A blow for the Australian space sector

In a brutal blow to Australia’s space sector, future economy, industrial base and international reputation, the Australian government has axed the National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO), doubling down on the recent cancelling of both the Australian spaceports program and funding for space access, which aimed at getting Australian space tech into the global space economy.

The place for space in the Defence Review

Australia’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review has moved space up the agenda as a key element of integrated military capability.

Launching from Australia

A domestically owned, globally competitive strategic launch infrastructure that prioritises Australian interests is an essential first step in realising Australia’s ambitious space plans, strengthening our defence capability and developing a sophisticated, resilient economy.

SpaceXplosion

The loss of the first SpaceX Heavy – the world’s largest rocket – and its Starship payload on its first test flight is just an expensive hiccup towards eventual success.

Europa report

While people have speculated about life on arid Mars or cloudy Venus for hundreds of years, the best chances of discovering alien forms lies in delving into the liquid oceans beneath the ice caps of Jupiter’s moons.

Space treaties and Australia

There’s growing recognition of the importance of space to Australia’s economic, social, and national security interests and Australia may soon find itself torn between its obligations under international space law and its involvement in internationally collaborative space activities.

Could current rovers find life on Mars?

New research published in Nature Communications suggests the equipment carried by Mars rovers might not be able to detect life on the Red Planet, even if it exists there, as it can fail to do so on Earth.

Australia in space

Australia needs a broad strategy to ensure its rightful place in the international space and security order.

The search for life

Technological advances are improving our ability to detect signs of alien intelligence in the universe, but would we be able to recognise it if we found it?

The trouble with rubble

Curtin University-led research into the durability and age of an ancient asteroid made of rocky rubble and dust, revealed significant findings that could contribute to potentially saving the planet if one ever hurtled toward Earth.

Five space missions for 2023

Interest in the space sector remains high and with a tranche of bold advances and launches due in 2023, we are entering a new phase of progress echoing the “Golden era” of space launches in the 1960s and ’70s.

From the outback to orbit

How does a young girl from Wollongong studying Industrial Chemistry at UNSW Sydney go on to become an astronaut trainee with the European Space Agency?