaps most importantly, it could inspire every Australian girl, boy, man and woman who looks up at the sky at night and wonders what she or he can achieve.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/98703/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Duncan Blake is affiliated with the Space Industry Association of Australia (member of the Advisory Council).</span></em></p>Let’s launch Australian satellites on Australian rockets from Australian sites, and operate them from Australian facilities.Duncan Blake, PhD candidate, law and military uses of outer space, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/983072018-06-25T06:04:41Z2018-06-25T06:04:41Z3, 2, 1…liftoff! The science of launching rockets from Australia<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/223733/original/file-20180619-126537-1qfa7gp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Aircraft and missiles on display at Woomera, South Australia. Will we launch more rockets from here in the future?
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/woomera-sa-australia-november-12-aircrafts-1036915795?src=eaJey8U570eZCNdC_Hf2lA-1-16">from www.shutterstock.com </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia’s space agency will officially commence operations on <a href="http://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/cash/media-releases/turnbull-government-launches-australias-first-space-agency">July 1 2018</a>.</p>
<p>As inaugural agency head Megan Clarke <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-14/australian-space-agency-boss-predicts-jobs-boom/9756890">surveys our national capability in space</a>, many states are putting forward strong cases regarding their <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-big-global-space-agencies-rely-on-australia-lets-turn-that-to-our-advantage-97939">existing relationships</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-were-looking-for-in-australias-space-agency-views-from-nsw-and-sa-92278">human resources and infrastructure</a>. </p>
<p>But from where should Australia launch rockets? Woomera in South Australia launched its <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">first rocket in 1967</a>, but in reality Australia could support multiple launch sites. And the closer to the equator, typically the better. </p>
<p>Let’s look at why. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/no-launch-from-australia-something-missing-from-our-plans-for-the-new-space-race-97924">No launch from Australia: something missing from our plans for the new space race</a>
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<h2>Launching the payload</h2>
<p>The first step in a space venture is to launch the payload (typically a satellite) and get it to stay in a suitable orbit without falling back to earth.</p>
<p>To achieve this, first the rocket must lift itself and the payload from the launch pad, through the lower levels of the atmosphere to altitudes greater than 100 km. This is achieved using a near vertical trajectory.</p>
<p>Once outside the atmosphere, the climb angle is reduced and the rocket starts to accelerate to reach its orbital velocity. It must travel at more than 7.8km/s (approx 28000 km/h) to stay in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). LEOs are orbits with an altitude of less than 2000km, and are used by the majority of small satellites. </p>
<p>The majority of the rocket fuel is used in this acceleration phase. The high final velocity is required to ensure the released payload stays in orbit.</p>
<p>However, by appropriate selection of launch site and launch direction, the required velocity to achieve LEO can be reduced. </p>
<p>The earth rotates one revolution per day in the eastward direction, which results in a surface velocity of 0.46km/s (approx 1670 km/hr) at the equator. As you move north or south from the equator, this surface velocity decreases. </p>
<p>So, in the ideal case, launching eastwards from the equator, the velocity to stay in LEO is reduced from 7.8km/s to approximately 7.3km/s.</p>
<p>As fuel required to attain these speeds is proportional to velocity squared, this is a substantial saving.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-were-looking-for-in-australias-space-agency-views-from-nsw-and-sa-92278">What we're looking for in Australia's Space Agency: views from NSW and SA</a>
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<h2>Different launches for different orbits</h2>
<p>This speed advantage is most important for spacecraft leaving earth and satellites going to geostationary orbit (a high earth orbit, where they rotate with earth and remain exactly above a fixed point on the ground). By launching from the equator in a purely eastward direction they can fully utilise this speed advantage. </p>
<p>However, for small satellites aiming for LEO this has limited value. They would circle above the equator and could only view (or be visible from) a strip several hundreds of kilometres wide. </p>
<p>Instead most LEO launches are slightly to the north or south of the equator, so that the resulting orbit is inclined relative to the earth equatorial plane. From these orbits, after multiple passes, most of the earth (excluding the north and south pole) is visible. </p>
<p>A good example of such an orbit is the International Space Station, which can be tracked at <a href="http://www.isstracker.com/">ISS tracker</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/223816/original/file-20180619-126553-1cp94yt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">International Space Station astronaut Ricky Arnold doing a spacewalk in June 2018.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/another-day-at-the-office">NASA</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The exception to this are satellites in what are called <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OrbitsCatalog/">sun synchronous and polar orbits</a>, flying almost directly over the north and south pole. These require launches in the north or south direction and cannot utilise the speed advantage. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-is-launching-a-tesla-into-space-heres-how-spacex-will-do-it-91069">Elon Musk is launching a Tesla into space – here's how SpaceX will do it</a>
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<h2>Blue skies, no wind</h2>
<p>The biggest motivator for building launch sites close to the equator is the the speed advantage and associated fuel savings mentioned above. Reductions in fuel mass allow increases in allowable payload mass.</p>
<p>This is reflected by the major well established spaceports: Cape Canaveral in Florida (USA), Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (Russia), Kourou in French Guinea (Europe), and Jiuqan (China) all of which are located in the vicinity of the equator.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, there will be significant demand for future launch capacity to LEO either on inclined or sun synchronous orbits, as they are easy to reach and well suited for observation and communication satellites. </p>
<p>Secondary considerations for choosing launch sites are weather and climate related. Obviously blue sky days with little wind are desirable for launching, but – as demonstrated by Cape Canaveral in Florida – it is possible to operate a space-port in a region regularly visited by hurricanes. Nevertheless NASA cites weather as one of the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/9-12/features/F_Lightning_and_Launches_9_12.html">main causes for launch delays</a>. </p>
<p>Finally, it is desirable for launch sites to be close to towns and cities so that people have somewhere to live, and so that launch sites can contribute to the local community. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-big-global-space-agencies-rely-on-australia-lets-turn-that-to-our-advantage-97939">The big global space agencies rely on Australia – let's turn that to our advantage</a>
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<h2>Launching from Australia</h2>
<p>Australia has a <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">rich heritage</a> in space related innovation, research, and collaboration, dating back to the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-part-in-50-years-of-space-exploration-with-nasa-24530">NASA</a> Mercury and <a href="https://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/Pages/other_history.html">Gemini</a> programs.</p>
<p>Today there are several home-grown start-ups developing launch capabilities for access to space, such as <a href="http://hypersonix.space/">Hypersonix</a> and <a href="https://www.gspacetech.com/">Gilmour Space Technologies</a> (plus <a href="https://www.rocketlabusa.com/">Rocketlab</a> in New Zealand), all specifically targeting small satellite launches.</p>
<p>An evolution from this would be an Australian space port, which would further spur on these developments and help grow Australia’s space industry.</p>
<p>So far the majority of rocket launches in Australia have been conducted at the <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/index.htm">Woomera Prohibited Area</a>, located in South Australia. An advantage of Woomera is that trajectories initially run over land. This allows easier communications with the rocket or flight experiment, making it ideal for rocket development. But this isn’t essential in space launches.</p>
<p>Being a large country, Australia can accommodate multiple launch sites. Equatorial Launch Australia (<a href="https://ela.space/">ELA</a>) recently announced that they have secured land to start construction of the <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/australias-first-commercial-space-base-to-launch-rockets-within-a-year/news-story/eb7841c5b39e04fd31302e8b1056e3ab">Arnhem Space Centre</a> in the Northern Territory in 2018.</p>
<p>Similarly Australian Space Launch (ASL) is <a href="https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/expert-wants-to-launch-a-space-station-in-north-ql/3369794/">exploring locations</a> in the Bowen region, North Queensland and <a href="https://southernlaunch.space/">Southern Launch</a> have started site selection along the south coast. </p>
<p>Space launches from Australia can be expected in the not so distance future.
