United States to Relocate Space Surveillance Radar to Australia

Announced as part of the AUSMIN 2012 meeting in Perth between the United States and Australia, the United States will relocate one of it's C-band surveillance radar from Antigua to Exmouth in Western Australia. This aligns with Project JP 3029 as part of the 2012 Australian Defence Capability Plan.

In addition there is discussion that a DARPA-built optical telescope could also be relocated from New Mexico to Western Australia to monitor Space Debris and Satellites right out to GEO, as well as the potential establishment for a combined communications gateway to support the Wideband Global SATCOM System, of which Australia is already a partner and has paid for an additional satellite in the constellation.

Overall the announcement represents a major step in US-Australian Space collaboration, as well as a significant boost to the Australian Defence Force space situational awareness capability.

The Joint Communique released states:

We recognised the need to address the rising threat presented by increasing congestion in space from over 50 years of space activities and a significant rise in space debris. In particular, we need to ensure our continued access to space assets for services critical to the functioning of modern economies, as well as for national security purposes.

In response, we have brought forward a new and important element of this cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the relocation and establishment of a jointly-operated US C-Band space surveillance radar at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Western Australia. We have also decided to work towards the relocation of a highly advanced US Space Surveillance Telescope to Australia.

The relocation of these capabilities will strengthen the US global Space Surveillance Network's ability to track space assets and debris, and contribute to the global public good by making this information publicly available and providing satellite operators around the world with warnings of possible collisions between space objects, thereby reducing the danger posed by space debris.

The relocation and joint operation of these assets is a demonstration of our commitment to closer space cooperation, and builds upon the Space Situational Awareness Partnership established between Australia and the United States at AUSMIN in 2010.

In addition, the Joint Communique reaffirms the joint commitment to:

• relocate a US C-Band space surveillance radar to Western Australia in 2014, where it will track space assets and debris, contribute to the safety and security of space-based systems on which we rely and increase coverage of space objects in the southern hemisphere;
• complement the C-Band space surveillance radar capability by working towards the relocation of an advanced US space surveillance telescope to Australia, and explore ways to better leverage Australian space surveillance capabilities for combined benefit, as next steps under the Space Situational Awareness Partnership signed in 2010;
• discuss the possible establishment of a Combined Communications Gateway in Western Australia, which would provide both Australia and the United States greater access to the Wideband Global Satellite communications constellation in which we are partners. The discussions follow the signature of a Military Satellite Communications Partnership Statement of Principles in 2008;

Overall, the facilities will help provide the United States with far better Space Situational Awareness capability in the Southern Hemisphere, whilst also giving Australia direct access to advanced Space Situational Awareness Technology. It will also allow both countries to keep a very close watch on any space launches coming from Asia, as well as both satellites and space debris already in orbit. 

The C-Band radar will cost around $30 Million to relocate, with an annual $10 Million operation cost annually. It is anticipated that US personnel will train Australian operators, rather than remain in Australia to operate the system. The Radar facility is scheduled to be up and running in 2014. 

The Australian publishes a 'Satellite Technology Special Report'

On the 29th of October, the Australian newspaper published a 'Satellite Technology Special Report', with many good articles about current space companies and activities.

Fortunately, they folks over at NewSat have reproduced a version on their website.

Head over here to take a look.

Australia in the Asian Century White Paper refers to Space

Buried on page 239 of the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper provides an interesting few paragraphs on space related technology, and the growing importance in Asia.

Whilst the reference is fairly small, it shows an increasing understanding and importance placed within the Australian government on space related issues. It also makes an interesting reference to continuing investment in Australia's space-related ground infrastructure. Perhaps this will feature in the upcoming policy.

The Space Paragraphs:

Space-related technologies, such as those used to observe the Earth from space, are increasingly important for security, environmental and commercial interests. In the maritime domain, for example, information from space can provide essential data for anti-piracy measures, fisheries enforcement and environmental operations. Advanced space-enabled positioning systems, which are highly accurate and based on existing systems such as the global positioning system maintained by the US Government, are driving innovation in the logistics, agriculture, construction and other sectors. 

Some regional countries are increasing their investment in space technology. For example, India, China and Japan are flying satellite missions and are developing independent satellite positioning systems. And Vietnam is investing US$600 million in a space technology centre in the Hoa Lac hi-tech zone in Hanoi. 

Protection of this space-based and space-related infrastructure will become increasingly necessary.

Australia’s regional connections, geographical location and long-term engagement on space issues position us well. However, we need to continue our investment in space-related ground infrastructure to capitalise on our location and ensure that our capabilities remain relevant.

