The Australian Defence Capability Plan has recently been updated (the 2012 DCP can be downloaded here) to include several space projects, including a new Space Surveillance project. Australia is growing both its defence uses of space and its capabilities in space technologies - a clear result of its recent investments in skills and training within the defence force in space related topics.
The 2012 DCP has a few interesting space related projects that are worth spending a bit of time on.
JP2008 Phase 5B.2 -Military Satellite Capability
- Satellite Ground Station East
and Network Management System. Following the Australian involvement in the US Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) project, JP2008 Phase 5B.2 will estabilsh new satellite ground stations in eastern and western Australia. These ground stations will deepen Australia's involvement in the WGS project, following Australia purchasing a 6th Satellite in exchange for access to the entire WGS constellation.
JP2044 Defence Geospatial
Intelligence Capability - JP2044 will upgrade Australia's ability to exploit geospatial data (such as satellite imagery) for Australian Defence needs. Whilst this does not include a space-based capability, JP2044 will ensure that the Australian defence forces will become an even more sophisticated user of Geospatial Intelligence.
JP2025 Phase 6 Jindalee Operational Radar Network
(JORN) will upgrade the JORN network to ensure that it's capability remains cutting edge. The JORN provides over the horizon radar surveillance through bouncing radar off the ionosphere. This project will include emerging technologies into the JORN capability, where Australia remains a global leader - particularly through DSTO. Interestingly, some of the technology and skills required for JP 3029 Phase 1 will leverage Australia's experience with JORN.
JP 2078 Phase 2 - Hyper-Spectral Imaging is an early phase project examining the ability to detect targets through Hyper-Spectral Imaging (HSI) - particularly targets associated with improvised explosive devices, weapons of mass destruction and deep hide military equipment. Whilst a final decision has yet to be made on the platform that will be used, a satellite capability is under serious consideration. The project will continue some early work done by DSTO and RPDE on this topic.
JP 3029 Phase 1 Space Surveillance is a new project related Space Situational Awareness. Currently Australia has very limited Space Situational awareness relying heavily on the US Space Surveillance Network for its knowledge. This project intends to relocate a C-Band radar from the US to Australia to support an initial Australian capability. In 2010 Australia and the US signed a partnership to cooperate with the US on Space Situational Awareness. In Parallel, the US will likely locate a new Space Fence facility in Western Australia to improve the accuracy of their in the Southern Hemisphere.
Overall, there is an increasing understanding with Defence of the importance of space information, space technologies and space capabilities. The 2012 DCP further demonstrates the increasing priority that Defence is placing on Space. No doubt we will see this priority increase even further over the next decade.
Showing posts with label Australian Defence Space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australian Defence Space. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Australian Defence Payload Launches on Intelsat 22
Image: Boeing - Intelsat 22
The Intelsat 22 is a geostationary satellite that was built by Boeing of California which includes C- and Ku- band payloads for commercial applications, but demonstrates a new model of business for Intelsat by co-hosting international defence payloads. Intelsat is highlighting the on-time, on-budget nature of the deal to demonstrate that this kind of acquisition model can deliver a better outcome for defence departments worldwide.
The Satellite is designed for an 18 year lifetime, and was built on the 702MP platform. An interesting video of the Intelsat 22 spacecraft in integration and test is on Youtube here, with a further video on the UHF payload hosted here.
What I have found surprising - the Australia Defence Force seemed to have put out no media release or statement on the successful launch!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
EOS wins defence space technology contract
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has today been awarded an Australian Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator Contract, winning one of only five contracts out of 119 submissions. The contract, valued at around $3 Million, will demonstrate EOS's optical Space Tracking technology, including performance, reliability, cost effectiveness and integration with radar based sensors.
Canberra based EOS has also seen success in the recent Australian Space Research Program, where they have been involved in 3 different projects. These projects have included the "Grace Follow on Mission", led by the Australian National University, the "Platform Technologies for Space, Atmosphere and Climate" led by RMIT, and most importantly the "Automated Laser Tracking of Space Debris" which is led by EOS themselves, and has received $4 million in ASRP grant funding.
