Minister for Space Senator Kim Carr today opened the 11th Australian Space Science Conference in Australia. In doing so, Minister Carr gave a major address on the Australian Space Industry, and in my opinion, one of the best government speeches on the topic of Space that we have seen in a long time.
You can read the full address here.
The Speech is important for a number of reasons including that Space is actively being discussed at Prime Ministerial level. Here are my top five highlights from the speech:
1. The speech puts a baseline for the first time about the size and scope of the Australian Space Industry, demonstrating that the industry is strong, and important to Australia. Perhaps this also highlights how ineffective we have been so far as an industry about promoting ourselves with a common voice, and something that we need to radically improve over the coming months to support the governments vision.
"Combined, the Australian space industry involves around 630 organisations employing 8,400 people and generating revenues of up to $1.6 billion."
2. The speech highlights just how important the Space Sector is to the Australian government - and identifies that the Australian government is already a significant investor in Space activities, with over 30 government programs dependent on space infrastructure.
"Australian government is already a major purchaser of Space
Today in Australia, there are some 30 separate federal government programs that depend on space industry infrastructure. The Australian Government provides significant investment in space activities to the tune of more than $1 billion per annum."
3. The speech identifies the enormous contribution of Earth Observation to the Australian GDP. We'd love to hear similar data for Satellite communications and Position Navigation and Timing too.
"It (Earth Observation) contributes at least $3.3 billion to our GDP in 2008-09, and on conservative assumptions that contribution will grow to $4 billion by 2015."
4. Minister Carr has announced the set of principles that will guide the space policy and consultation in the coming months. I am guessing that these principles will be discussed a great deal within the industry in the coming period, and we will be hearing a lot more about them, so read them carefully.
"The principles, which will be the backbone and direction for the policy, are:
a) Focus on space applications of national significance;
b) Assure access to space capability;
c) Strengthen and increase international cooperation;
d) Contribute to a stable space environment;
e) Improve domestic coordination;
f) Support innovation, science and skills development;
g) Contribute to national security and economic well-being."
5. Perhaps there are three lines that I think resonate with me the most, and I think should have a lasting effect on all of those in the industry if we want to be serious about developing an Australian Space Industry that is sustainable:
"For us, this is not about putting man on Mars.
This is about the very practical ways in which the space industry underpins our economy and our way of life.
It is about the very real jobs and businesses in this country which help us harness those benefits."
Well done Minister for Space!
Monday, September 26, 2011
11th Australian Space Science Conference underway in Canberra
The 11th Australian Space Science Conference is underway in Canberra this week, from the 26th to the 29th of September. This years conference at ANU features an ever expanding list of the finest Space Science researchers in Australia, and is reflecting the continuing uptick in the Australian Space Industry that has occurred in the last few years.
The conference was opened by the Minister for Space Kim Carr - in a very important speech that I intend to devote another blog post to discussing.
Some key speeches at the conference not to miss:
Senator Kim Carr - who officially opened the conference today
The National Context Speeches which feature many of the key players in the Australian Space Industry - Michel Clement, Clare McLaughlin, Brett Biddington, Phil Diamond, Russel Boyce and Iver Cairns.
Trevor Ireland - Samples from the Hayabusa Mission to Itokawa-2514
Jason Held - Vostok “4-Pines” Stout, the First Space Beer: The Flight Test and Research Plan (just because I think he's done a great job this year, and they've been incredibly innovative)
The Government Speeches by David Neudegg, Kimberley Clayfield, Andrew Klekociuk, Tony Lindsay, and Adam Lewis,
Tanya Vladimirova - Microelectronics Design and Embedded Systems for Small Satellites
All of the ASRP speeches
Fred Menk - The Next Generation Over the Horizon Radar
This years ASSC will run in conjunction with the Italy-Australia Space Symposium on the afternoon of the 28th of September.
The conference homepage can be found here, with the final program found here.
For those who are there, let me know how its going - spaceboomerang@gmail.com or @spaceboomerang on twitter.
The conference was opened by the Minister for Space Kim Carr - in a very important speech that I intend to devote another blog post to discussing.
Some key speeches at the conference not to miss:
Senator Kim Carr - who officially opened the conference today
The National Context Speeches which feature many of the key players in the Australian Space Industry - Michel Clement, Clare McLaughlin, Brett Biddington, Phil Diamond, Russel Boyce and Iver Cairns.
Trevor Ireland - Samples from the Hayabusa Mission to Itokawa-2514
Jason Held - Vostok “4-Pines” Stout, the First Space Beer: The Flight Test and Research Plan (just because I think he's done a great job this year, and they've been incredibly innovative)
The Government Speeches by David Neudegg, Kimberley Clayfield, Andrew Klekociuk, Tony Lindsay, and Adam Lewis,
Tanya Vladimirova - Microelectronics Design and Embedded Systems for Small Satellites
All of the ASRP speeches
Fred Menk - The Next Generation Over the Horizon Radar
This years ASSC will run in conjunction with the Italy-Australia Space Symposium on the afternoon of the 28th of September.
