In the December 12 Ministerial shake-up of the Gillard Government, Space Minister Kim Carr has been moved from the Minister for Innovation (and in charge of the Space Policy Unit) to the Minister for Manufacturing and Defence Materiel.
In his time as Minister for Space, Australia has seen a transformation in the space landscape, and has seen a dramatic growth and increased interested over this period. Moreover, from all reports, Minister Carr was well respected within the Space Community, and showed a genuine interest and understanding of the topic.
It is understood that Minister Greg Combet will take over the responsibility for Minister for Industry and Innovation, and with that, will be the responsibility for Space Activities in Australia.
Thank you Minister Carr for your success and contributions to the field of Space in Australia over the last four years.
We look forward to working with the new Minister for Space, Minister Combet!
Showing posts with label Kim Carr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kim Carr. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Minister Carr's Address to the ASSC
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Minister Carr Meets NASA Administrator Bolden
In an event that has received surprisingly little coverage in the main stream press, Australian Space Minister Senator Carr met with NASA Administrator Bolden on the 28th June 2011.
In the media release which you can take a look at here, it highlights that they discussed:
In the media release which you can take a look at here, it highlights that they discussed:
"Australia's national space policy development, the Australian Space
Research Program and NASA's involvement, future NASA missions and
potential future Australian-United States collaboration."
It goes on to say:
"The Australian Government is keen to encourage further opportunities
for international collaboration with NASA and the United States
regarding civil space science activities. Australia has significant
niche capabilities to contribute in the international arena," Senator
Carr said.
Administrator Bolden and Senator Carr also discussed NASA's interest
in future space science collaborations, including in the area of Earth
observation."
This leaves me with a lot more questions than answers. What sort of collaborations are they discussing? Will this be part of the upcoming National Space Policy? If there wasn't some sort of opportunity on the horizon, what else would they be discussing?
I'm truly reading between the lines here, but would it be possible that they were discussing a potential Australian involvement on a NASA Earth Observation program?
Let me know if anyone has any ideas on this one. I am guessing we'll be hearing more on this front.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mt. Stromlo Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre Phase 2 Construction Started
The 18th of April saw the second phase of the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre (AITC) construction at Mount Stromlo launched by Space Minister Kim Carr.
The new centre is expected to help develop technologies for the international Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) that will be built in Chile. The AITC will also house facilities to develop and test small satellites for both Earth Observation and telecommunications, and is expected to act as a new hub within Australia's rapidly growing space industry. The facilities will include clean rooms, vacuum chambers and a vibration table to allow for small satellite Integration and testing.
Minister Carr has highlighted that the AITC will directly create "up to two hundred and forty Australian jobs – and will continue to open new opportunities for Australian firms for another forty years."
The Antarctica Broadband project that was funded under the Australian Space Research Program is also likely to use the AITC.
Mount Stromlo was devastated in the 2003 Canberra bushfires, and subsequently, the facility was substantially rebuilt in 2006. The Phase 2 construction is expected to be completed in July of 2011.
The new centre is expected to help develop technologies for the international Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) that will be built in Chile. The AITC will also house facilities to develop and test small satellites for both Earth Observation and telecommunications, and is expected to act as a new hub within Australia's rapidly growing space industry. The facilities will include clean rooms, vacuum chambers and a vibration table to allow for small satellite Integration and testing.
Minister Carr has highlighted that the AITC will directly create "up to two hundred and forty Australian jobs – and will continue to open new opportunities for Australian firms for another forty years."
The Antarctica Broadband project that was funded under the Australian Space Research Program is also likely to use the AITC.
Mount Stromlo was devastated in the 2003 Canberra bushfires, and subsequently, the facility was substantially rebuilt in 2006. The Phase 2 construction is expected to be completed in July of 2011.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pathways to Space Launched at the Powerhouse Museum
Kim Carr officially opened Pathways to Space at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum on the 31st of March.
Pathways to Space a three-year federally funded project allowing thousands of secondary school students to be exposed to real research into space science and robotics. The project will help inspire the next generation of Australian Engineers and Scientists both directly at the museum, or via telepresence for students who cannot get to the Powerhouse Museum.
Pathways to Space will allow students to participate in a research project on a simulated Martian surface known as the "Mars Yard" - teaching and demonstrating real life science and engineering applications.
The simulated Mars mission exhibit is formed through a partnership between the Sydney Powerhouse Museum, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and Cisco Systems Australia. The project is also a recipient of nearly $1 Million from the Australian government's Australian Space Research Program.
For more information on Pathways to Space, head here.
Pathways to Space a three-year federally funded project allowing thousands of secondary school students to be exposed to real research into space science and robotics. The project will help inspire the next generation of Australian Engineers and Scientists both directly at the museum, or via telepresence for students who cannot get to the Powerhouse Museum.
Pathways to Space will allow students to participate in a research project on a simulated Martian surface known as the "Mars Yard" - teaching and demonstrating real life science and engineering applications.
The simulated Mars mission exhibit is formed through a partnership between the Sydney Powerhouse Museum, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and Cisco Systems Australia. The project is also a recipient of nearly $1 Million from the Australian government's Australian Space Research Program.
For more information on Pathways to Space, head here.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Round 4 of the Australian Space Research Program Open
Round 4 of the Australian Space Research Program is now open for applications, closing at 3pm AEST, Thursday 31st March.
Whilst widely viewed as a highly successful program that has delivered very good value for the small investment made, it may be the last round of the ASRP, dependant on what is announced this year in the upcoming Australian National Space Policy. Hopefully the Space Policy includes at least a program to follow the ASRP, but may build upon the success of the ASRP with a broader Space Research Program, focussing on the key Space priority areas that have been identified.
