First thoughts from the Australian Space Innovation Council

The first thoughts from the Australian Space Innovation Council are starting to come through, following meetings in both February and April.

The Council are sticking to the three main themes of Earth Observation, Satellite Communications and Position, Navigation and Timing - no surprise there, and a good idea as all three topics are linked to National issues and should enjoy bi-partisan support within Parliament.

The council also intend to provide strategies to the government, to develop an internationally competitive Space Industry - something we can all look forward to, and hopefully something that gains support within the Government.

The Space Innovation Council has formed work groups to examine:

• how space technologies and services enable the broader delivery of government policy, such as our response to climate change, energy usage monitoring and natural disaster management;
• the importance of position, navigation and timing services (such as GPS) to Australia's society, civic infrastructure and economy;
• strategies and key messages for the sector to communicate the importance of space technologies and services; and 
• Australia's role as the “Big Ear for the Southern Hemisphere" in providing vital satellite ground stations, which listen out on behalf of international partners and ourselves from the large and quiet continental location which is Australia. 

So no major surprises so far, and heading in the right direction. This is the first time I've seen the term "Big Ear for the Southern Hemisphere" - perhaps something we'll see more of in the future. Hopefully they will have something to present at the upcoming Australian Space Development Conference soon.