South Korea's first astronaut Dr Soyeon Yi who is currently in Australia to speak at the International Space University's Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program, will be giving a free public lecture called: "My Life As An Astronaut".
The talk will be held on the 27th of January 2011, 3-4 pm at
CSIRO Discovery
Clunies Ross Street
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
For more information, head here.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Australia and UK discuss Space at the third Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN III)
In the third Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN III) held in Sydney on the 18th of January 2011 between Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague and UK Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox, Space was high on the Agenda.
The ministers focussed on the Space Arms control aspects in their Joint Communiqué, saying:
"Australia and the UK welcomed the US decision, reflected in the June 2010 US National Space Policy, to consider practical and verifiable space arms control measures. Australia and the UK supported the need for space arms control measures that meet these criteria and agreed that they should be focused on preventing behaviours that threaten the peaceful use of space by all nations.
Australia and the UK also agreed to support the development and implementation of transparency and confidence building measures for space, to enhance stability and safety in space activities."
Following on from the recent AUSMIN discussions on Space between Australia and the United States,the AUKMIN talks mark a further escalation of the priority of Space to the current Australian Government.
The talks certainly signal a closer cooperation in Space between Australia and the UK in the future, particularly from a defence perspective, but perhaps also from a civilian perspective.
The ministers focussed on the Space Arms control aspects in their Joint Communiqué, saying:
"Australia and the UK welcomed the US decision, reflected in the June 2010 US National Space Policy, to consider practical and verifiable space arms control measures. Australia and the UK supported the need for space arms control measures that meet these criteria and agreed that they should be focused on preventing behaviours that threaten the peaceful use of space by all nations.
Australia and the UK also agreed to support the development and implementation of transparency and confidence building measures for space, to enhance stability and safety in space activities."
Following on from the recent AUSMIN discussions on Space between Australia and the United States,the AUKMIN talks mark a further escalation of the priority of Space to the current Australian Government.
The talks certainly signal a closer cooperation in Space between Australia and the UK in the future, particularly from a defence perspective, but perhaps also from a civilian perspective.
Australia takes a step closer to new a Space Museum
The Australian National University signed an agreement with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum on the 19th of January 2011 in Washington DC taking the first steps towards a dedicated Australian Astronomy and Space Museum at Mount Stromolo.
The agreement outlines the cooperation between the ANU and the National Air and Space Museum, and will see many staff from the museum in Washington come to Canberra to being planning for the new museum.
The museum, which ANU hopes can be built over the next 3 years has been in discussion for around 18 months.
The new Museum will focus on Australia's contribution to both Space Science and Astronomy, and will leverage support from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in both the setting up of the new facility, as well as the on-going operations.
The Museum is yet to be fully funded and will be looking toward the federal government to provide funding to set up the facility.
The agreement outlines the cooperation between the ANU and the National Air and Space Museum, and will see many staff from the museum in Washington come to Canberra to being planning for the new museum.
The museum, which ANU hopes can be built over the next 3 years has been in discussion for around 18 months.
The new Museum will focus on Australia's contribution to both Space Science and Astronomy, and will leverage support from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in both the setting up of the new facility, as well as the on-going operations.
The Museum is yet to be fully funded and will be looking toward the federal government to provide funding to set up the facility.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Australian Space 2011 - What to Expect?
After my round up of the Australian Space Scene for 2010, I thought it would be good to take a quick look at what we might expect in 2011.
The first thing that is happening in 2011, and in fact, has just kicked-off, is the ISU's Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program in Adelaide. This will bring a certain focus of the Space world back to Australia, but perhaps most importantly, it is a great example of a build up of intellectual infrastructure in Australia. Put simply, we need Space experts, and more of them, to create and be involved in the projects of tomorrow for Australia. It has always been a bit of a chicken and egg problem in Australia, without any Space projects, why choose a space career; and without any space professionals, how can we realistically achieve space projects? Well, this should help solve that problem.