Having a national launch capability will significantly boost the growing space and satellite industry.</p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/five-steps-australia-can-take-to-build-an-effective-space-agency-86617">Five steps Australia can take to build an effective space agency</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/98307/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ingo Jahn is affiliated with the Centre for Hypersonics at the University of Queensland. I have been a past and am a current recipient of Australian Research Council and external funding to develop hypersonic technologies. </span></em></p>We’ve launched rockets from Woomera in South Australia, but in reality Australia could support multiple launch sites. And the closer to the equator, typically the better.Ingo Jahn, Senior Lecturer, The University of QueenslandLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/979392018-06-12T06:16:33Z2018-06-12T06:16:33ZThe big global space agencies rely on Australia – let’s turn that to our advantage<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222710/original/file-20180612-182705-1bh70qz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The 35 m-diameter dish antenna of ESA’s deep-space tracking station at New Norcia, Western Australia. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/europeanspaceagency/19660443934/in/photolist-xZTbVQ-BnRAwH-vXjV2h-ZVUnnA-Z2d42Q-TVjFMy">europeanspaceagency/flickr </a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>In <a href="https://theconversation.com/space-agency-for-australia-heres-why-its-important-96105">the conversation</a> around <a href="http://minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/sinodinos/media-releases/turnbull-government-establish-national-space-agency">Australia’s space agency</a>, the brand leaders – the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>) and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA">ESA</a>) – have had relatively little airplay. </p>
<p>Yet Australia is a critical host to both, and neither would be able to operate its fleet of deep space missions without ground-based support from Australian soil: <a href="https://www.cdscc.nasa.gov">Tidbinbilla</a> (near Canberra) for NASA, and <a href="http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/New_Norcia_-_DSA_1">New Norcia</a> (north of Perth) for ESA. </p>
<p>The launch of Australia’s space agency on July 1, 2018, provides the perfect opportunity for Australia to partner with ESA and NASA. We’re vital for the success of global space operations, and we can and should leverage this to Australia’s advantage. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/five-steps-australia-can-take-to-build-an-effective-space-agency-86617">Five steps Australia can take to build an effective space agency</a>
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<p>The Earth rotates, and Australia occupies a strategic geographic niche in the centre of the sparsely populated Indo-Pacific-Antarctic region. At any one time, Australia has domain over <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/network_map_apr2015.png">one third of the sky</a>, and projecting outwards, one-third of space and one-third of the Universe. Ground-station support at Australian longitudes and latitudes is required for any remote mission, space station or colony wanting continuous communications. </p>
<p>Given our strategic importance, and <a href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/30834">NASA</a> and <a href="https://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2013/02/ESA_Fleet_In_Solar_System_poster_2013">ESA</a>’s collective investments in space assets, supported by A$1 billion in Australian-based ground-stations, it’s surprising that they have featured minimally in discussions thus far. The reason may stem from misconceptions that Australia cannot economically compete with NASA and/or ESA, or that deep space missions aren’t really relevant to Australia’s economy. There’s also the feeling that working with other nations in space may compromise Australia’s sovereignty. </p>
<p>I think these fears are misplaced, and we can easily address them to create advantages for Australia.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222599/original/file-20180611-191971-1wjihg7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">NASA and ESA have strong foundations in Australia.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Driver</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<h2>Collaboration not competition</h2>
<p>Almost every major space mission developed over the past few years by NASA and ESA has been collaborative, with multiple countries and agencies contributing components and subsystems. </p>
<p>Most famously, the Canadian Space Agency built the NASA shuttle’s <a href="http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/canadarm/default.asp">robotic arm</a>. UK and European companies have also provided instruments, sensors, and components to many NASA missions. </p>
<p>This mode of operation, based on collaboration not competition, is familiar to academia but less so to industry. It allows affordable engagement in massive projects, with the benefits that such engagement entails. </p>
<p>While it is true that Australia could never expect to build its own billion-dollar facility, there is every expectation that Australian industries can develop critical subsystems and become an active, collaborative participant in humanity’s expansion into space.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/as-the-details-emerge-on-australias-new-space-agency-we-might-finally-have-lift-off-96542">As the details emerge on Australia's new space agency, we (might) finally have lift-off</a>
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<h2>Space activities create spin-offs</h2>
<p>Almost every deep space mission is in essence a technology demonstrator, leading to <a href="https://spinoff.nasa.gov">multiple and diverse returns</a>. </p>
<p>ESA now operates <a href="http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Business_Incubation/ESA_Business_Incubation_Centres12">12 business incubation centres</a> across Europe, geared at redistributing the intellectual property generated within ESA into the market via small-to-medium startups. Through this model ESA has helped to establish more than <a href="http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/TTP2/500_new_European_companies_from_space">500 new European companies</a>, developing products from <a href="https://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/BR-280/pageflip.html">health to manufacturing and sport to agriculture</a>. </p>
<p>Both NASA and ESA routinely claim a 5:1 return on investment – these claims are difficult to verify, but are echoed in <a href="http://www.oecd.org/science/sci-tech/the-space-economy-at-a-glance-2014-9789264217294-en.htm">OECD reports</a>.</p>
<p>A partnership with ESA in particular could lead to the establishment of an ESA-sponsored business incubation centre in Australia, and similarly engagement with NASA spin-offs. </p>
<h2>Sovereign engagement</h2>
<p>There’s no getting away from the fact that space is tied to defence, with Australia already spending around <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Documents/BRYCE-Australia-Global-Space-Industry-Dynamics-Paper.pdf">A$1 billion per year on space-related defence activities</a>. </p>
<p>With space being famously <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191826719.001.0001/q-oro-ed4-00010315">just an hour’s drive away</a>, monitoring our skies and what drifts overhead is important. However, with this comes a culture that fosters a sovereign “inward” outlook that is not necessarily conducive to open international collaboration. Can both a defence and an engaging mindset flourish within the same environment?</p>
<p>This last point highlights one of the key issues confronting the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/INDUSTRY/IndustrySectors/SPACE/Pages/default.aspx">new space agency</a>: it has multiple conflicting roles. It needs to stimulate grassroots industry in a globally competitive, fast-moving commercial environment; it needs to connect collaboratively with brand leaders like NASA and ESA; and it needs to help secure the overhead border and participate in international legislation and governance that protects the national interest. </p>
<p>An inevitable solution may be to accept that these functions are disparate, and best served by multiple nodes, distributed as best befits the capabilities that each state or territory has to offer.</p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-were-looking-for-in-australias-space-agency-views-from-nsw-and-sa-92278">What we're looking for in Australia's Space Agency: views from NSW and SA</a>
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<h2>The case for Western Australia</h2>
<p>This week, WA Minister for Science Dave Kelly <a href="https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/wa-government-bid-for-australias-first-space-agency-to-built-in-the-west-ng-b88861869z">launched a bid</a> to host the Australian Space Agency, along with a <a href="http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/space-industry-capability-in-western-australia---may-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=92546d1c_4">report</a> on that state’s space capability. </p>
<p>Perth is one of the only places on the planet where both NASA and ESA are actively engaged. </p>