Building on 20 years of technolgy development at EOS, and supported by the ASRP funding, the CTD program will test the EOS optical debris tracking technology in real-time with existing space surveillance radars. The optical technology is able to detect space objects, both satellites and debris to a very high precision - potentially down to one metre, allowing much more precise tracking and collision avoidance.
Perhaps most importantly, the optical tracking technology would be ideal to be used in parallel with the proposed U.S. Space Fence Radar that is likely to be built at the Harold E Holt Naval communications station in Exmouth, Western Australia. There may even be the potential to export this technology to the other U.S. Space Fence facilities.
This is a wonderful example of Australian technology, being supported through small amounts of Australian government funding at critical times - both civilian and defence, to allow cutting edge technology to be developed and brought to the market.
Well done to the team at EOS - I hope the CTD program goes well, and allows you to continue to demonstrate the world leading technology that you have developed.
Canberra based EOS has also seen success in the recent Australian Space Research Program, where they have been involved in 3 different projects. These projects have included the "Grace Follow on Mission", led by the Australian National University, the "Platform Technologies for Space, Atmosphere and Climate" led by RMIT, and most importantly the "Automated Laser Tracking of Space Debris" which is led by EOS themselves, and has received $4 million in ASRP grant funding.
Building on 20 years of technolgy development at EOS, and supported by the ASRP funding, the CTD program will test the EOS optical debris tracking technology in real-time with existing space surveillance radars. The optical technology is able to detect space objects, both satellites and debris to a very high precision - potentially down to one metre, allowing much more precise tracking and collision avoidance.
Perhaps most importantly, the optical tracking technology would be ideal to be used in parallel with the proposed U.S. Space Fence Radar that is likely to be built at the Harold E Holt Naval communications station in Exmouth, Western Australia. There may even be the potential to export this technology to the other U.S. Space Fence facilities.
This is a wonderful example of Australian technology, being supported through small amounts of Australian government funding at critical times - both civilian and defence, to allow cutting edge technology to be developed and brought to the market.
Well done to the team at EOS - I hope the CTD program goes well, and allows you to continue to demonstrate the world leading technology that you have developed.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wikileaks identifies secret Australian - US Space Agreement
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Australia and the United States have formed a "partnership to share top-secret intelligence from spy satellites". According to the article, the agreement was signed in February 2008, and has been revealed in secret US embassy cables obtained by Wikileaks.
The article goes on to identify that the agreement was signed by the then defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and was referred to as a "statement of principles on geospatial intelligence co-operation", however it was not identified in the 2008 AUSMIN Communique, with the leaked cable classified secret.
The article goes on to link the agreement to the 2009 Defence White Paper announcement to acquire a Radar based remote sensing satellite, and suggests that Boeing, Raytheon or Lockheed Martin are the most likely contractors to build the satellite, which would be entirely built and launched in the US.
It also suggests that the NRO is working closely with the Australian Satellite project, and that the Australian Satellite would form part a constellation that the NRO operates. The estimated cost of the satellite would be between "$820 million to $1.65 billion".
Whilst the Satellite project is no surprise to me, as it has been flagged in the Public Defence White paper, it certainly demonstrates the increasingly close alliance between Australia and the US in all things related to Defence Space, and seems to take a similar approach to the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) project, where Australia has contributed to the cost of one satellite, whilst gaining access to the entire constellation.
It also demonstrates a more active approach from Australian Defence in becoming a producer within the satellite imagery world, rather than just a user. I do hope that in the realisation of the project there is as much local industry content as possible, to create a legacy within industry for future space capabilities.
(note that this post has adapted information from the SMH article which can be found in full here.)
The article goes on to identify that the agreement was signed by the then defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and was referred to as a "statement of principles on geospatial intelligence co-operation", however it was not identified in the 2008 AUSMIN Communique, with the leaked cable classified secret.
