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.
The CUAVA-1 satellite departs from the International Space Station.
JAXA
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.
“You won’t find a more sure and steadfast friend, a better political mate, than Australia,” said Morrison.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
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.
India’s Chandrayaan-2 Moon mission blasts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, on 22 July 2019.
Indian Space Research Organisation/EPA
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.
The ‘Stairway to the Moon’ as seen from Western Australia.
Flickr/Gary Tindale
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.
Ever since the Parkes dish helped broadcast the Moon landings, Australia has been hiding its light under a bushel when it comes to space science.
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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.
Diversifying its space partners could help Australia avoid getting pushed around by the space rivalry of China and the United States.
Alex Cherney/CSIRO/EPA
Australia needs more friends, particularly in China and India, to be a force in the international space economy.
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.
NASA
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.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US, May 2019.
NASA Kennedy
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.
Smiles from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and SA Premier Steven Marshall as the location of Australia’s Space Agency is revealed to be Adelaide, South Australia.
Sam Wundke/AAP
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.
The 35 m-diameter dish antenna of ESA’s deep-space tracking station at New Norcia, Western Australia.
europeanspaceagency/flickr