<p>For example, NASA works with the the Intelligence and Autonomous division of Perth-based Australian oil and gas company Woodside. </p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CfL3Io9wK3Q?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Mining and space operators are looking to robotics in their routine activites.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>WA also hosts the <a href="http://www.sserviaustralia.org">NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute at Curtin University</a>. </p>
<p>ESA operates one of its <a href="https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/Deep_space_tracking_station_locations">three deep-space tracking stations</a> and its primary <a href="https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/Tracking_new_missions_from_down_under">launch tracking facility</a> at New Norcia, WA. ESA has <a href="https://thewest.com.au/business/was-new-norcia-antenna-now-the-gate-to-space-in-search-for-life-on-mars-ng-b88612956z">made it clear</a> that it hopes to significantly expand its <a href="http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/New_Norcia_-_DSA_1">operations at New Norcia</a> through the construction of a second 35-metre dish. During these discussions ESA has highlighted a desire to shift its relationship with Australia from a fairly minimal engagement model to a more formal partnership, starting with the opportunity to co-build the new antenna (<a href="https://thewest.com.au/news/perth/european-mission-to-mars-looks-at-wa-deep-space-tracking-centre-in-new-norcia-ng-b88777787z">a A$60 million investment into WA</a>). </p>
<p>This collaborative engagement would be a clear win-win. For ESA – as it looks to expand its space-fleet and establish <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Moon_Village">colonies on the Moon</a> – it secures and cements its ground-operations into a nationally binding codependence, aligning ESA and Australia’s interests to ensure smooth operations into the indefinite future. On the Australian side, it opens the door to the creation of an Australian mission and operations control capacity, building on our strength in radio astronomy, and where we can start to realise the collaborative and commercial potential of our unique longitudinal monopoly. More shrewdly, any investment remains onshore, developing Australian-based infrastructure and creating real jobs and growth on the ground in rural WA. </p>
<p>In an ironic twist, the first customer wanting to use the new dish may be NASA, who, hitting capacity at Tidbinbilla, has reached out to Australia and ESA to support their next flagship mission (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wfirst/">WFIRST</a>). WFIRST is a deep wide-field near-infrared survey telescope, that will advance our understanding of dark energy, dark matter, and the search for habitable planets. It also has tremendous science synergy with the <a href="https://www.skatelescope.org/">Square Kilometer Array</a>, combing these data will massively amplify the science return from each alone. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-behind-the-square-kilometre-array-40870">The science behind the Square Kilometre Array</a>
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<h2>Tri-agency agreement</h2>
<p>It’s my belief that Australia should aim to create an off-the-bat tri-agency agreement between the newly formed Australian space agency, NASA, and ESA.</p>
<p>Currently around 3000 people are employed in NASA or ESA in ground-operations in the US or Europe. In due course – as the children born today populate not just the world but also potential colonies on the Moon, Mars and beyond – the international global community will be best served through comprehensive ground-station networks in North America, Europe, and Australasia leading to a comparable employment opportunity for Australians in Australia.</p>
<p>Australia, it would seem, has an important role to play. We have an opportunity to move from service provision to active partnership, and at the same time lean a little on the established leaders adept at industry engagement to kick-start our own aspirations and business start-ups. Engaging with NASA and ESA in a meaningful way has much to offer.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/97939/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Simon Driver is affiliated with the University of Western Australia node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)</span></em></p>Australia occupies a unique location vital for supporting NASA and ESA deep-space missions.Simon Driver, Professor of Astrophysics, The University of Western AustraliaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/979242018-06-11T20:36:23Z2018-06-11T20:36:23ZNo launch from Australia: something missing from our plans for the new space race<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222329/original/file-20180608-191959-knhq6l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Why no rocket launch plans from Australia?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock/Gearstd</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>For the past 20 years, Australia has attempted to stake its claim in the lucrative commercial space industry.</p>
<p>In some aspects we have done quite well. There is no doubt that we have some of the most <a href="https://industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Documents/Australian-Space-Industry-Capability-A-review.pdf">advanced ground systems in the world</a>, and our open, relatively unpopulated geography makes the Australian continent ideal for operations such as the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-01/square-kilometre-array-looks-at-origin-of-universe/8400902">Square Kilometre Array</a>.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMeanwhileInAustralia%2Fposts%2F2124265524312709&width=500" width="100%" height="502" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>
<p>But despite our accomplishments on the ground, there has been very limited success for Australians wanting to get to space from our continent.</p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/as-the-details-emerge-on-australias-new-space-agency-we-might-finally-have-lift-off-96542">As the details emerge on Australia's new space agency, we (might) finally have lift-off</a>
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<h2>Early launch plans</h2>
<p>The enactment of the Space Activities Act 1998 (Cth), one of the first examples of a domestic commercially focused space law, was prompted by the plans by <a href="https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/started-australias-early-days-space-woomera/">Kistler Aerospace to establish a spaceport at Woomera</a>. </p>
<p>That Act was focused on the operations that were taking place at the time. Australia was seeing significant interest from overseas entities who wanted to capitalise on our geography for launching rockets.</p>
<p>Fast forward to 2018, and <a href="https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-sovereign-launch-capability-for-australia/">no commercial launch operator</a> has yet established themselves in Australia.</p>
<p>Rather, we have a burgeoning commercial interest in <a href="http://www.afr.com/technology/boeing-backs-myriota-an-aussie-satellite-startup-thats-raised-194m-20180325-h0xy2u">low-cost, high-volume cube sats</a> for Internet of Things applications.</p>
<p>In 2015, the federal government announced <a href="https://industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Pages/Review-of-the-Space-Activities-Act-1998.aspx">a review of the Space Activities Act</a>, recognising that regulation is just as significant a barrier for the space industry as the cost involved.</p>
<p>In early 2017, after a significant consultative period, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) recognised the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Pages/Review-of-Australian-Space-Industry-Capability.aspx">need for reform</a>, recommending that the Space Activities Act be replaced. </p>
<h2>Rise of the space agency</h2>
<p>In the intervening time, the government also <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Documents/FINAL_ERG-Review-Report_10-May_accessible.pdf">announced the Space Capability Review</a> and accepted its recommendation of the introduction of an Australian Space Agency.</p>
<p>That agency, to be headed by former CSIRO boss Megan Clark AC, will come into being on July 1, 2018. Many people consider the move to be a reaffirmation of Australia’s interest in the space domain.</p>
<p>More than a year after the legislative proposal paper was released by the DIIS, the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6129">Space Activities Amendment (Launches and Returns) Bill 2018</a> received its second reading in the House of Representatives on May 30, 2018, with little fanfare or coverage.</p>
<p>Despite the lengthy period of consultation and the initial statements that an entirely new Act would be drafted, this is a revision of the already existing legislation. It does little to inspire confidence in the government’s approach to an Australia commercial space industry.</p>
<h2>Limited changes in legislation</h2>
<p>This Bill purports to broaden regulatory frameworks, expand the scope of the Act, reduce costs to operators, and reduce barriers to entry.</p>
<p>In some ways, it will achieve these goals. There is a reduction of the insurance requirements for operators, from a world-leading A$750 million to a far more competitive A$100 million.</p>
<p>The bill facilitates the launch of space objects from aircraft, will recognise the prevalence of overseas markets for launch operations, and introduce the ability to launch rockets reaching an altitude less than 100km - Australia’s regulatory demarcation of outer space.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/small-sats-are-vital-to-australias-space-industry-and-they-wont-be-space-junk-96526">Small sats are vital to Australia's space industry – and they won't be space junk</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>As noted above, the changes to the Act are dwarfed by the content that is merely left in place. Operators previously complained of an Act that is vague, difficult to navigate, and with prohibitive compliance costs. </p>