The conference homepage can be found here, with the final program found here.
For those who are there, let me know how its going - spaceboomerang@gmail.com or @spaceboomerang on twitter.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
ASRP Fact Sheets on the space.gov.au website
The Australian Space Policy Unit has set up a wonderful set of fact sheets about each of the Australian Space Research Program projects, which can be found here.
Great work guys - they're very informative, and interesting.
My only complaint - they're a little buried on the website, and didn't even make the "News and Features" section on the front page. Perhaps they could be promoted a little more?
Happy reading everyone.
Great work guys - they're very informative, and interesting.
My only complaint - they're a little buried on the website, and didn't even make the "News and Features" section on the front page. Perhaps they could be promoted a little more?
Happy reading everyone.
Commentary on the Space Industry Innovation Council advice to the Australian Govenment
Recently, the Australian Space Industry Innovation Council (SIIC) released their first statement of 'Advice to the Australian government' which can be found here, despite it being a little hidden on the space.gov.au website, which understates its importance.
The Advice is far more substantial than the previous SIIC Strategic Roadmap, and makes a total of 8 recommendations to the Australian Government.
The advice is broken into 3 sections:
I thought I might go through the recommendations and put a few ideas down.
1.1 That the Space Policy Unit be established as a permanent element of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Recommendation
Firstly, I must say that I wasn't aware that the SPU was not permanent, which is somewhat disappointing to know, and a clear driver behind this recommendation. The SPU is the absolute minimum that Australia should ever tolerate in the space sector - a dedicated, educated, informed unit within the Australian government that can provide advice to the Australian government on all things space. This should be supported by all sides of parliament to keep, as a minimum, some understanding within government of Space issues.
2.1 That the Australian Space Research Program be converted into an ongoing funded space capability development program.
I fully agree on this point, however I believe the future should be a mix of Australian government projects that are decided and driven by the government and implemented to address national space priorities, as well as the current industry proposed ideas within the ASRP. It was a shame in the last budget that we did not see an extension of the ASRP, however I hope next year's budget will commit funding.
Recommendation 2.1 That the issue of Australia’s dependence on space‐based infrastructure and services be referred to the Attorney‐General, as the Minister responsible for critical infrastructure protection coordination, for assessment of measures necessary to assure Government that the critical dependencies are both understood and risk managed.
We have not yet seen a major disruption to Australian Space infrastructure, which has led to our apathy about what could occur should this infrastructure be damaged or destroyed. The Attorney-General should at the very least undertake a full risk analysis to manage these risks, and then report back to the government on how our Space infrastructure should be protected.
Recommendation 2.2 That Australia move to strengthen its relationships with the international space community in order to both build own resilience towards the security of data supply, and demonstrate a responsible and reliable approach to the space‐based services in which Australia participates on behalf of others
This recommendation ties in well with Brett Biddington's principle of having some "skin in the game" in the global space industry. We continue to be lucky that our partners provide us with an incredible amount of free data, however we should support our partners by getting back into the game, through restarting Australia's role in the global space industry, through agreements, projects, and exchanges.
Recommendation 3.1 That Government take deliberate steps to identify the relevant cadre of staff members across public agencies which use or have policy impact on space capability, including at senior levels, and ensure that their skill sets and understanding of space matters are maintained and enhanced.
My guess is that the SPU is probably already in the middle of implementing this implementation through their work on the National Space Policy. Perhaps if anything, the depth and scope of the impact of space across the government may be underestimated, and the knowledge and skills may be overestimated.
Recommendation 4.1 That the opportunity for robust Australian industry participation in the ground segment of the NBN satellite procurement be explored.
From what I understand, the NBN is in the final moments of their decision on their satellite purchase of two Ka band satellites, which may also include the ground segment (or it may be a separate contract). It would be great to see Australian involvement in the ground (and satellite segment for that matter), however I feel that it may be almost too late to change things from their already established position. That is not to say that their won't be Australian involvement, quite the contrary. As the ground segment will be built in Australia, it would be fair to say that their will be a reasonable degree of Australian involvement.
Recommendation 4.2 That the potential to include an Australian PNT augmentation payload or weather sensor be explored now in the context of major investments already contemplated by Government or industry, including procurement of the satellite communications component of the NBN as well as plans to make better use of space‐based precision timing and navigation capabilities.
A great idea - and perhaps one of the projects that could be addressed under the "government priorities" section of any future ASRP, or as a separate Australian Space program in parallel with the ASRP.
