Space Advisory Group

SUBMISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE ADVISORY GROUP Outcome and Recommendations National Space Society of Australia (NSSA) Space Science Workshop, Sydney, Australia 18-20 July 2001 PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORKSHOP Participants came from a broad cross-section of the Australian space science community, as well as the government, industry and space education sectors. Those presenting a paper at the Workshop were: Name Institution/Organisation Phillip Young President, NSSA Bill Barrett Australian Space Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jennifer Laing Freelance Science Writer Jacqui van Twest Science Consultant & Project Manager Ailsa McManus Department of Industry, Science & Resources Noel Jackson Centre for Astronomy & Atmospheric Research, University of Southern Queensland Dr Michael Tobar Frequency Standards and Metrology Research Group, Department of Physics, University of Western Australia Dr Stephen Hughes Department of Physical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Dr Rob Hart Department of Medical Imaging Science, Curtin University of Technology Prof. Joss Bland-Hawthorn Anglo-Australian Observatory Dr David Jauncey Australia Telescope National Facility/CSIRO Dr Tim Bedding School of Physics, University of Sydney Prof. Ray Norris CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility Prof Denis Winch School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney Prof. Pavel Trivailo Dynamics and Control of Tether Systems Group (DCTSG), Department of Aerospace Engineering, RMIT University Mr Chris Blanksby Department of Aerospace Engineering, RMIT University Dr Nick Hoffman Department of Earth Sciences, La Trobe University Dr Trevor Ireland Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University Frank Huang BLUESat Project, University of NSW 2 In addition to the above, the following people attended part or all of the Workshop: Name Institution/Organisation Dr Tracie Barber Lecturer, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of NSW Chris Boshuizen University of Sydney Dr Iver Cairns School of Physics, University of Sydney Jeffery Candiloro University of NSW, NSSA Dr Graziella Caprarelli Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Jacqueline Chapman School of Physics, University of Sydney Wing Chin BLUESat Project, University of NSW Samantha Coras University of NSW, NSSA Dr Anwar Dawood Queensland University of Technology/ CRCSS Kerrie Dougherty Curator, Space Technology, Powerhouse Museum Hioaki Endo BLUESat Project, University of NSW Daniel Faber BLUESat Project, University of NSW/NSSA David Lee BLUESat Project, University of NSW Peter Pollock RAAF Dr Ian Reid Atmospheric Physics, Adelaide University Dr Peter Robinson University of Sydney - School of Physics Kirby Ikin, a member of ISAG, was also in attendance for part of the Workshop and addressed participants. 3 BACKGROUND TO SUBMISSION Dr. Robin Batterham, Australia's Chief Scientist, has called for a preliminary report from stakeholders into potential Australian participation in the International Space Station (ISS) and other international space projects, with a view to evaluating national benefits that could arise from such activities. A working group has been established for this purpose, called the International Space Advisory Group (ISAG). This group is now preparing a detailed report for presentation to the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council. A three-day workshop was held at Sydney University, Australia, on 18-20 July 2001, by the National Space Society of Australia Inc. (NSSA). Some of the objectives behind this Workshop were to: · Take an inventory of Australian scientific interest in space projects; · Consider potential national benefits arising from such participation; · Provide information for the Chief Scientist through the International Space Advisory Group; · Raise the profile of space-related science in Australia; and · Provide avenues for cross-fertilisation, the building of consortia and networking. This report consolidates the key findings of the Workshop and provides a number of recommendations for consideration by ISAG. SUMMARY OF OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATIONS Australia has a strong space heritage and existing expertise in space-related activities, but the sector is fragmented and lacking in resources. This is causing us to forgo involvement in space projects which could potentially have valuable spinoffs to the nation in terms of employment, technological development, export dollars and a stemming of the 'brain drain'. The public also has a strong interest in space which could be harnessed to raise the profile of science and technology. Space could also play a key role in inspiring and educating young Australians to develop an interest in these fields, and will provide them with a vision for the future. Government funding and coordination of sport through the Australian Institute of Sport has made us one of the top 'sporting' nations in the world. A similar approach to the space sector and space activities would allow our full potential to be realised. The Government should therefore: · Continue to encourage overseas space interests and projects to relocate to Australia; · Commission an industry survey/market research on the state of the industry, including demand and capabilities; · Improve the coordination of the Australian space sector, including the setting up of industry and research networks; · Establish an Australian space organisation or 'agency' to coordinate the national space effort and promote and facilitate space activities both nationally and internationally. This body should be staffed by people knowledgeable about and 4 interested in space-related activities. Among its many functions, it should have marketing and education and public outreach roles; · Improve funding structures and access to funding opportunities; · Investigate potential projects worthy of funding, both 'figure-head projects' and smaller 'grass-roots' research activities, such as those listed in Appendix A; · Pursue links with international space agencies and projects, such as seeking associate membership of the European Space Agency (ESA), upgrading the NASA treaty, and joining international space science working groups; and · Pursue ISS involvement through existing and future research projects, such as those listed in Appendix A. THE BIG PICTURE Various speakers during the Workshop looked at why Australia should take part in national and international space efforts. Reasons advanced were that involvement would: · Allow us to leverage off intellectual property developed under international projects for a modest investment, in situations where the total cost of the project would be unsustainable for Australia acting on its own; · Increase the technological capacity of this nation; · Reduce or reverse the net flow of space specialists overseas ('the brain drain'); · Bring development contracts to Australia; · Facilitate potential for commercial spinoffs; · Make Australia less dependent on importing space technology, hardware and services; · Increase GDP; · Secure data or information ie satellite data at a cheaper rate or ensure continued access; · Have long-term employment benefits; · Interest young people in careers in science and technology, and give them a vision - something to look forward to in the future; · Provide access to future opportunities for providing space-related services, such as launch and landing facilities; · Give Australia leverage on the world stage as a contributor to international scientific endeavours e.g. historical precedent of Antarctica. · Allow access to international R & D and build up our technological base. It was also noted that taking part in these activities would: · build on existing strengths and capabilities and our space heritage (see below), and · increase the likelihood of Australia being a preferred partner in this region in space-related activities. Our stable political system, large open spaces, traditional involvement in space- related activities, and reputation for scientific achievement would make us a desirable partner in international space circles. Australia's Space Heritage Australia's space heritage was commented on in detail, especially our rich history of involvement in niche areas of space research and technology, such as space 5 tracking, satellite communications, remote sensing, astronomy (especially radio astronomy), launch activities, and astrophysics/space physics. It was agreed that Australia's space effort could be characterised as having a great deal of innovation to offer the world but severely under-utilised potential. We have a fragmented industry with a plethora of innovative, yet disparate research programs and organisations. It was noted that Australia had been invited in the past to join the ISS project and become a member of ESA. Both invitations had been declined, leaving Australian scientists unable to participate in many space research and development opportunities. Lack of Coordination at a National Level The lack of a central body to coordinate space-related activities in this country was felt to be a major weakness and drawback to joining international space projects. It also jeopardises existing Australian space research and development, which needs specialised funding streams (see below), marketing advice and support, and the framework of a 'one stop shop' for international space contacts. The point was made that international space agencies want to deal with a similar high-level body here in Australia,

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