<p>Most of the changes embodied within the bill are merely in name only. A “Space Licence” becomes a “Facility Licence” with the only substantive reduction in pre-licence compliance being that the licence is no longer restricted to corporations.</p>
<p>The “Overseas Launch Licence” is renamed the “Overseas Payload Permit”, but is not matched with any substantive changes. This would see an Australian who wishes to launch a rocket overseas need a payload permit to launch their rocket.</p>
<p>Further, and of significant concern to commercial operators considering whether they should base their operations in Australia or move offshore, is the requirement for all permits to “include a strategy for debris mitigation”.</p>
<p>It is not clear what form this should take or how stringently this must comply, for example, with standards such as <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/documents-and-resolutions/search.jspx?view=documents&match=ST/SPACE/49">Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines</a> of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. </p>
<h2>Advances overseas</h2>
<p>If we look overseas there has been an abundance of new domestic laws that focus on promoting commercial activity while more actively aiming to protect the domain that is so important to everyday life.</p>
<p>Recent domestic enactments such as the <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/5/contents">British Space Industry Act 2018</a>, the <a href="http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2017/0029/48.0/DLM6966275.html">New Zealand Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017</a>, and a plethora of US statutes recognise the need for on-orbit regulation.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Under the United Nation’s <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html">Outer Space Treaty</a>, a country is required to authorise and continually supervise non-government activities in outer space.</p>
<p>Australia’s existing Act, and this new Bill, fail to do this. Regulating activities while in space is the hallmark of modern domestic space law.</p>
<p>Finally, there is no reference to the new Australian Space Agency. It is anticipated that the agency will be the relevant regulatory body for the purposes of the Act and its role will be articulated in the yet to be developed rules.</p>
<p>A slight element of unease creeps into the space industry in the face of this disconnect. It is hoped that this does not reflect any ambivalence to the future role of such an Agency nor reflect a lack of commitment to Australia becoming a driving force in the space industry.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/222334/original/file-20180608-191940-1l8o3mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Another SpaceX launch from Florida – How long before crowds can watch a launch from Australia?</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jillbazeley/37398043010/">Flickr/Jill Bazeley</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p><em>Joel Lisk contributed to the research for this article.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/97924/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa de Zwart is a Member of the Advisory Council of the Space Industry Association of Australia. </span></em></p>Proposed changes to Australia’s space activities legislation do little to inspire confidence in the government’s approach to a commercial space industry.Melissa de Zwart, Professor, Adelaide Law School, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/965422018-05-15T06:25:43Z2018-05-15T06:25:43ZAs the details emerge on Australia’s new space agency, we (might) finally have lift-off<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/218920/original/file-20180515-100709-p13i0p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A promise of new jobs from Australia's new space agency.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock/Harvepino</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Details of Australia’s new space agency were released on Monday with the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Documents/Australian-Government-Response-to-the-Review-of-Australian-Space-Industry-Capability.pdf">federal government’s response</a> to the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Documents/FINAL_ERG-Review-Report_10-May_accessible.pdf">Report on the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability</a>.</p>
<p>The Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, also announced the appointment of Dr Megan Clark AC as the interim head of the agency.</p>
<p>Clark, a former head of the CSIRO, was chair of the Expert Review Group that led to the report on the nation’s space industry capability, so she is well placed to deliver on the recommendations that her own panel made.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/space-agency-for-australia-heres-why-its-important-96105">Space Agency for Australia: here's why it's important</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Show me the money</h2>
<p>First, let’s talk about money. Last week’s federal budget set aside <a href="https://budget.gov.au/2018-19/content/business.html">A$41 million for the agency</a>. That’s A$25 million for the agency itself and A$16 million for a space investment fund. This is well towards the bottom end of expectations and there will be limits to what can be achieved with that level of funding. </p>
<p>But we have already seen that this sector can be very productive. The Australian Space Research Program (<a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/Documents/Final_evaluation.pdf">ASRP</a>), which ran from 2010 to 2013, was funded at A$40 million and produced a huge amount of good work such as making the huge Landsat satellite imagery archive more available for users, and testing a scramjet launcher.</p>
<p>Critically, though, that scheme did not put any assets in space, although subsequent work did. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.garada.unsw.edu.au/">project</a> I ran, for instance, developed a space-ready GPS receiver, which now flies on <a href="https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/news/we%E2%80%99re-off-to-space">four differently configured cubesats</a> in orbit. Another example is the start-up <a href="http://myriota.com/">Myriota</a>, which spun out of another ASRP project developing “Internet of Things” applications in space.</p>
<h2>Other budget funding</h2>
<p>What can also not be ignored in the federal budget is the <a href="http://minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/canavan/media-releases/better-gps-and-satellite-imagery-support-smarter-economy">A$260 million</a> for a space-based augmentation system (<a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/Documents/White%20Paper%20-%20SBAS.pdf">SBAS</a>) to improve satellite navigation and geospatial technologies. </p>
<p>This dwarfs the direct funding given to the space agency, but may present a good model for how to progress Australian space assets in future. The agency identifies need and solution, does some feasibility work, and facilitates the development.</p>
<p>But the bulk of the funding is recognised for what it really is: <a href="https://theconversation.com/preventing-murray-darling-water-theft-a-space-agency-can-help-australia-manage-federal-resources-83727">critical national infrastructure</a> and is funded accordingly. What happens next should be an open and transparent bidding process, leading to an Australian system consistent with international standards, and bringing new capabilities.</p>
<h2>What’s supported</h2>
<p>The government’s response on the need for a space agency specifically deals with the nine recommendations of the report:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Develop a national industry strategy (supported)</p></li>
<li><p>Focus strategy on “leapfrog” emerging areas such as next generation sensors, communications, propulsion and launch systems (supported)</p></li>
<li><p>Establish the Australian Space Agency (supported)</p></li>
<li><p>Ongoing funding for agency (supported), industry development fund (noted), with the option to bring funding forward (supported in principle)</p></li>
<li><p>Extend treaties and international agreements (supported)</p></li>
<li><p>Work across government departments (supported in principle)</p></li>
<li><p>Facilitate regulation appropriate for Space 2.0 (supported in principle)</p></li>
<li><p>Engage with schools (supported in principle)</p></li>
<li><p>Engage closely with industry (supported).</p></li>
</ul>
<p>For an electorate conditioned to expect governments to ignore recommendations from experts, this is an impressive amount of support, and bodes well for the space agency’s future.</p>
<p>The language of the announcement is enthusiastic: “A$300 million investment in space industry and technology”, “fantastic opportunity to triple the size of our domestic space industry”, “potential to create 20,000 jobs”.</p>
<h2>The journey so far</h2>
<p>It is instructive to reflect on how we got to this point from where we were ten years ago.</p>
<p>In 2008 the Australian Senate Standing Committee on Economics produced a report called <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Economics/Completed_inquiries/2008-10/space_08/report/index">Lost in Space - Setting a new direction for Australia’s space science and industry sector</a>, in which it clearly and unambiguously called for the establishment of a space agency.</p>