Recommendation 4.3 That a series of studies be undertaken to begin to understand the organisational, technical and other issues associated with the acquisition and successful introduction into service of an Australian owed and operated ‘dual use’ Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite in the 2010 timeframe.
This is the first time that I've seen that the SAR satellite might be "dual use". A good idea, and perhaps something we'll see more of in the coming months. It would certainly leverage the investment in the satellite across multiple sections of the Australian Government. I'm guessing the 2010 time frame is a typo, as I think it is suggested to be introduced around the 2014-15 time frame.
Overall, a very good, and well thought out set of advice to the Australian government. I was initially a little skeptical when the SIIC was setup, however their existence has been fully justified by the good advice that they are providing. The government now has a strong base of evidence, support and advice to complete the Australian Space Policy, which we're all eagerly awaiting. I hope the Government takes the SIIC advice into account.
The Advice is far more substantial than the previous SIIC Strategic Roadmap, and makes a total of 8 recommendations to the Australian Government.
The advice is broken into 3 sections:
- The Space Policy Unit and the Australian Space Research Program (ASRP)
- Australia’s Dependency on Space Infrastructure and Service
- Building Space Industry Capacity and Capability
I thought I might go through the recommendations and put a few ideas down.
1.1 That the Space Policy Unit be established as a permanent element of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Recommendation
Firstly, I must say that I wasn't aware that the SPU was not permanent, which is somewhat disappointing to know, and a clear driver behind this recommendation. The SPU is the absolute minimum that Australia should ever tolerate in the space sector - a dedicated, educated, informed unit within the Australian government that can provide advice to the Australian government on all things space. This should be supported by all sides of parliament to keep, as a minimum, some understanding within government of Space issues.
2.1 That the Australian Space Research Program be converted into an ongoing funded space capability development program.
I fully agree on this point, however I believe the future should be a mix of Australian government projects that are decided and driven by the government and implemented to address national space priorities, as well as the current industry proposed ideas within the ASRP. It was a shame in the last budget that we did not see an extension of the ASRP, however I hope next year's budget will commit funding.
Recommendation 2.1 That the issue of Australia’s dependence on space‐based infrastructure and services be referred to the Attorney‐General, as the Minister responsible for critical infrastructure protection coordination, for assessment of measures necessary to assure Government that the critical dependencies are both understood and risk managed.
We have not yet seen a major disruption to Australian Space infrastructure, which has led to our apathy about what could occur should this infrastructure be damaged or destroyed. The Attorney-General should at the very least undertake a full risk analysis to manage these risks, and then report back to the government on how our Space infrastructure should be protected.
Recommendation 2.2 That Australia move to strengthen its relationships with the international space community in order to both build own resilience towards the security of data supply, and demonstrate a responsible and reliable approach to the space‐based services in which Australia participates on behalf of others
This recommendation ties in well with Brett Biddington's principle of having some "skin in the game" in the global space industry. We continue to be lucky that our partners provide us with an incredible amount of free data, however we should support our partners by getting back into the game, through restarting Australia's role in the global space industry, through agreements, projects, and exchanges.
Recommendation 3.1 That Government take deliberate steps to identify the relevant cadre of staff members across public agencies which use or have policy impact on space capability, including at senior levels, and ensure that their skill sets and understanding of space matters are maintained and enhanced.
My guess is that the SPU is probably already in the middle of implementing this implementation through their work on the National Space Policy. Perhaps if anything, the depth and scope of the impact of space across the government may be underestimated, and the knowledge and skills may be overestimated.
Recommendation 4.1 That the opportunity for robust Australian industry participation in the ground segment of the NBN satellite procurement be explored.
From what I understand, the NBN is in the final moments of their decision on their satellite purchase of two Ka band satellites, which may also include the ground segment (or it may be a separate contract). It would be great to see Australian involvement in the ground (and satellite segment for that matter), however I feel that it may be almost too late to change things from their already established position. That is not to say that their won't be Australian involvement, quite the contrary. As the ground segment will be built in Australia, it would be fair to say that their will be a reasonable degree of Australian involvement.
Recommendation 4.2 That the potential to include an Australian PNT augmentation payload or weather sensor be explored now in the context of major investments already contemplated by Government or industry, including procurement of the satellite communications component of the NBN as well as plans to make better use of space‐based precision timing and navigation capabilities.
A great idea - and perhaps one of the projects that could be addressed under the "government priorities" section of any future ASRP, or as a separate Australian Space program in parallel with the ASRP.
Recommendation 4.3 That a series of studies be undertaken to begin to understand the organisational, technical and other issues associated with the acquisition and successful introduction into service of an Australian owed and operated ‘dual use’ Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite in the 2010 timeframe.
