Sending humans to Mars is a 5-10 year project goal for several global operators right now. It’s expensive - but Elon Musk unveiled his new commercial plan today.
Space terrorism and testing of space tourists are theoretical problems today. But let’s have conversations right now to make sure they don’t become real problems in the future.
Australia will be able to guide the Earth observation satellite “NovaSAR” as it passes over our region - giving us a new level of control over the data we need to solve local problems.
Australia was a significant global space player during the 1950s and 1960s. Now we’re one of only two OECD countries not to have a space agency. What happened?
Weather forecasting, bushfire management, power and water supply: Australia relies on earth observations to the tune of A$5 billion a year. But we have very little control over the data we get.
There are local, practical implications linked to failed advancement of infrastructure projects that rely on expertise in space. Protecting Australia’s water is just one example.
Who is responsible for space debris? What laws should apply to humans living on another planet? Who has rights to mine asteroids? The Outer Space Treaty needs an update to address such questions.