<p>The following year the Rudd government launched the <a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/Documents/Final_evaluation.pdf">Australian Space Research Program</a>, funded at A$40 million, which delivered many good outcomes, as mentioned above.</p>
<p>This momentum was then stopped with the release in 2013 of the <a href="https://industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Publications/Pages/Australias-Satellite-Utilisation-Policy.aspx">Satellite Utilisation Policy</a>, which stated:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>(…) the Australian Government does not see an Australian satellite manufacturing or launch capability as an essential element of its approach to assured access to critical space-enabled services.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The anti-agency lobby, mostly based in Canberra, had intervened, and the agency idea was effectively dead. It was in that hostile environment in 2013 that I first laid out my <a href="https://theconversation.com/ten-reasons-why-australia-urgently-needs-a-space-agency-16386">case</a> for the agency.</p>
<h2>Another about-turn</h2>
<p>Slowly, over the years, others such as the <a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/Documents/SIAA%20White%20Paper%20-%20Advancing%20Australia%20in%20Space.pdf">Space Industry Association of Australia</a>, also came to make an argument. </p>
<p>Unable to resist the growth of space activity, the government set up the Expert Review Panel – chaired by Clark – whose report was released on Monday. But the space agency was <a href="https://ministers.education.gov.au/birmingham/doorstop-interview-adelaide-16">announced last year</a> at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide.</p>
<p>From a position where government policy was actively to discourage effort in satellites and launch five years ago, we now have support for a recommendation that:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>(…) the Agency facilitates regulatory approval processes for small satellite launch facilities in Australia and the launch of Australian satellites overseas.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is a huge turn-around.</p>
<p>Call it irony, call it the real world, but now some of those in Canberra who so forcefully resisted the agency, making misery for us advocates, are now saying that it must have its main presence in Canberra. Similarly, South Australia is <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-25/sa-should-play-role-in-australias-new-space-agency-premier-says/8984194">lobbying strongly to host it</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-were-looking-for-in-australias-space-agency-views-from-nsw-and-sa-92278">What we're looking for in Australia's Space Agency: views from NSW and SA</a>
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<p>When I have pointed to the <a href="https://consult.industry.gov.au/space-activities/review-of-australian-space-industry-capability/consultation/view_respondent?_b_index=120&uuId=173909982">New South Wales submission</a> to the Expert Review Panel, and the 17 ways in which NSW dominates the space sector in Australia (listed in the comments section <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-were-looking-for-in-australias-space-agency-views-from-nsw-and-sa-92278">here</a>), I am not saying the agency must be in NSW – I’m saying that there is no case to favour either SA or the ACT.</p>
<p>The Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr has already warned against “<a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/2018/05/Space-agency-details-revealed">pitting states against each other</a>”, and Raytheon Australia says that state rivalry for Defence work is getting “<a href="https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/1952-state-rivalry-for-defence-work-reaching-hysterics-raytheon-australia">hysterical</a>”.</p>
<p>A national approach, with nodes in each state and territory, will be the most productive solution. All of the states have exciting things happening – we don’t want to mess that up.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96542/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Dempster works for UNSW. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Defence Materials and Technology Centre. He is affiliated with the Space Industry Association of Australia and Seaskip Pty Ltd. </span></em></p>New jobs and investment for Australia’s growing space industry are promised with the backing of the new space agency. It’s hoped that all states and territories will benefit from a national approach.Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/961242018-05-09T06:00:27Z2018-05-09T06:00:27ZBudget 2018: when scientists make their case effectively, politicians listen<p>Budget 2018 confirms that the case for funding science is being heard in Canberra.</p>
<p>Science and research are integrated in the national objectives laid down in the treasurer’s speech: to create jobs, boost health and improve the liveability of communities.</p>
<p>Many of the measures appear to have origins in proposals advanced by the science community. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/infographic-budget-2018-at-a-glance-95649">Infographic: Budget 2018 at a glance</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Lessons from Budget 2018</h2>
<p>What lessons can we take from this year’s outcome? After two years in Canberra, I haven’t discovered a magic key to the Federal coffers. But here are my general observations.</p>
<h3>Intrinsic value is not sufficient</h3>
<p>We can’t assume that the broad public support for science will translate into support for specific proposals unless we do the work to explain the benefits, including more jobs and better health. </p>
<p>Being intrinsically valuable is not sufficient. Clarity about what we can deliver is essential when science is competing with spending proposals with obvious and immediate benefits – like more hospital beds.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/science-isnt-broken-but-we-can-do-better-heres-how-95139">Science isn't broken, but we can do better: here's how</a>
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<h3>Politicians need help</h3>
<p>It helps to remember that most politicians aren’t experts in science policy. I’ve wrestled for years with the term “national research infrastructure”. People I talk to outside the research sector simply don’t understand it. A small change to saying “national research facilities” turns the lights on. </p>
<h3>Show outcomes</h3>
<p>It’s important for politicians to see the outcomes of public investment. They see the dollar figures in the budget papers but they don’t necessarily connect the research breakthroughs they read about in the newspapers years later to the programs that made them possible. It is important to help local members, irrespective of their party, recognise the impact of previously funded programs working for Australians. </p>
<h3>Review and communicate</h3>
<p>Take stock of progress and give credit to what has been achieved to date before heading back into the arena for the next round. As custodians of public funds, researchers should be proud to share their achievements with the taxpayers who ultimately make them possible.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/science-meets-parliament-doesnt-let-the-rest-of-us-off-the-hook-90692">Science Meets Parliament doesn't let the rest of us off the hook</a>
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<h3>We’re all in this</h3>
<p>Finally, I’ve always found politicians to be far more receptive to funding proposals when they see commitment from other quarters. It’s not just the Commonwealth that needs to step up. It’s business. It’s state and territory governments. It’s philanthropists. </p>
<p>If we reach out widely, we can strengthen our advocacy with new allies, and at the same time, help government to focus on the things that only government can do.</p>
<p>Below I highlight some key areas funded through Budget 2018. </p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJDCokxPDYc?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Key science and technology items in Budget 2018, from the Australian Academy of Science.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>National facilities</h2>
<p>I welcome the emphasis on national-scale research facilities: I was Chair of the taskforce that delivered the <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/2016-national-research-infrastructure-roadmap">2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap</a>. </p>
<p>This year’s budget invests $1.9 billion over 12 years, adding to the $1.5 billion over ten years committed to the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (<a href="https://www.education.gov.au/national-collaborative-research-infrastructure-strategy-ncris">NCRIS</a>) in 2015. </p>
<p>As shown below, $393.3 million is allocated in the next five years. </p>
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<p>I am encouraged that the government has committed to review the investment plan every two years, in recognition of the importance of keeping this discussion firmly on the national agenda.</p>
<p>In addition to these funds, the budget acts on an urgent priority flagged in the <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/2016-national-research-infrastructure-roadmap">Roadmap</a> – high performance computing. $70 million for the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth adds to the $70 million previously committed to the National Computational Infrastructure in Canberra. </p>
<p>This builds on the $119 million announced for the European Southern Observatory in the previous budget.</p>
<h2>National missions</h2>
<p>A second notable feature is the follow-through on the national missions proposed in the <a href="https://industry.gov.au/Innovation-and-Science-Australia/Australia-2030/Pages/default.aspx">Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) 2030 Plan</a>.</p>
<p>The ISA mission to preserve the Great Barrier Reef is supported by $100 million in new investment for coral reef research and restoration projects, as part of a $500 million package <a href="https://theconversation.com/500-million-for-the-great-barrier-reef-is-welcome-but-we-need-a-sea-change-in-tactics-too-95875">announced last month</a>.</p>
<p>The ISA mission to harness precision medicine and genomics to make Australia the healthiest nation in the world is backed with $500 million over the next ten years from the Medical Research Future Fund. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/four-ways-precision-medicine-is-making-a-difference-90459">Four ways precision medicine is making a difference</a>
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</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>A scaffold for the genomics revolution was provided by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) in the recent <a href="https://acola.org.au/wp/pmed/">Precision Medicine Horizon Scanning report</a>, commissioned by the Commonwealth Science Council.</p>
<p>A forthcoming Horizon Scanning report, <a href="http://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/advice-to-government/horizon-scanning/">on artificial intelligence</a>, will likewise inform the $30 million commitment to AI and machine learning in the 2018 budget. The funding includes a national ethics framework for AI – a welcome development that will position Australia well in the global AI standards debate. </p>
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<iframe src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F4bnD/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" width="100%" height="191"></iframe>
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<p>More broadly, the budget acts on priorities that scientists have championed for years.</p>
<p>There is $41 million for a National Space Agency, including a $15 million fund for International Space Investment. </p>
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<iframe src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Xspft/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" width="100%" height="191"></iframe>
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<p>Over four years, $36 million will be provided for the Antarctic science program.</p>
<p>An amount of $4.5 million over four years is aimed to encourage more women into STEM education and careers, including a decadal plan for women in science. </p>
<p>With a focus on GPS technology, $225 million is allocated over four years to improve the accuracy of satellite navigation, and $37 million over three years for Digital Earth Australia. The goal of this funding is to make satellite data accessible for research, regional Australia and business. </p>
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<hr>
<p>There is also $20 million for an Asian Innovation Strategy, including an extension of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund for four years.</p>
<h2>Business innovation</h2>
<p>In the business arena, changes to address integrity and additionality (that is, driving R&D to levels beyond “business as usual”) in the Research and Development Tax Incentive (<a href="https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/research-and-development-tax-incentive/reference-groups-and-policy/rnd-tax-incentive-review">RDTI</a>) will reduce by an estimated $2.4 billion the money the scheme delivers to industry.</p>
<p>As one of the authors of the “3Fs” review of the RDTI – with Bill Ferris and John Fraser – I support the rebalancing of Australia’s business innovation budget. We are a global outlier in our heavy reliance on the indirect pull-through achieved through the tax system, instead of mission-driven direct investment. </p>
<p>With money recouped from the RDTI, scientists and research-intensive businesses should be making the case for more and better-targeted programs. Work remains to be done.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96124/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alan Finkel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Many Budget 2018 measures appear to have origins in proposals advanced by the science community.Alan Finkel, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Office of the Chief ScientistLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/922782018-03-29T00:24:57Z2018-03-29T00:24:57ZWhat we’re looking for in Australia’s Space Agency: views from NSW and SA<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/212394/original/file-20180328-109182-1lmtme1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">We're all waiting to hear what shape Australia's Space Agency will take. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/business-vision-team-searching-success-concept-744376240?src=JBgN4ioXcVUwu5ymHVoqgw-2-33">from www.shutterstock.com </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>It’s been a long time coming, but Australia is finally going to have a Space Agency. This will enable Australian space industries to benefit from agency-to-agency agreements and collaborations, and facilitate our participation in the growing global space market.</p>
<p>The Federal Government appointed an <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/space/Pages/Review-of-Australian-Space-Industry-Capability.aspx">Expert Review Panel</a> to map out how the Agency should operate. As we wait for its report – the final strategy was scheduled to be submitted in March 2018 – two space experts offer their perspectives on what we might expect.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years</a>
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<h2>What will an Australian Space Agency need in terms of people, resources and infrastructure?</h2>
<h3>Andrew Dempster:</h3>
<p>It seems clear there is a real appetite on both sides of politics for an agency for our times, that embraces the excitement being generated by “Space 2.0” – that is, commercial entities, low-cost access to space and avoiding some of the baggage of the older legacy agencies. </p>
<p>It’s likely the focus will be on growing the Australian space industry, with less emphasis on space exploration, human space flight and space science. However, for the agency to have any impact or credibility, the people, resources and infrastructure must be provided at an adequate level. </p>
<p>I have <a href="https://theconversation.com/investing-in-space-what-the-uk-space-agency-can-teach-australia-28559">in the past</a> pointed to the UK agency as a good model – it basically cost “nothing” initially and significant funding followed when it succeeded. Now, I don’t think we can afford to replicate this in Australia. The agency needs to be properly funded from the beginning. Penny-pinching will kill it.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/investing-in-space-what-the-uk-space-agency-can-teach-australia-28559">Investing in space: what the UK Space Agency can teach Australia</a>
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<h3>Alice Gorman:</h3>
<p>We’ve been here before and seen how a lack of resourcing plays out. The 1980s Australian Space Board was managed by a small office within the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce, but it fizzled out after ten years and we were back to square one. There’s a strong feeling in the Australian space community that a substantial investment in a stand-alone agency is the only way to avoid another death by bureaucracy. </p>
<p>In terms of personnel, we’ll need leadership with credibility and experience in the global space arena, people familiar with how existing space activities across government departments work, and probably there’ll be a role for some kind of advisory or expert panels.</p>
<p>The structure will also be important. <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>, for example, runs 11 research centres, and the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA">European Space Agency</a> has nine centres or facilities, including the Kourou launch site in French Guiana. They support human spaceflight programs as well as deep space exploration. Both organisations use private contractors, and large chunks of the private space sector rely on them as clients. This is not a model that Australia can sustain. </p>
<p>Personally, I think it’s critical that the new agency also takes Indigenous interests on board. Indigenous people can’t be left out of conversations about the future of Australian space technologies.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-silence-of-ediacara-the-shadow-of-uranium-72058">Friday essay: the silence of Ediacara, the shadow of uranium</a>
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<h2>How strongly should the Space Agency be linked with Defence programs?</h2>
<h3>Andrew Dempster:</h3>
<p>Recently the Australian Strategic Policy Institute <a href="https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-future-space">argued</a> that we must develop a solid space industry for our own strategic and Defence needs. However, strong industries such as that in the US have a dominant civilian space sector. </p>
<p>So I would argue that to avoid this strategic weakness, it is more important to reinforce the independence of the civilian agency from Defence. It is the job of the agency to ensure this independence. Being overly close to Defence is likely to hamper the current civilian commercial drive so effectively being driven by the start-up community. Having a thriving civilian space sector can only benefit Defence anyway.</p>
