Fire in the sky

Over the past few days a pair of spectacular fireballs have graced Australia’s skies, but what’s the science behind them?

The US–China tech rivalry reflects contrasting cyber cultures

Whether technology has ‘good’ or ‘bad’ effects can depend on the social and political context it came from, and American and Chinese tech companies have very different roots in their societies.

The battlefield is no place for soldiers

Automation and artificial intelligence may replace humans in a host of current industries and perhaps in the oldest profession of all – the warrior on the battlefield.

Realising Australia’s potential as a rocket-launch hub

There’s a lot of scope for Australia and New Zealand to offer small-satellite launch services at very attractive prices to Asian countries as well as to our home markets.

The robot revolution is already here

The robot revolution is happening right so how much do you know about the impact of programmable machines in your everyday life?

Will 5G networks endanger public health?

Rather than rushing to implement metropolitan 5G networks, or focusing only on the technological, consumer and business opportunities they may provide, Australian policy makers must remember their first duty to protect the public and ensure the new system is safe to use.

Big tech is the real threat to online safety

Vague proposals to protect the public from online harm won’t win Scott Morrison the election, and don’t address the main threat to the public online – the predatory business models of Silicon Valley.

Artificial intelligence may take your job, so political leaders need to start doing theirs

There is little evidence of any strategic planning by Australia’s federal and state governments to deal with social dislocation caused by AI-driven automation.

Australia launches multi-billion smart satellite revolution

Australia has announced the biggest investment in space R&D in the country’s history, with the launch of a multi-billion smart satellite research hub led by the University of South Australia.

Establishing a “space coast” in Northern Australia

Australia is now establishing its own space program, under the leadership of the Australian Space Agency, and developing a ‘space coast’ in Northern Australia could place the country at the forefront of the growing global space economy.

STEM is worth investing in, but Australia’s major parties offer scant details on policy and funding

We’ve had 10 federal ministers with titular responsibility for science since 2007 – five under the Coalition and five under Labor. That variation and a lack of consistent vision has affected Australian performance and the election platforms of the parties offers little hope for change.

Adelaide’s Dr Space Junk takes on the Universe

The Australian Space Agency’s arrival in Adelaide signals an important reconnection for South Australia with its significant space history, according to a new book by Flinders University space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman.