Australia’s space sector responded positively to today’s federal government commitment to a space agency. Our experts explain what must come next.
The Telstar 1 satellite inspired a chart-topping pop tune, the iconic black-and-white hexagonal Adidas soccer ball, and maybe even a Doctor Who creature, the Mecanoids.
National Physical Laboratory
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.
Space isn’t just about rockets and missions to Mars: Australia must invest in space-based infrastructure to manage our resources.
David Moir/AAP
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.
The Mayak satellite will unfold a giant reflective pyramid that will be seen from Earth.
Mayak/YouTube/Screenshot
It promises to be one of the brightest objects in the night sky once the Mayak satellite unfolds a giant pyramid reflector. But what is it going to do?
Impression of one UNSW’s three miniature satellites launched into space this year.
AAP Image/University of NSW
Why use satellites to study Earth’s climate? Researchers leading a new mission explain how images from space will help them analyze which parts of the Americas soak up the most carbon.
As technology advances, tiny satellites no bigger than a loaf of bread have advanced from just proving they work to being big contributors in answering science questions.
You can only truly understand the weather by flying above the clouds.
NASA
Far from being “politicised science”, as a Trump advisor has claimed, NASA’s satellite monitoring has been a crucial help in understanding the planet we live on.