The next development this year, is the tender, and awarding of two Ka-Band satellites by NBNCo. This means that the Australian Space Market will be back on the radar of the big Satellite Prime Contractors throughout America and Europe. Whilst the satellites are not going to be built here, it is likely that there will be a local content requirement in the project, and this may bring some good technology transfer to Australia. It will also stimulate the industry as the Satellite Prime Contractors look to various Australian companies for teaming opportunities.
Most importantly, we will finally see the release of the Australian National Space Policy that the Space Policy Unit has been working on since its creation. We know a few things that it will focus on, such as providing a vision for Australia’s use for space, and linking that back to Australia’s economic, environmental, social, defence and national security goals; looking at how to enhance the space industry – and create Australian space jobs; and how to enhance Australia’s international space relationships.
It will hopefully outline what will replace the highly successful Australian Space Research Program, and will also look at areas of Australian research and education in the space domain. Certainly what has been done well in the past year or two, is a strong and methodical build-up of evidence as to why Australia should be involved in Space. In doing this, an Australian space policy should be both sustainable and supported by both sides of parliament.
We might see more movement on the Defence Department's plans for a Radar Surveillance satellite which was announced in the last white paper, and I'm very confident we'll hear more about Space Surveillance in Australia - both the partnership with the US and the proposed facility at Exmouth.
We’ll definitely hear a lot more about the Square Kilometre Array and the Australian / New Zealand bid, and having a solid National Space Policy should help our case.
So that is a few highlights that we will hopefully see in 2011 - and I'm sure that there are many more exciting things that I haven't mentioned. It is shaping up to be a very big year in Space for Australia – I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am!
The first thing that is happening in 2011, and in fact, has just kicked-off, is the ISU's Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program in Adelaide. This will bring a certain focus of the Space world back to Australia, but perhaps most importantly, it is a great example of a build up of intellectual infrastructure in Australia. Put simply, we need Space experts, and more of them, to create and be involved in the projects of tomorrow for Australia. It has always been a bit of a chicken and egg problem in Australia, without any Space projects, why choose a space career; and without any space professionals, how can we realistically achieve space projects? Well, this should help solve that problem.
The next development this year, is the tender, and awarding of two Ka-Band satellites by NBNCo. This means that the Australian Space Market will be back on the radar of the big Satellite Prime Contractors throughout America and Europe. Whilst the satellites are not going to be built here, it is likely that there will be a local content requirement in the project, and this may bring some good technology transfer to Australia. It will also stimulate the industry as the Satellite Prime Contractors look to various Australian companies for teaming opportunities.
Most importantly, we will finally see the release of the Australian National Space Policy that the Space Policy Unit has been working on since its creation. We know a few things that it will focus on, such as providing a vision for Australia’s use for space, and linking that back to Australia’s economic, environmental, social, defence and national security goals; looking at how to enhance the space industry – and create Australian space jobs; and how to enhance Australia’s international space relationships.
It will hopefully outline what will replace the highly successful Australian Space Research Program, and will also look at areas of Australian research and education in the space domain. Certainly what has been done well in the past year or two, is a strong and methodical build-up of evidence as to why Australia should be involved in Space. In doing this, an Australian space policy should be both sustainable and supported by both sides of parliament.
We might see more movement on the Defence Department's plans for a Radar Surveillance satellite which was announced in the last white paper, and I'm very confident we'll hear more about Space Surveillance in Australia - both the partnership with the US and the proposed facility at Exmouth.
We’ll definitely hear a lot more about the Square Kilometre Array and the Australian / New Zealand bid, and having a solid National Space Policy should help our case.
So that is a few highlights that we will hopefully see in 2011 - and I'm sure that there are many more exciting things that I haven't mentioned. It is shaping up to be a very big year in Space for Australia – I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am!
