Australia’s space agency needs certainty

The Australian Space Agency, led by Dr Megan Clark AC, officially opened for business at the start of July. How will it help develop the fledgling domestic space industry?

Blood moon: lunar eclipse myths from around the world

Last evening, six of Earth’s seven continents saw the longest lunar eclipse this century. From fake kings and celestial jaguars, Daniel Brown explores the many myths behind the “blood moon”, and why this evocative phrase is a thorn in the side of science.

Can artificial intelligence help find alien intelligence?

In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, we’ve often looked for signs of intelligence, technology and communication that are similar to our own. Now scientists are considering whether artificial intelligence (AI) could help us search for alien intelligence in ways we haven’t even thought of yet.

How private companies are launching a new space age

Private companies are increasingly challenging national space agencies in a new space race which comes with great opportunities but also carries significant risks.

3, 2, 1…liftoff! The science of launching rockets from Australia

Australia’s space agency will officially commence operations on July 1 2018. The creation of an Australian space port would be the next logical step to help develop Australia’s space industry.

Australia’s future in space

After decades of prevarication, the arrival of the Australian Space Agency is a very welcome development. Business is buzzing with the potential for expanding space-related work and Defence has never been better equipped with space-enabled platforms and technology.

Australia needs its own sovereign launch capability

Developing a sustainable, flexible and responsive sovereign launch capability in Australia could underpin the creation of a competitive space industry in this country.

The new space race in Asia

While Australia takes its first tentative steps into the space sector with the creation of a small Federal agency, the major space powers in Asia – Japan, China and India – are ramping up their programmes, with national security playing an ever greater role in their activities.

An astronaut’s view of Australia’s proposed space agency

Former NASA astronaut Pamela Melroy has moved to Adelaide to work with the emerging Australian space industry and offers her thoughts on the government’s new agency.

Climbing out of the ‘gravity well’ towards a more prosperous future

Nations which dare to climb the ‘gravity well’ and colonise the solar system will boost their economy, jump start their technology and secure leadership on this planet and beyond.

Don’t let the final frontier slip further away

Australia depends on satellite data for everything from defence surveillance and weather forecasting to restocking supermarket shelves and synchronising mobile phone conversations. The creation of a new space agency should see a blossoming of Australian space services.

Shorten in space

Labor is promising an investment of up to AU$35 million in a new space agency if it wins the next election, but co-investment from industry and universities must help get the program off the ground.