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The Space Science newsletter is produced by the Australian Academy of Science and the National Committee for Space Science. It includes regular updates from international scientific unions and committees, news related to the space science community, funding opportunities, conferences and awards.
Professor Phil Bland, Chair, National Committee for Space Science
Welcome to the first edition of 2024 of the Space Science newsletter, presented by the Academy’s National Committee for Space Science. We’re excited to share some key updates and interesting events emerging in the field.
We hope this edition brings you closer to the cutting-edge research and developments shaping the future of the space science community.
I’d like to begin this newsletter with an important announcement. The clue is in the title – we are now formally the National Committee for Space Science. More on that below. Further, an admission that we continue to nail the headline recommendation from the Australia in Space decadal plan: an ongoing scheme to fund science missions. It remains the highest priority for me, and I’ll continue to update you on progress in these newsletters.
The Australian Academy of Science has completed a review of the National Committees for Science and will be implementing the recommendations over the coming year. The 2023 National Committee Review was tasked with examining the committees’ discipline coverage, scope, structure and governance, and to consider issues regarding engagement, evolving disciplines and international linkages. The 14 recommendations, approved by the Academy’s Council, will produce a modern structure to enable National Committees to contribute effectively to the Academy’s activities and maximise the benefit for the broader scientific community in Australia.
What does the review mean for our community?
Under the review recommendations, the Academy will transfer the radio science component of the National Committee for Space and Radio Science (NCSRS) to the National Committee for Information and Communication Sciences (NCICS), leaving the revised title, the National Committee for Space Science.
The recommendation was discussed at our last NCSRS meeting and had the support of NCSRS members. We are moving forward to implement this change, engaging with NCSRS colleagues in radio science, and the NCICS, to ensure that the change in structure benefits the radio science community, while effecting the necessary changes to NCSRS structure and Terms of Reference such that the new National Committee for Space Science is fit for purpose. Lots more on this topic in future newsletters!
The primary goal of the National Committee Review was to determine how best to use the National Committee structure to maximise benefits for the Australian scientific community. The changes recommended for NCSRS form one part of that goal. As we make the transition to a National Committee for Space Science, we’ll be looking at every element of our remit and strategy through the lens of how best we can serve our community.
It has long been a goal of the National Committee for Space Science to help the development of a professional society supporting the Australian space research and engineering community. At all recent events and talks I’ve raised that possibility, and the idea seems to have close to unanimous support. Fred Menk and I will be moving forward, preparing a discussion prior to the Australian Space Research Conference (ASRC). We’ve organised a break-out room with seating for 50 at the conference so that the wide range of interest groups within our community have an ability to discuss and inform the shape of any future professional society.
The Australian Planetary Science Meeting 2024 was jointly held at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and CSIRO sites in Brisbane on 5–6 February. Topics for discussion included the Moon; exoplanets; planetary space science; planetary missions and technologies; and advancing Australia’s planetary science. Highlights included colleagues from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) who gave a fascinating insider look at what happened with the SLIM lander. CSIRO hosted a visit on the second day to Pullenvale, with a workshop on Australian planetary science priorities and directions, and a tour of their robotics capability. Thanks to all of the organisers for a great couple of days of science loveliness, and for providing me with an opportunity to update planetary colleagues on NCSS strategy.
The Australian Space Research Conference is the headline national meeting for our space science and engineering community, and the Australian Academy of Science has long supported it. As part of the overall process of review and renewal we’ll be looking at how best the ASRC can serve our community. Part of that review involves a survey of ASRC experiences and expectations. Your responses to the survey are encouraged and will have a lasting impact on the success of future events. Take the ASRC survey.
Do you have new research or big ideas that you'd like to share among the space science community? Please submit your updates or news to nc@science.org.au and we will do our best to have it included.
Finally, I’d like to personally thank all our colleagues at the Academy who support the National Committees – Penny Brew, Swasti Devi, Meaghan Dzundza, Naomi Karouzos, Isaac Kozlovskis and Maxine Newlands – and also Fred Menk, our former Chair, who continues to provide invaluable guidance and advice.
The 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) is taking place in Busan, South Korea, on 13–21 July 2024. This prestigious biennial event is a must-attend for space researchers, scientists and professionals worldwide.
Registration for COSPAR 2024 is open until 21 June – see the conference website for more information.
The 22nd Australian Space Research Conference (ASRC) will be held this year at Curtin University’s campus in Perth. This highly anticipated event is co-hosted by the National Committee for Space Science, the National Space Society of Australia and the Mars Society of Australia. This conference provides a unique platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and networking within the vibrant Australian space community.
The call for abstracts is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to submit.
Once again, we kindly request all those who have previously attended an ASRC conference to complete a short survey. Your valuable input will help shape future events to better meet the needs and interests of the space community.
i-SAIRAS is a biennial event that brings together the international space community to explore the latest advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. The theme for i-SAIRAS 2024 is ‘New Frontiers: Harnessing AI, Automation and Robotics for Space Exploration and Earth’s Challenges’. Hosted by CSIRO, the symposium will include a special focus on exploring the interconnection between advancements on Earth and their applications in space exploration.
Closing date for abstracts is 23 June.
The Australian Government is backing a series of local space projects to help grow Australia’s space industry and to drive innovation. The Moon to Mars grants will assist these Australian companies to enter global space supply chains:
Find out more about the projects being supported.
A new industry group, the Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA), has launched with support from the Australian Space Agency and Defence Space Command. ASDA aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the space sector. Its mission is to support senior leaders and minimise barriers faced by marginalised groups, fostering an environment that embraces diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability and more. ASDA’s launch marks a significant step towards a more equitable Australian space industry. Find out more about the Australian Space Diversity Alliance.
The Australian Government has announced an $18 million investment across three Australia–India space projects, strengthening cross-border collaboration.
The long awaited COSPAR Strategic Action Plan for 2024–2028 has been released. To understand COSPAR’s vision, objectives and initiatives for promoting international cooperation, knowledge exchange and scientific advancements in space science, this plan has been developed over a year with input from the entire COSPAR community. The document provides clear guidance for COSPAR’s direction over the next five years across all areas.
COSPAR’s Inaugural International Planetary Protection Week was held at the Royal Society, London, on 22–25 April 2024. Hosted by AstrobiologyOU and funded by the UK Space Agency as part of the International Bilateral Fund, the event included sessions ranging from the planetary protection landscape to icy worlds and the implementation of planetary protection.
It’s been a journey of countless small steps, along with a few giant leaps into the unknown, but Katherine Bennell-Pegg is hoping her future as a space traveller is finally on the launch pad as she graduates as a fully qualified astronaut.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has released the highest-resolution geological maps of the Moon yet, which took more than 100 researchers over a decade to compile.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