Australian Space Policy to be called "Satellite Utilisation Policy"

It is understood that Australia's first national space policy is in the throws of debate within federal cabinet, and has been renamed the "Satellite Utilisation Policy".

In what is seen as a strong reflection of Australia's ongoing awkwardness with the space domain and policy, the renaming of the Australian Space Policy demonstrates that politically, the policy needs to focus on the use of space technology for solving Australia's national problems, rather than a general association with the space activities of other international space agencies.

Previously the Space Policy Unit has focussed on what was called a 'National Space Industry Policy' - reflecting a focus that the policy would be directed towards 'industry development' rather than space in general. The new name demonstrates a very practical focus to the policy - likely centered around the workhorse applications of Telecommunications, Earth Observation, and Position, Navigation and Timing - the  technologies that most Australian's use every day without ever considering that they are using Space technology.

There are some implicit implications of this change of focus within the policy. Where does this leave Australian space science? Science is not traditionally considered a utilisation of satellites - perhaps science is excluded from the policy consideration all together? If so, where does this leave the Australian Space Science Decadal Plan?

How will this change of focus be perceived internationally? By excluding the broader space domain, will the policy address legal and diplomatic aspects of space? Is Australia serious about becoming an active diplomatic middle power nation, when we don't have a policy that covers an area underpinning our national economic, military and environmental future? Will international space agencies feel confused about Australia's direction within the space domain, and how will the new policy focus change how they interact with Australia?

What about defence - will the policy be a whole of government policy with civilian and defence activities covered? In Australia, we struggle to sustain a single space community - let alone two communities with limited interaction.

What I do know is that most people in Australia still think of putting man on the moon when the topic of space comes up, and why would Australia want to spend bucket loads of money on that?

Short to mid term, the focus of the space policy as a 'Satellite Utilisation Policy' is likely insulate the policy from major criticism surrounding the 'waste of money' theme associated with manned exploration, and allow Australia to start changing the conversation to - why are we not better using these technologies and industries to better solve our problems. It is also more likely to receive better parliamentary support, providing a more sustainable future for the Space Sector in general.

Dr Phil Diamond to head SKA

Dr Phil Diamond, chief of astronomy and space science for CSIRO has recently been appointed directory general of the of the Square Kilometre Array Organisation, who is overseeing the construction and operation of the SKA facility.

Dr Phil Diamond (Photo: CSIRO)

Dr Diamond has been working with the SKA project since early 2000, and has an intimate knowledge of the  proposed facility and its journey so far, particularly through his involvement with ASKAP. He is also one of Australia's leading astronomers, with over 30 years of radio astronomy behind him, having led both the Jordell Bank Centre for Astrophysics in the UK and the CSIRO astronomy and space science division in Australia.

The $1.5 Billion facility will be built across sites in both Australia and Southern Africa, with detailed design currently under way, and full construction commencing in 2015.

Congratulations Dr Diamond!

Australian Space Jobs

NBN Co is currently looking for a "Technical Specialist Satellite Control" - which you can find on Seek here. The role is responsible for operational and technical leadership within the Satellite Control Facility for NBN Co.

Telstra is also looking for a 'Head of Satellite Sales', based in Hong Kong who will be responsible for all of Telstra Global's satellite sales. You can head over to the ad here.

Dr David Williams to head CSIRO Information Sciences Group

In a major coup for both CSIRO and the Australian Space Industry, Dr David Williams has been appointed as the head of CSIRO's Information Science Division. The Information Science Division covers astronomical and space sciences, digital productivity and services, information and communication technologies and mathematical and statistical sciences and has around 1200 staff.

Dr David Williams (Photo Credit: CSIRO)

Dr Williams is currently the chief executive of the UK Space Agency and has been a key figure in the creation of the agency and growth in the space sector over the past few years.

Dr Williams comes with both major credibility and contacts within the international space industry - something that is sure to benefit the Australian Space Industry over the coming years starting with the release of the Australian National Space Policy later this year.

What will be of direct interest to Australia is that the United Kingdom previously operated British National Space Council, which was a collection of all UK civilian government departments that operated in the space domain. This arrangement left the BNSC with no ability to drive overall space policy within the UK, a scenario that Australia currently finds itself in. Dr Williams helped transition the BNSC to the current UK Space Agency, which has led to recent growth within the UK Space Industry, and widespread praise for the stronger economic and scientific benefits from the new arrangements. In  2010/2011 the UK Space Industry turnover grew to £9.1bn from £7.5bn in 2008/09.

Within his new role, Dr Williams will oversee Australia's Square Kilometer Array facilities, one of the world's largest scientific projects currently under development.

Welcome Dr. Williams, and we look forward to you helping to grow Australia's space capabilities.