More on Australia and Responsive Space
Robert Brand over at Echoes of Apollo has recently written a very thoughtful article in response to my recent post on Why Australia Should be involved in Responsive Space. He has commented below on my article, and you can find his article here -
http://echoesofapollo.com/2011/01/11/operationally-responsive-space/
Firstly, a big thank you to Robert - it is very flattering to hear your wonderful comments about my article and blog in general. I think the Australian Space industry is really kicking some goals at the moment, and I hope 2011 brings even more momentum.
I also welcome the opportunity to debate the future of the space industry in Oz – it is very important that we have as many inputs as we can to this process, and making the public aware of what we can achieve is probably the biggest battle we face.
On the topic of Responsive Space in general, and my article, I would like to add a few more thoughts on how it might relate a little more to Australia. As you point out, Responsive Space is still very reliant on Responsive launchers, which Australia does not have, and will not have in the near future. Whilst I (and I’m sure many Australians) would love to see an Australian launch facility, I don’t believe we will see one any time soon, nor is the investment justified at this point. In fact, launch is one of the main challenges for the US Responsive Space efforts too – for example, TacSat-1 was built back in 2003, on-budget (of around US$10 Million), and in under 12 months. Despite this achievement, it still hasn’t launched – 7 years after it was finished! (and somewhat defeating the purpose of building a satellite in 12 months, although it was more of a demo than anything else)
My article itself is referring more to the Satellite development side of things rather than launchers, and how it could relate to the actual building of indigenous Australian satellites. I see any satellites that we develop still being launched on foreign launchers for now. We do need our own telecoms, and earth observation satellites and I agree with your suggestion of a Land EO satellite. However I also don’t think we have the capability to build such satellites, and we would be better served to purchase them from major overseas satellite manufactures, and include some technology transfer provisions in the purchase. I think we may agree on that one.
I think Australian satellites that are within reach include Earth Observation satellites that are 200kg or less, and cost perhaps $50 Million or less. Small satellites, but addressing specific Australian problems that we face such as Floods, cyclones, drought, bushfires, maritime surveillance etc.
This lines up well with the Responsive Space Spacecraft – small, and low cost satellites that address specific needs, but more importantly, developing a local satellite in a few months to a year will help capture the Australian public's attention, and deliver a very immediate and real payback on any Australian space program, which could help sustain future investments. Partnering closely with the US in such an area would help us develop capability quickly, and give us access to cutting edge technologies in Space for a relatively low investment.
Perhaps it’s not the pure Responsive Space type activity that the US is doing, but I think it could be a good start.
http://echoesofapollo.com/2011/01/11/operationally-responsive-space/
Firstly, a big thank you to Robert - it is very flattering to hear your wonderful comments about my article and blog in general. I think the Australian Space industry is really kicking some goals at the moment, and I hope 2011 brings even more momentum.
I also welcome the opportunity to debate the future of the space industry in Oz – it is very important that we have as many inputs as we can to this process, and making the public aware of what we can achieve is probably the biggest battle we face.
On the topic of Responsive Space in general, and my article, I would like to add a few more thoughts on how it might relate a little more to Australia. As you point out, Responsive Space is still very reliant on Responsive launchers, which Australia does not have, and will not have in the near future. Whilst I (and I’m sure many Australians) would love to see an Australian launch facility, I don’t believe we will see one any time soon, nor is the investment justified at this point. In fact, launch is one of the main challenges for the US Responsive Space efforts too – for example, TacSat-1 was built back in 2003, on-budget (of around US$10 Million), and in under 12 months. Despite this achievement, it still hasn’t launched – 7 years after it was finished! (and somewhat defeating the purpose of building a satellite in 12 months, although it was more of a demo than anything else)
My article itself is referring more to the Satellite development side of things rather than launchers, and how it could relate to the actual building of indigenous Australian satellites. I see any satellites that we develop still being launched on foreign launchers for now. We do need our own telecoms, and earth observation satellites and I agree with your suggestion of a Land EO satellite. However I also don’t think we have the capability to build such satellites, and we would be better served to purchase them from major overseas satellite manufactures, and include some technology transfer provisions in the purchase. I think we may agree on that one.