This is the first time that I've seen that the SAR satellite might be "dual use". A good idea, and perhaps something we'll see more of in the coming months. It would certainly leverage the investment in the satellite across multiple sections of the Australian Government. I'm guessing the 2010 time frame is a typo, as I think it is suggested to be introduced around the 2014-15 time frame.
Overall, a very good, and well thought out set of advice to the Australian government. I was initially a little skeptical when the SIIC was setup, however their existence has been fully justified by the good advice that they are providing. The government now has a strong base of evidence, support and advice to complete the Australian Space Policy, which we're all eagerly awaiting. I hope the Government takes the SIIC advice into account.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Australia and NZ submit bid for the SKA
On the 14th of September, Australia and New Zealand submitted their formal proposal to host the Square Kilometer Array. The Square Kilometer Array will be the worlds most sensitive Radio-Astronomy instrument, and is expected to cost around AUD$2 Billion to build, making it one of the most prominent scientific instruments worldwide.
The Australia / New Zealand Bid is in direct competition to host the SKA with Southern Africa, with the Australian / New Zealand site believed to be superior to Southern Africa in terms of radio quietness, which is critical to maximise the scientific value of the instrument, as well as being able to leverage off the Australian government's new Australia-wide fibre-optic network, the National Broadband network. Australia and New Zealand also offer a highly stable political environment to support the SKA facility, ensuring stability across its predicted 50 year timeframe.
The facility will involve thousands of Radio telescope dishes, centered in the Murchison region of Western Australia but extending across the whole of Australia as well as New Zealand, offering a telescope baseline of 5,500 kilometers.
The Australian / New Zealand bid brought together over 47 government agencies from across Australia and New Zealand, in a strong show of political support from both sides of the Tasman. If selected, the SKA will put Australia and New Zealand at the forefront of radio-astronomy for generations to come, bringing the best minds globally to work with the facility.
The site selection is expected to be announced in early 2012, with the SKA fully operational by 2020.
Go you Aussies and New Zealanders!
The Australia / New Zealand Bid is in direct competition to host the SKA with Southern Africa, with the Australian / New Zealand site believed to be superior to Southern Africa in terms of radio quietness, which is critical to maximise the scientific value of the instrument, as well as being able to leverage off the Australian government's new Australia-wide fibre-optic network, the National Broadband network. Australia and New Zealand also offer a highly stable political environment to support the SKA facility, ensuring stability across its predicted 50 year timeframe.
The facility will involve thousands of Radio telescope dishes, centered in the Murchison region of Western Australia but extending across the whole of Australia as well as New Zealand, offering a telescope baseline of 5,500 kilometers.
The Australian / New Zealand bid brought together over 47 government agencies from across Australia and New Zealand, in a strong show of political support from both sides of the Tasman. If selected, the SKA will put Australia and New Zealand at the forefront of radio-astronomy for generations to come, bringing the best minds globally to work with the facility.
The site selection is expected to be announced in early 2012, with the SKA fully operational by 2020.
Go you Aussies and New Zealanders!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Australians in Space - VSSEC Space Week Video Conference Program
In continuing with their wonderful series of events, The Victorian Space Science Education Centre is putting on a series of video conferences to demonstrate a range of different Australians working in Space from across the world.
The sessions are running from the 17th to the 21st of October, and will feature different speakers each day. For school or university students it will be a great chance to see and speak to different Australian space professionals, and find out just how the ended up where they are.
Here is the background from the VSSEC website:
The space industry is a challenging and exciting industry to work in. It employs people from all backgrounds, and brings them together to provide essential services like Earth Observation, satellite communication and GPS, as well as explore our solar system and beyond. Talk to Australians working at NASA, the European Space Agency and in Australia. Meet an engineer designing the next Optus satellite and a scientist exploring Mars. Every one of them is inspirational and in a job you could have!
For more information and to download the flyer - head here
The sessions are running from the 17th to the 21st of October, and will feature different speakers each day. For school or university students it will be a great chance to see and speak to different Australian space professionals, and find out just how the ended up where they are.
Here is the background from the VSSEC website:
The space industry is a challenging and exciting industry to work in. It employs people from all backgrounds, and brings them together to provide essential services like Earth Observation, satellite communication and GPS, as well as explore our solar system and beyond. Talk to Australians working at NASA, the European Space Agency and in Australia. Meet an engineer designing the next Optus satellite and a scientist exploring Mars. Every one of them is inspirational and in a job you could have!
Duration:45min per session
Target audience:Year 10-12
Cost: FREE
Limit 3 classes per session
Email lynnette.whitfield@polycom.com to book a session
Sessions will be recorded and loaded on VSSECs YouTube site
For more information and to download the flyer - head here
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