The article goes on to link the agreement to the 2009 Defence White Paper announcement to acquire a Radar based remote sensing satellite, and suggests that Boeing, Raytheon or Lockheed Martin are the most likely contractors to build the satellite, which would be entirely built and launched in the US.
It also suggests that the NRO is working closely with the Australian Satellite project, and that the Australian Satellite would form part a constellation that the NRO operates. The estimated cost of the satellite would be between "$820 million to $1.65 billion".
Whilst the Satellite project is no surprise to me, as it has been flagged in the Public Defence White paper, it certainly demonstrates the increasingly close alliance between Australia and the US in all things related to Defence Space, and seems to take a similar approach to the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) project, where Australia has contributed to the cost of one satellite, whilst gaining access to the entire constellation.
It also demonstrates a more active approach from Australian Defence in becoming a producer within the satellite imagery world, rather than just a user. I do hope that in the realisation of the project there is as much local industry content as possible, to create a legacy within industry for future space capabilities.
(note that this post has adapted information from the SMH article which can be found in full 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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Australia – US Space Situational Awareness Partnership Statement of Principles
Following on from last the recent agreements between Australia and the United States of America, here is the text for the Statement of Principles. (Source: Minister for Defence website)
AUSTRALIAN-UNITED STATES SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS PARTNERSHIP
Statement of Principles
- The Space Situational Awareness Partnership builds on the long history of close defense space cooperation between Australia and the United States that has formed a cornerstone of our alliance for over four decades.
- Our two Governments will work together in the spirit of cooperation on the space situational awareness partnership for the mutual benefit of our countries’ national security.
- Recognizing the importance of space situational awareness to protect our national interests, and support global peace and security, Australia and the United States will investigate the potential for jointly establishing and operating space situational awareness facilities in Australia to support the United States space surveillance network and to support the development of Australia’s space situational awareness and mission assurance capability.
- Understanding the vital role of space surveillance to protect our countries’ national interests, Australia and the United States will share the necessary space situational awareness information and technical data, and recognize each country’s space situational awareness priorities.
- In making use of the space situational awareness joint facilities, each government will respect the sovereignty and respective laws of the other.
- In recognition of Australian sovereignty, the contemplated space situational awareness joint facilities will operate in a manner that ensures the Australian Government has full knowledge of, and concurs with, any activities being undertaken in, through or from Australian territory.
- In the construction and operation of any space situational awareness joint facility, each Government will comply with its relevant laws and regulations.
- This statement of principles will form the basis for establishing the space situational awareness partnership and our nations’ expanded defense space cooperation activities.
For Australia For the United States
The Hon Stephen Smith Dr. Robert M. Gates
Minister for Defence United States Secretary of Defense
Monday, November 8, 2010
AUSMIN Announces Space Cooperation between the United States and Australia
As discussed in my previous article Space Surveillance Site to be Built in Western Australia, as part of the 25th Australia-United States Ministerial Conultations on the 8th of November 2010, Minister for Australian Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, have discussed the possibility of cooperation in Space Surveillance and Security.
In a sign of the increasing importance of Space in Australia - the "Joint Statement on Space Security" indicates "Australia and the United States both recognise that space systems have become critical national infrastructure."
"Australia intends to work with the United States to progress efforts to prevent long-lived debris-creating behaviour, and develop and implement transparency and confidence-building measures for enhanced stability and safety in space activities."
During the AUSMIN, Australian Defence Minister Smith and Defence Secretary Gates signed a "Space Situational Awareness Partnership Statement of Principles". This is also seen as a strengthening of Australia's already close relationship with U.S. Defence on issues of Space.
In practice, the US and Australia are considering a joint Space Surveillance facility which is likely to be built at the Harold E. Holt communications base at Exmouth in Western Australia. At the moment, it is likely that the facility would use Radar technologies, but may also include a component of Optical tracking. Australia is actually very well positioned, as there are likely some technology parallels with the Jindallee Over the Horizon Radar Network (JORN), and even more importantly, the technology that EOS has been working on would be an obvious candidate for development and inclusion.