I think Australian satellites that are within reach include Earth Observation satellites that are 200kg or less, and cost perhaps $50 Million or less. Small satellites, but addressing specific Australian problems that we face such as Floods, cyclones, drought, bushfires, maritime surveillance etc.
This lines up well with the Responsive Space Spacecraft – small, and low cost satellites that address specific needs, but more importantly, developing a local satellite in a few months to a year will help capture the Australian public's attention, and deliver a very immediate and real payback on any Australian space program, which could help sustain future investments. Partnering closely with the US in such an area would help us develop capability quickly, and give us access to cutting edge technologies in Space for a relatively low investment.
Perhaps it’s not the pure Responsive Space type activity that the US is doing, but I think it could be a good start.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Why Australia Should be involved in Responsive Space
Over the last decade or so, the United States Air Force, together with various other military and civilian stakeholders, has been working hard on a program called "Operationally Responsive Space", or ORS for short. In essence, the program is developing ways to make Space Systems (Satellites in this case) responsive to urgent military needs, and in doing so, one of the program goals is to be able to go from mission call up to a fully build, integrated and tested satellite on launch pad in 7 days or less.
Now whilst this may sound like a bit of a far fetched idea, the folks at the ORS office, and now at the new Chili Works facility are getting close to this goal. And whilst the 7 day goal isn't there just yet, the capability to build a satellite in a few months is not just a dream. They've spent several years working on different technologies like "Plug-n-Play" standards and subsystems, Automatic and reconfigurable satellite software, and Rapid AIT technologies, as well as putting a series of Responsive Space "Building Blocks" on the shelf literally, to be able to rapidly access them when needed.
So, what does this have to do with Australia one might ask? Well - a lot in my opinion. Firstly, one of the aims of the ORS activities is to have the ability to "replenish" or "replace" satellite capabilities that have been lost, in a responsive manner. One of the big risks to Australia is loosing access to Space data and satellite systems, as many sectors of our society and our economy are reliant on it. Having the ability to replace our satellite needs if we were to loose our access or data - even if this capability was only a 50% replacement of what we lost, would be both a prudent risk mitigation step, as well as a major benefit if we ever did loose access.
Secondly, Responsive Satellites by their very nature, are small satellites. This is probably the best place for Australia to start - as many of the technologies and infrastructure required to build a 100kg satellite could easily be transferred from our current defence and electronics industries, without major investment. Building a 2 tonne telecommunications, cutting edge technology satellite requires highly specialised infrastructure and facilities, which we are a long way (both financially and lead time) from achieving, however the facilities for small satellites like small clean rooms, thermal-vacuum chambers, vibration chambers etc for the most part exist in Australia, or would need only small upgrades to adapt, and could be ready in the short term for little investment.
Thirdly, the United States is interested in globalising their ORS efforts - particularly with close military partners such as Australia. In this context, the US would likely help Australia set up an indigenous Responsive Space capability - especially through standards, techniques and tools that have already been developed. The upside for the US is that Australia could leverage the existing US developed technologies - expanding the market for these technologies in the US, helping sustain them and creating US export sales. Longer term, Australia could develop some indigenous building blocks for Responsive Space, and inject these back into US ORS programs.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is Cost. Responsive Space missions are generally under US$40 Million. This is probably an acceptable price point for Australia to begin to develop some satellites and get back in the Space domain in a reasonable manner. We could develop an EO satellite, perhaps a military communications satellite, or something similar - but one that would give us a big leg up in building satellites and space operations in general. For such a low cost, we could probably achieve a satellite every couple of years that could address different needs, together with having a capability in place if we ever do need a responsive satellite ourselves.
Together, the low cost of missions, the limited infrastructure upgrades needed, the leg-up from the US and the real risk mitigation for Australian Space capabilities make Responsive Space a good investment for Australia, and a good point for us to get back into the Space game with.