<h3>Alice Gorman:</h3>
<p>I agree with Andrew that forging a new civil and commercial space identity is essential.</p>
<p>Because the <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/about.htm">Woomera</a> rocket launch site, one of our most significant space assets, is located in South Australia, as well as the <a href="https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/">Defence Science and Technology Group</a> – which grew out of the Cold War weapons program – South Australia has traditionally been the focus of Defence-related space activities. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/212395/original/file-20180328-109185-mvc1ab.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">A recent rocket launch from Woomera, South Australia.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Defence Image Gallery</span></span>
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<p>At this stage we can be hopeful that a properly funded space agency will allow equal participation across all states. </p>
<h2>Where should Australia’s Space Agency be located?</h2>
<h3>Alice Gorman:</h3>
<p>There’s interest in where the agency will be located because there will be jobs associated with it. I’ve had so many enquiries from acquaintances – and strangers – asking about this. </p>
<p>People probably are thinking it will be something like NASA, with a whole industrial complex. We’re not anything like that scale. Having said that, a Canberra-based headquarters supported by state-based centres makes a lot of sense.</p>
<h3>Andrew Dempster:</h3>
<p>I’ve <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-dempster-254/articles">written a lot</a> about Australia’s space agency, and recently I outlined an example of why a federal approach is essential: using <a href="https://theconversation.com/preventing-murray-darling-water-theft-a-space-agency-can-help-australia-manage-federal-resources-83727">space assets to monitor the Murray Darling Basin</a> to avoid water theft. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/preventing-murray-darling-water-theft-a-space-agency-can-help-australia-manage-federal-resources-83727">Preventing Murray-Darling water theft: a space agency can help Australia manage federal resources</a>
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<p>In terms of location, I agree there will need to be an administrative presence in Canberra, to interact with the Federal Government. Other satellite sites should reflect where the action is. </p>
<p>If there are to be satellite offices, they need to be close to where the industry is currently active, and where it is developing. This may require some sort of representation in each state. </p>
<p>Senator Kim Carr’s recent <a href="http://www.senatorkimcarr.com/labor_to_create_space_industry_jobs">announcement</a> of Labor’s policy of several hubs and centres lends itself very well to distributed activity around the country. Bipartisanship on that issue would be very helpful.</p>
<h2>Which Australian states have relevant space capabilities right now?</h2>
<h3>Alice Gorman:</h3>
<p>I live in South Australia, so am naturally well acquainted with this state’s space achievements! A number of exciting new start-ups such as <a href="https://www.fleet.space/">Fleet</a>, <a href="http://neumannspace.com/">Neumann Space</a> and <a href="http://myriota.com/">Myriota</a> are based in Adelaide. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.sasic.sa.gov.au/">South Australian Space Industry Centre</a> funds space accelerator and incubator programs. Every year, we host the <a href="http://www.unisa.edu.au/spaceprogram">International Space University Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program</a>. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-sports-car-and-a-glitter-ball-are-now-in-space-what-does-that-say-about-us-as-humans-91156">A sports car and a glitter ball are now in space – what does that say about us as humans?</a>
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<p>The three universities in South Australia have strengths in satellite telecommunications, space law and space heritage. At the international level, South Australia has been developing relationships with the French national space agency (<a href="https://cnes.fr/en">CNES</a>), as well as French aerospace industries. </p>
<h3>Andrew Dempster</h3>
<p>I am from NSW so I have a particular interest in the <a href="https://consult.industry.gov.au/space-activities/review-of-australian-space-industry-capability/consultation/view_respondent?_b_index=120&uuId=173909982">NSW Department of Industry submission</a> to the expert review panel. It suggested “the future Australian Space Agency should be based in NSW” and goes on to list 17 reasons why NSW dominates in space, such as having the largest space workforce, revenue, research effort, number of start-ups, venture capital and law presence. </p>
<p>The only <a href="http://www.acser.unsw.edu.au/">centre</a> funded by the Australian Research Council on space is in NSW, and two of the four satellites built and launched last year involved my university.</p>
<p>However, I don’t believe there is any benefit to highlighting one state over another. I’m with Raytheon Australia, whose <a href="https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/1952-state-rivalry-for-defence-work-reaching-hysterics-raytheon-australia">official position</a> is that state rivalry for Defence work is getting “hysterical” and we should be avoiding that with space work.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/three-new-reports-add-clarity-to-australias-space-sector-a-crowded-and-valuable-high-ground-88004">Three new reports add clarity to Australia's space sector, a 'crowded and valuable high ground'</a>
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<p>Really exciting things are happening in space all over Australia. Australia’s launch company <a href="https://www.gspacetech.com/">Gilmour Space Technologies</a> operates out of Queensland. A lot of space start-ups are being nurtured by <a href="https://www.moonshotspace.co/">Moonshot X</a> in Victoria. Western Australia boasts the <a href="http://fireballsinthesky.com.au/">Desert Fireball Network</a> and the only Australian picosat (small satellite) developer, <a href="http://picosat.systems/">Picosat Systems</a>. The ACT hosts the large testing facility, the <a href="http://rsaa.anu.edu.au/aitc">Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre</a>.</p>
<h3>Alice Gorman:</h3>
<p>Back in 1958, the beginning of the Space Age, Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. We’ve been kind of <a href="https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-australia-dwindled-from-space-leader-to-also-ran-in-50-years-83310">missing in action</a> ever since. </p>
<p>The new Space Agency will allow us to have a credible voice on issues that may impact Australia – such as revisions to the international space treaties. It’s going to be exciting times ahead!</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/92278/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Dempster is director of Seaskip Pty Ltd. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Defence Materials Technology Centre. He sits on the Advisory Committee of the Space Industry Association of Australia. He made a personal submission to the Expert Review Panel. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alice Gorman is a Director on the Board of the Space Industry Association of Australia, and a member of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Opinions expressed here are her own.</span></em></p>What will Australia’s space agency look like? Two experts agree it needs deliberate investment from government, and that it should facilitate participation across states and territories.Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW SydneyAlice Gorman, Senior Lecturer in archaeology and space studies, Flinders UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/864642017-11-17T03:26:03Z2017-11-17T03:26:03ZStep up Australia, we need a traffic cop in space<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/195101/original/file-20171116-15403-15bl321.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=667%2C354%2C517%2C487&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Right now there are more than 20,000 objects in space. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=81559">NASA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Right now there are around <a href="https://www.orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/faq.html#3">21,000 artificial objects</a> being tracked in Earth orbit (and many millions too small to be tracked). Only about <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-weapons/space-weapons/satellite-database#.Wg4w_7Zg3OQ">1,750</a> of these are functional satellites. </p>
<p>If we don’t adequately manage the traffic of objects in outer space, many services on which we depend will no longer be available. </p>
<p>I argue that Australia should step up and fill this role. “Space traffic management” could be an enduring, national beacon project to inspire and galvanise the Australian space industry. This will be particularly important as the <a href="http://minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/sinodinos/media-releases/turnbull-government-establish-national-space-agency">prospective</a> Australian space agency builds momentum in 2018.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-will-have-a-space-agency-what-does-this-mean-experts-respond-84588">Yes, Australia will have a space agency. What does this mean? Experts respond</a>