What this will mean is the US will get much better tracking of Space objects in the Southern Hemisphere - currently underserved within the Space Surveillance field. Secondly, better tracking will in theory lead to fewer collisions in space, as well as better transparency of space objects internationally. Thirdly, it will give Australia a major boost in Space Survellance knowledge, as well as major developments in both technology and personnely related to Space. If such a facility is built, Australian defence will be significantly boosting their space capabilities, a good sign for the future.
In an interesting footnote, the joint statement includes " Complementing this work, Australia and the United States also noted the ongoing discussions on developing an Australia-United States Civil Space Cooperation Framework Agreement to take the long-standing civil space cooperation between the two countries to a higher level, strengthen collaboration and provide opportunities for early discussions on new developments. Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to intensify space cooperation across a range of common interests and decided to review progress in this field at AUSMIN 2011."
Perhaps this is tied together with the current Australian Space Policy that is under development, or a broader cooperation framework with the US on Space. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one.
More information about AUSMIN and the recent announcements can be found here.
In a sign of the increasing importance of Space in Australia - the "Joint Statement on Space Security" indicates "Australia and the United States both recognise that space systems have become critical national infrastructure."
"Australia intends to work with the United States to progress efforts to prevent long-lived debris-creating behaviour, and develop and implement transparency and confidence-building measures for enhanced stability and safety in space activities."
During the AUSMIN, Australian Defence Minister Smith and Defence Secretary Gates signed a "Space Situational Awareness Partnership Statement of Principles". This is also seen as a strengthening of Australia's already close relationship with U.S. Defence on issues of Space.
In practice, the US and Australia are considering a joint Space Surveillance facility which is likely to be built at the Harold E. Holt communications base at Exmouth in Western Australia. At the moment, it is likely that the facility would use Radar technologies, but may also include a component of Optical tracking. Australia is actually very well positioned, as there are likely some technology parallels with the Jindallee Over the Horizon Radar Network (JORN), and even more importantly, the technology that EOS has been working on would be an obvious candidate for development and inclusion.
What this will mean is the US will get much better tracking of Space objects in the Southern Hemisphere - currently underserved within the Space Surveillance field. Secondly, better tracking will in theory lead to fewer collisions in space, as well as better transparency of space objects internationally. Thirdly, it will give Australia a major boost in Space Survellance knowledge, as well as major developments in both technology and personnely related to Space. If such a facility is built, Australian defence will be significantly boosting their space capabilities, a good sign for the future.
In an interesting footnote, the joint statement includes " Complementing this work, Australia and the United States also noted the ongoing discussions on developing an Australia-United States Civil Space Cooperation Framework Agreement to take the long-standing civil space cooperation between the two countries to a higher level, strengthen collaboration and provide opportunities for early discussions on new developments. Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to intensify space cooperation across a range of common interests and decided to review progress in this field at AUSMIN 2011."
Perhaps this is tied together with the current Australian Space Policy that is under development, or a broader cooperation framework with the US on Space. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one.
More information about AUSMIN and the recent announcements can be found here.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Space Surveillance Site to be Built in Western Australia
During the upcoming visit of both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates scheduled for next week, a brand new multi-million dollar Space Surveillance facility will be built in Western Australia by the US according to the Fairfax newspapers.
The project, which was planned to be announced during US President Barack Obama's cancelled trip to Australia in June, will likely be built at the Harold E Holt Naval communications station in Exmouth, Western Australia.
As highlighted in the most recent Defence White Paper, Australian military operations are now heavily reliant on space capabilities, and Space Situational Awareness and Mission Assurance was listed as one of the emerging capability priorities.
The facility is a natural extension of the US Space Surveillance capabilities, but will likely provide Australia with key information on the protection of our vital space infrastructure, the space capabilities of other nations, as well as the ever increasing space debris problem.
This continues the rise of importance in Australia of the Space industry, and it is likely that Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defence Minister Stephen Smith will be on hand for the announcement.
