Submission—Australian sustainability of space activities policy discussion paper

On 18 November 2024, the Academy made a submission on the Australian Space Agency’s Australian sustainability of space activities policy discussion paper.

 

Download submission (PDF, 240KB)

In its submission, the Academy states that Australia’s space sector and national capabilities are built on our capabilities in space science. Without a commitment to space science, the sustainability of the space sector is questionable. Science is also the language of space agencies around the world. It underpins productive engagement in international space programs, which leverage expertise and expand our knowledge base.

Support for space science research and development (R&D) is an essential pillar of Australia’s space strategy and is a policy theme that is notably missing in the discussion paper. To address this the Academy recommends:

• that the ‘Australian sustainability of space activities policy’ addresses the importance of fundamental space science in the future of Australia’s space sector. This should be a key theme of the policy
• strategic investment to support underpinning space science is essential to meet the proposed policy objectives.

Regarding questions posed in the survey and consultation paper, the Academy recommends that:

• Australia joins the Group of Friends of the Dark and Quiet Sky for Science and Society
• sustainability of space weather research activities should be secured to help protect critical infrastructure and advance space weather forecasting and space situational awareness activities
• Australia seeks to leverage our geographic position to access international opportunities, including access to satellites for science and research and collaborative space missions with partner agencies.