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<h2>The US is stepping back</h2>
<p>Non-functional orbiting objects are known as space debris. It’s an <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-debris/index.html">ongoing problem</a> and only likely to become worse, with plans to <a href="http://spacenews.com/spacex-oneweb-detail-constellation-plans-to-congress/">add many thousands</a> of small satellites to the current population of <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-weapons/space-weapons/satellite-database#.WfZVa0x7FE4">active satellites</a>. </p>
<p>Right now, the US Air Force is trying to <a href="http://spacenews.com/strategic-command-envisions-civil-space-traffic-management/">divest itself</a> of the space traffic management role – a responsibility that it has previously assumed for the world by default. The US Federal Aviation Administration has said that it is <a href="http://www.afr.com/business/telecommunications/space-traffic-cop-needed-in-digital-age-adelaides-astronautical-congress-hears-20170925-gyoii3">willing to take this on</a>, but there are <a href="http://spacenews.com/report-recommends-civil-agency-for-space-traffic-management/">many issues</a> to resolve, including control over assets, finances and human resources.</p>
<p>The Australian space industry, facilitated by the prospective Australian space agency, can seize this opportunity. We are well suited to play a role that will be valuable from a commercial perspective, and that will place us in a strong strategic position in the future global space industry and its governance.</p>
<h2>Defining the problem</h2>
<p>There’s a fair amount of debate about the <a href="http://spacenews.com/muddling-through-space-traffic-management/">scope of space traffic management</a>. At the very least it encompasses <a href="http://www.serc.org.au/research/">a means of knowing</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>what’s up there orbiting Earth</li>
<li>where orbiting objects are, in as near to real-time as possible</li>
<li>whether they pose any risk of damage, such as a future conjunction between two objects, or interference, such as between the frequencies on which they transmit.</li>
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<p>It could also encompass an advisory, or even directive, service to satellite operators to avoid collisions and avoid contributing to the existing space debris population. That implies that <a href="http://www.cissm.umd.edu/publications/orbital-traffic-management-study-final-report">space “rules of the road”</a> may be established. </p>
<p>Of course, satellites cannot physically stop at “intersections”, like we see in traffic management on Earth. But we could see development of means to <a href="https://swfound.org/media/205400/weeden_adrandoos_dentons_oct2015.pdf">actively prevent collisions</a>, for example, by changing the orbit of space debris. That might be by another space object capturing and physically moving the space debris, or it could be done remotely, such as by a <a href="http://www.serc.org.au/research/program-4/">ground-based laser</a> using photon pressure.</p>
<h2>Australia is qualified</h2>
<p>While Australia <a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/index.php">already</a> has an active space industry, it is thinly spread. Government departments and agencies, universities, contracted aerospace companies (mostly large and foreign), local start-ups (mostly small) and some established Australian companies, all currently make up Australia’s participation in the space industry. </p>
<p>The Space Industry Association of Australia presented a case for an Australian space agency in its March 2017 <a href="http://www.spaceindustry.com.au/prezi.php">White Paper</a>. From the current 0.8% share of a US$340 billion global space industry, the Australian space industry is forecast to grow to 4% within 20 years. That calculation assumes that the efforts of the Australian space industry can be coordinated and facilitated by an Australian space agency. </p>
<p>Now that an Australian space agency has <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-will-have-a-space-agency-what-does-this-mean-experts-respond-84588">been announced</a>, a key focus of the national space agency will be <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-steps-australia-can-take-to-build-an-effective-space-agency-86617">coordinating what already exists</a>. </p>
<p>In respect of managing space traffic from Australia, here are some capabilities we already have. </p>
<p><strong>Tracking sensors.</strong> Australia has a growing number of sensors for tracking objects in space, including <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/NewsMedia/News/AustraliasSpaceSurveillanceRadarreachesFullOperationalCapability">C-Band radar</a>, <a href="http://www.jsforum.or.jp/stableuse/pdf/11_Group%20Captain%20Darren%20May.pdf">Space Surveillance Telescope</a> and <a href="http://www.serc.org.au/research/research-program-1/">space object laser tracking</a>. Australian companies such as <a href="https://saberastro.com/">Saber Astronautics</a> have been developing the means to “mine” the enormous amount of space-related data from radio astronomy sensors, notwithstanding that these were not originally designed with space traffic management in mind. </p>
<p><strong>Moving debris.</strong> The <a href="http://www.serc.org.au/research/">Space Environment Research Centre</a> is exploring how lasers for space object tracking based in Australia could be used for moving space debris at risk of colliding with active satellites. It also conducts other research to improve the quality of orbital predictions.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trash-or-treasure-a-lot-of-space-debris-is-junk-but-some-is-precious-heritage-82832">Trash or treasure? A lot of space debris is junk, but some is precious heritage</a>
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<p><strong>Position reporting.</strong> The University of New South Wales has been conducting research into the use of <a href="http://www.acser.unsw.edu.au/biarri-gps-receiver-project">satellite-based GPS receivers for position reporting</a> and research to better understand and predict the <a href="https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/space-research/research-themes/space-situational-awareness">orbital path of space debris</a>. Drawing on the air traffic management analogy, it is also developing a <a href="https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/space-research/research-themes/integrated-air-and-space-traffic-management-system">space traffic management system</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Australia’s reputation.</strong> Australia has a strong reputation in respect of <a href="https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/casas-role">air traffic management</a> and <a href="https://www.amsa.gov.au/search-and-rescue/australias-search-and-rescue-system/australia-srr/">search and rescue</a> – we provide these services for more than <a href="https://www.casa.gov.au/airspace/landing-page/airspace-regulation">11%</a> of the Earth’s surface by ourselves.</p>
<p><strong>Historical and positive role in space.</strong> Australia has been active in the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space <a href="http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/members/evolution.html">since its inception</a> in 1959. Australian initiatives are given serious consideration by the international community, without the political polarisation that our superpower ally, the USA, can draw. </p>
<p>Australia is therefore not only well suited to contribute to space traffic management in a physical sense, but also in a regulatory sense – including facilitating the establishment of an appropriate regulatory regime.</p>
<h2>Australia can benefit</h2>
<p>Both <a href="http://www.unidir.org/programmes/emerging-security-issues/annual-outer-space-security-conference/space-security-2017-celebrating-the-outer-space-treaty-50-years-of-space-governance-and-stability">myself</a> and <a href="http://ndupress.ndu.edu/JFQ/Joint-Force-Quarterly-87/Article/1325996/the-role-of-space-norms-in-protection-and-defense/">others</a> have advocated for the global strategic importance of normalising the space environment. This involves establishing regular and predictable patterns of behaviour through legal rules and less formal practices and procedures. It is also a matter of national strategic significance. </p>
<p>An international space regulator is almost certainly going to emerge in the next decade and is likely to have some sort of gatekeeper function, including ensuring safety and sustainability in space through effective space traffic management. </p>
<p>Whichever nations play an active part in this role stand to gain significant international influence, and also significant commercial opportunities. This is particularly important with the impending launches of <a href="http://spacenews.com/spacex-oneweb-detail-constellation-plans-to-congress/">mega-constellations</a> whose operating satellites must be protected. </p>
<p>Australia can and should have a key part in global space traffic management.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/86464/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Duncan Blake is affiliated with the Space Industry Association of Australia. He is also a consultant to International Aerospace Law and Policy Group, which has previously advocated for an Australian role in Space Traffic Management. </span></em></p>By taking on the role as leader in space traffic management, Australia can gain international power and exploit commercial opportunities.Duncan Blake, PhD candidate, law and military uses of outer space, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.