The project, which was planned to be announced during US President Barack Obama's cancelled trip to Australia in June, will likely be built at the Harold E Holt Naval communications station in Exmouth, Western Australia.
As highlighted in the most recent Defence White Paper, Australian military operations are now heavily reliant on space capabilities, and Space Situational Awareness and Mission Assurance was listed as one of the emerging capability priorities.
The facility is a natural extension of the US Space Surveillance capabilities, but will likely provide Australia with key information on the protection of our vital space infrastructure, the space capabilities of other nations, as well as the ever increasing space debris problem.
This continues the rise of importance in Australia of the Space industry, and it is likely that Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defence Minister Stephen Smith will be on hand for the announcement.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Australian Space Development Conference Full Preliminary Program
The National Space Society of Australia has released the full preliminary program which can be found here.
My first thoughts on the preliminary program are – things are really taking off here! Firstly, if they get most of the invited speakers, the conference has really taken a step up in its importance for both the industry in general, and its significance to the Australian government. Secondly, they have been able to create 4 streams for most of the conference, all with interesting and relevant speakers – when compared to the last conference in 2008, this is a big step up.
A few speakers/Sessions that will be interesting...
Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
We’ll call him the minister for Space for now. Senator Kim Carr has achieved some big strides for the Space Sector so far since being in the portfolio, and we should thank him for that. What will be interesting, will be any comments he can make about the future – in particular, in Space Policy development.
Session 4A - Defence and National Security
The Australian Department of Defence is really recognising how truly important Space is to what they do. I would guess that we’ll see some big changes in the way Space Defence works in Australian in the coming years, regardless of what happens on the civil side. This session could be really interesting to hear what the various defence branches have to say.
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water
One Government minister would be good, but two would be incredible to attract to the conference. If Senator Penny Wong can speak, it will demonstrate just how important this government takes space and space technology. Fingers crossed that she comes.
Dr Michael Green and Prof Ros Dubs: Capacity Building: The Role of Government
Both Dr Michael Green and Prof Ros Dubs are two of the main players in the Australian Government Space scene now. Everyone in the room should be interested in their talk.
I could go on, but let’s see how the program develops over the next few weeks. I also hope that the Liberal party can also send some representatives – just to get a real understanding of the importance of the Space sector to Australia.
Let me also send out a big congratulations to Kirby Ikin, Anthony Wicht and the entire conference team at NSSA. Every two years they put on an very good conference, and a lot of hard work goes into the organisation that most of us never see.
My first thoughts on the preliminary program are – things are really taking off here! Firstly, if they get most of the invited speakers, the conference has really taken a step up in its importance for both the industry in general, and its significance to the Australian government. Secondly, they have been able to create 4 streams for most of the conference, all with interesting and relevant speakers – when compared to the last conference in 2008, this is a big step up.
A few speakers/Sessions that will be interesting...
Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
We’ll call him the minister for Space for now. Senator Kim Carr has achieved some big strides for the Space Sector so far since being in the portfolio, and we should thank him for that. What will be interesting, will be any comments he can make about the future – in particular, in Space Policy development.
Session 4A - Defence and National Security
The Australian Department of Defence is really recognising how truly important Space is to what they do. I would guess that we’ll see some big changes in the way Space Defence works in Australian in the coming years, regardless of what happens on the civil side. This session could be really interesting to hear what the various defence branches have to say.
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water
One Government minister would be good, but two would be incredible to attract to the conference. If Senator Penny Wong can speak, it will demonstrate just how important this government takes space and space technology. Fingers crossed that she comes.
Dr Michael Green and Prof Ros Dubs: Capacity Building: The Role of Government
Both Dr Michael Green and Prof Ros Dubs are two of the main players in the Australian Government Space scene now. Everyone in the room should be interested in their talk.
I could go on, but let’s see how the program develops over the next few weeks. I also hope that the Liberal party can also send some representatives – just to get a real understanding of the importance of the Space sector to Australia.