Now whilst this may sound like a bit of a far fetched idea, the folks at the ORS office, and now at the new Chili Works facility are getting close to this goal. And whilst the 7 day goal isn't there just yet, the capability to build a satellite in a few months is not just a dream. They've spent several years working on different technologies like "Plug-n-Play" standards and subsystems, Automatic and reconfigurable satellite software, and Rapid AIT technologies, as well as putting a series of Responsive Space "Building Blocks" on the shelf literally, to be able to rapidly access them when needed.
So, what does this have to do with Australia one might ask? Well - a lot in my opinion. Firstly, one of the aims of the ORS activities is to have the ability to "replenish" or "replace" satellite capabilities that have been lost, in a responsive manner. One of the big risks to Australia is loosing access to Space data and satellite systems, as many sectors of our society and our economy are reliant on it. Having the ability to replace our satellite needs if we were to loose our access or data - even if this capability was only a 50% replacement of what we lost, would be both a prudent risk mitigation step, as well as a major benefit if we ever did loose access.
Secondly, Responsive Satellites by their very nature, are small satellites. This is probably the best place for Australia to start - as many of the technologies and infrastructure required to build a 100kg satellite could easily be transferred from our current defence and electronics industries, without major investment. Building a 2 tonne telecommunications, cutting edge technology satellite requires highly specialised infrastructure and facilities, which we are a long way (both financially and lead time) from achieving, however the facilities for small satellites like small clean rooms, thermal-vacuum chambers, vibration chambers etc for the most part exist in Australia, or would need only small upgrades to adapt, and could be ready in the short term for little investment.
Thirdly, the United States is interested in globalising their ORS efforts - particularly with close military partners such as Australia. In this context, the US would likely help Australia set up an indigenous Responsive Space capability - especially through standards, techniques and tools that have already been developed. The upside for the US is that Australia could leverage the existing US developed technologies - expanding the market for these technologies in the US, helping sustain them and creating US export sales. Longer term, Australia could develop some indigenous building blocks for Responsive Space, and inject these back into US ORS programs.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is Cost. Responsive Space missions are generally under US$40 Million. This is probably an acceptable price point for Australia to begin to develop some satellites and get back in the Space domain in a reasonable manner. We could develop an EO satellite, perhaps a military communications satellite, or something similar - but one that would give us a big leg up in building satellites and space operations in general. For such a low cost, we could probably achieve a satellite every couple of years that could address different needs, together with having a capability in place if we ever do need a responsive satellite ourselves.
Together, the low cost of missions, the limited infrastructure upgrades needed, the leg-up from the US and the real risk mitigation for Australian Space capabilities make Responsive Space a good investment for Australia, and a good point for us to get back into the Space game with.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program Opens in Adelaide
The International Space University has opened its first Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SHS-SP) in Adelaide today. The program, set up with assistance from Australian Space Research Program funding, brings together some of the best minds in the Space industry, and will feature several prominent Australians from the Space Industry. The SHS-SP is a co-operative program between the ISU and the University of South Australia, and is a five week, intensive program that covers all aspects of the Space Industry.
This years program includes students from 8 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Malasia, and was officially opened on the 5th of January by the Hon Jack Snelling MP, South Australian Minister for Science and Information Economy.
In conjunction with the SHSSP, there are three public events to be held in Adelaide in the coming weeks, which I believe are free, so get along to them if you can.
Space Education in the Southern Hemisphere
Chaired by Prof Michael Simpson, ISU President
Thursday 6 January 2011 at 8 pm
Alan Scott Auditorium Hawke Building
City West Campus
Australia's Future in Space
Chaired by Brett Biddington, Australian Space Industry Association
Tuesday 11 January 2011 at 8 pm
Alan Scott Auditorium Hawke Building City West Campus
International Astronaut Panel with Dr Jean-Jacques Favier (France) and Dr Soyeon Yi (Korea)
Tuesday 25 January 2011 at 8 pm
SA Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
For more information on the program, or the public events, head to the program webpage here.
