The big picture

A series of satellites fitted with hyperspectral sensors could become a key component in Australia’s space capabilities, providing data with applications in climate science, disaster management, water resource monitoring, agriculture, and land use.

Australia needs a national space strategy

The Australian Space Agency released a civil space strategy in 2019, but Defence hasn’t followed suit. It’s time for a national space strategy to guide how Australia protects its security interests in a contested high frontier.

New satellite system would enhance water quality management

Analysis conducted at UNSW Canberra has demonstrated that a new space-based Earth observation system would be a valuable piece of infrastructure for monitoring and managing Australia’s inland and coastal waterbodies.

One giant leap for Richard Branson

Richard Branson’s jaunt to the edge of space may look like a publicity stunt, but it’s actually another small step towards an exciting future of commercial space travel.

CSIRO opens satellite offering for Australian Earth observation

Australian researchers in industries like agriculture and natural disaster management can now apply to direct the Earth observation satellite NovaSAR-1 by accessing Australia’s share of the satellite through CSIRO. This will mark the first time Australia has managed its own source of Earth observation data.

Adelaide’s mission to Mars

Research that could help materials be found in space more easily, enable satellites to swarm together and extend the reach of telecommunications is being kick-started by new funding.

The start of a new space age

Australians can take pride in their contribution to the first space age in the second half of the 20th century, but effort is needed if we are to optimise our position in this new era.

Houston, we have a problem

Just like we have on Earth, humans have left an absolute mess in space and nobody wants to clean it up.

Australia and New Zealand should coordinate space launch capabilities

Despite all the hype around Australia’s potential in commercial space activity, it is New Zealand which leads the way.

Bringing reusable rockets to Australia

The development of re-useable rockets brings the promise of rapid, low-cost access to space a step closer, and increases the attractiveness of Australia as a potential launch site for both civilian and military purposes.

Space startup Quasar takes off with CSIRO tech

Australian space startup Quasar Satellite Technologies is set to revolutionise space communication, allowing ground stations to talk to hundreds of satellites at once using technology developed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.

UNSW startup to launch camera into space

HEO Robotics is teaming up with Space Machines Company to launch an on-orbit inspection camera into space.