In the Media Release from the Minister for Space Kim Carr, it also highlights just how successful the ASRP has been so far, particularly through the development of international partnerships:
“Eight of the 11 projects funded so far under the program have international partnerships, including organisations in Germany, Japan Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and France. I hope to see even more collaborations with the next round of funding.”
For Round 4 there will be two applicant information sessions as follows:
For further information on Round 4 of the ASRP - head here.
Whilst widely viewed as a highly successful program that has delivered very good value for the small investment made, it may be the last round of the ASRP, dependant on what is announced this year in the upcoming Australian National Space Policy. Hopefully the Space Policy includes at least a program to follow the ASRP, but may build upon the success of the ASRP with a broader Space Research Program, focussing on the key Space priority areas that have been identified.
In the Media Release from the Minister for Space Kim Carr, it also highlights just how successful the ASRP has been so far, particularly through the development of international partnerships:
“Eight of the 11 projects funded so far under the program have international partnerships, including organisations in Germany, Japan Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and France. I hope to see even more collaborations with the next round of funding.”
For Round 4 there will be two applicant information sessions as follows:
- Sydney - Wednesday 23 February, 10.30 - 11.30am
Biomed Lecture Theatre E
Ground Floor, Biological Sciences Building
University of New South Wales
Kensington
- Brisbane - Thursday 24 February, 2.00 - 3.00pm
Room 50-N201
Hawken Building (Building 50)
St Lucia campus
University of Queensland
For further information on Round 4 of the ASRP - head here.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Australia and the United States sign a Civil Space Cooperation Framework Agreement
During a meeting between Australian and United States Government Officials in Washington DC on the 26th and 27th of October, Australia and the United Sates signed a joint "Statement on Bilateral Cooperation in the Civil Use of GPS and Civil Space Activities", reinforcing and expanding previous agreements.
Within the meeting, officials reviewed the progress achieved so far on the "Joint Delegation Statement on Cooperation in the Civil Use of GPS and Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT) Systems and Applications" signed in April 2007.
According to the announcement: "The first day's discussion covered the broad and growing use of the U.S. Global Positioning system (GPS) and its augmentations in the air transport field, the installation of ground monitoring stations that will improve performance of current and emerging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and applications for GPS including national spatial reference systems, weather forecasting, climate observation, space weather, and important economic uses of GPS time. The second day's discussion focused on U.S. and Australian space policy developments, long term sustainability of space activities and bilateral space science cooperation."
The announcement goes on to say "The framework will encompass collaboration on important space applications such as satellite-based land and sea remote sensing, climate change research and meteorology, and space-based PNT, as well as opportunities for early discussions on new systems and future civil space-related missions under development." which is very much in line with the Australian Space Policy Unit's current interests.
“Civil space infrastructure is critical to all Australians. Every day, we use civil space systems for applications ranging from GPS navigation, to land and sea remote sensing. This agreement formalises Australia’s continued access,” said Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr (or Minister for Space as I like to call him).
The US and Australia will review cooperative civil space related activities between the countries anually, and engage in perioudic consultation to pursue the goals of the proposed core framework.
The statement can be found here, with the Media Release found here.
This is the second major space announcement within a few days between Australia and the United States, one military, one civilian. It is a strong sign of the current US administration's goal to engage with more international partners in Space, and such tight cooperation is likely to have a large influence on the Australian Space Policy under development.
Within the meeting, officials reviewed the progress achieved so far on the "Joint Delegation Statement on Cooperation in the Civil Use of GPS and Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT) Systems and Applications" signed in April 2007.
According to the announcement: "The first day's discussion covered the broad and growing use of the U.S. Global Positioning system (GPS) and its augmentations in the air transport field, the installation of ground monitoring stations that will improve performance of current and emerging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and applications for GPS including national spatial reference systems, weather forecasting, climate observation, space weather, and important economic uses of GPS time. The second day's discussion focused on U.S. and Australian space policy developments, long term sustainability of space activities and bilateral space science cooperation."
The announcement goes on to say "The framework will encompass collaboration on important space applications such as satellite-based land and sea remote sensing, climate change research and meteorology, and space-based PNT, as well as opportunities for early discussions on new systems and future civil space-related missions under development." which is very much in line with the Australian Space Policy Unit's current interests.
“Civil space infrastructure is critical to all Australians. Every day, we use civil space systems for applications ranging from GPS navigation, to land and sea remote sensing. This agreement formalises Australia’s continued access,” said Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr (or Minister for Space as I like to call him).
The US and Australia will review cooperative civil space related activities between the countries anually, and engage in perioudic consultation to pursue the goals of the proposed core framework.
The statement can be found here, with the Media Release found here.
This is the second major space announcement within a few days between Australia and the United States, one military, one civilian. It is a strong sign of the current US administration's goal to engage with more international partners in Space, and such tight cooperation is likely to have a large influence on the Australian Space Policy under development.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Space Minister Kim Carr Reappointed
The Hon. Kim Carr has been re-appointed Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
The Minister for Space as I like to call him, is therefore likely to continue the gains maid in his highly successful first term in the space industry, and he will now be central to the campaign to bring the SKA facility to Australia which will be announced in 2012.
Congratulations to the re-appointed Minister for Space, the Hon. Kim Carr.
The Minister for Space as I like to call him, is therefore likely to continue the gains maid in his highly successful first term in the space industry, and he will now be central to the campaign to bring the SKA facility to Australia which will be announced in 2012.
Congratulations to the re-appointed Minister for Space, the Hon. Kim Carr.
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Video footage of the announcement of the Space Industry Innovation Council at Uni SA
For those who haven't seen it, here is some footage of Minister Carr announcing the Space Industry Innovation Council at the University of South Australia.
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!
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