This years program includes students from 8 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Malasia, and was officially opened on the 5th of January by the Hon Jack Snelling MP, South Australian Minister for Science and Information Economy.
In conjunction with the SHSSP, there are three public events to be held in Adelaide in the coming weeks, which I believe are free, so get along to them if you can.
Space Education in the Southern Hemisphere
Chaired by Prof Michael Simpson, ISU President
Thursday 6 January 2011 at 8 pm
Alan Scott Auditorium Hawke Building
City West Campus
Australia's Future in Space
Chaired by Brett Biddington, Australian Space Industry Association
Tuesday 11 January 2011 at 8 pm
Alan Scott Auditorium Hawke Building City West Campus
International Astronaut Panel with Dr Jean-Jacques Favier (France) and Dr Soyeon Yi (Korea)
Tuesday 25 January 2011 at 8 pm
SA Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
For more information on the program, or the public events, head to the program webpage here.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Australian Space 2010 – A year in Review
With 2010 finished, I thought I would take a quick look back on the Australian Space Scene in 2010 and the major events that shaped it. What surprised me when compiling this article was the sheer number of important events that occurred during 2010, in what I could only describe as a booming year for the Australian Space scene.
Whilst it was indeed a busy year for Australian Space, I suspect that 2010 will go down as a year of build up for what is in stall in 2011. The stage is now set for Australia to be back in the Space game after years of neglect, and we look forward to the release of a National Space Policy in 2011.
The following is a list of some of the main 2010 developments in the Australian Space Scene:
Whilst it was indeed a busy year for Australian Space, I suspect that 2010 will go down as a year of build up for what is in stall in 2011. The stage is now set for Australia to be back in the Space game after years of neglect, and we look forward to the release of a National Space Policy in 2011.
The following is a list of some of the main 2010 developments in the Australian Space Scene:
- Space.gov.au launched – The Australian Government finally put in place a dedicated website for all things Space in response to the Senate Enquiry of 2008. If you haven’t visited yet, go and have a look.
- NBNCo took steps towards ordering two Ka-Band Satellites
- The Release of Brett Biddington and Roy Sach’s paper for the Kokoda Foundation: “Australia’s Place in Space: Toward A National Space Policy”
- The 11th Australian Space Development Conference was held in Adelaide in July
- Australian Space Research Programs Round 1, Round 2 and Round 3 projects announced
- Hayabusa landing at Woomera – In June, we saw JAXA successfully land the Hayabusa probe at Woomera, achieving the first Asteroid Sample Return Mission
- The Decadal Plan for Australian Space Science was released at the 10th Australian Space Science Conference
- The 17th Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-17) was held in Melbourne
- ASICC changes its name to Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA)
- Australia – US Space Situational Awareness Partnership announced, including a space surveillance facility to be built in Australia
- Australia – US sign Civil Space Partnership Agreement – Probably the most un-reported, but major event in 2010, where Australia and the US will look to cooperate in civil space activities
- Space Minister Kim Carr Reappointed – Minister Kim Carr was re-elected along with the Federal Labor Government in Australia, ensuring good continuity within the portfolio. Thus far Minister Kim Carr’s efforts in the Space Domain have been successful – we hope this continues into 2011.
- Ongoing developments in Australia’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope
- Announcement of 4 new NASA dishes at Tidbinbilla
- Crash of Space Balloon in Australian Outback – back in May, we saw the unfortunate crash of the University of California’s Nuclear Compton Telescope that was to be launched on a balloon crash near Alice Springs.
- Australian Space Industry Innovation Council Established
- Space Boomerang Launched – I couldn’t help but mention my blog as a development in the Australian Space Scene. I have been contacted by many in the Industry who have been reading it, and it is gaining more and more hits by the day. Thank you to all those who visited in 2010, and I look forward to following the Australian Space Industry with you in 2011.
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