Let me also send out a big congratulations to Kirby Ikin, Anthony Wicht and the entire conference team at NSSA. Every two years they put on an very good conference, and a lot of hard work goes into the organisation that most of us never see.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Australian Space Policy will cover both Defence and Civilian Space
In the recent article for Flight Global found here, Michael Green has indicated that the new Australian Space Policy will cover both Defence and Civilian Space activities in Australia.
He has also indicated a few more topics that are currently being considered by the Space Policy Unit including:
"climate change, weather forecasting, natural resource management, forestry and agriculture, disaster management, national security, communications, Earth observation and remote sensing, position navigation and timing applications"
He has also indicated a few more topics that are currently being considered by the Space Policy Unit including:
"climate change, weather forecasting, natural resource management, forestry and agriculture, disaster management, national security, communications, Earth observation and remote sensing, position navigation and timing applications"
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
ADF to purchase the remainder of the UHF SatComs Payload
Image: Boeing - Intelsat 22
Following on from the ADF’s purchase of part of the UHF hosted payload on Intelsat’s satellite Intelsat 22 in April of 2009, the ADF has now exercised its option to purchase the remainder of the communications payload.
The new announcement involves an additional cost of $193 million dollars, taking the total project value under Joint Project 2008 Phase 5A to $475.1 million.
The Minister for Defence Senator Faulkner also announced that Australia and the US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on sharing UHF communications resources, essentially providing the US with access to the Australian capability, and Australia with access to US UHF comms capacity over the Pacific Ocean.
Intelsat 22 is currently being built by Boeing, and is anticipated to be launched in the first quarter of 2012, and be positioned at 72 degrees East.
Another example of Australian government money being spent in the Space domain, but without long term support to an Australian Space industry, we loose all of our space money, jobs and expertise overseas.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
JAXA's Hayabusa spacecraft to land at Woomera
The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA)'s Hayabusa spacecraft will be landing in the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia in June. In doing so, the Hayabusa spacecraft will be the first spacecraft to perform an Asteroid sample return mission.
Launched in May of 2003, the spacecraft met up with the Itokawa asteroid in 2005. Whilst its sample mission was not fully successful, it is highly likely that some asteroid material has entered into the sample chamber, and will be able to be analysed upon landing.
Australia will be playing a significant role in assisting JAXA in the spacecraft landing and recovery, particularly through the Woomera range support activities. I'd also be interested to find out which government departments are actually involved in the coordination - clearly Innovation and Defence, but who is doing what?
Both the Innovation Minister Kim Carr, and Defence Minister John Faulkner issued a joint ministerial media release on the Hayabusa landing which can be found here.
Another good step in the ever increasing pace of Australian Space activities.
Good luck to everyone involved in the landing!
Launched in May of 2003, the spacecraft met up with the Itokawa asteroid in 2005. Whilst its sample mission was not fully successful, it is highly likely that some asteroid material has entered into the sample chamber, and will be able to be analysed upon landing.
Australia will be playing a significant role in assisting JAXA in the spacecraft landing and recovery, particularly through the Woomera range support activities. I'd also be interested to find out which government departments are actually involved in the coordination - clearly Innovation and Defence, but who is doing what?
Both the Innovation Minister Kim Carr, and Defence Minister John Faulkner issued a joint ministerial media release on the Hayabusa landing which can be found here.
Another good step in the ever increasing pace of Australian Space activities.
Good luck to everyone involved in the landing!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Space SPO within Defence?
The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has recently engaged the services of the Australian Public Service Commission on a contract worth $44K for "consultation against recruitment activities for Space SPO".
I guess this forms a follow up to the Defence White Paper's recommendations to strengthen the ADF's space situational awareness and mission assurance capabilities, and including "the ADF developing a career stream for space specialists".
I guess this forms a follow up to the Defence White Paper's recommendations to strengthen the ADF's space situational awareness and mission assurance capabilities, and including "the ADF developing a career stream for space specialists".
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