Broadband internet for the Antarctic and fuel-efficient engines to launch us into space are two of the projects being funded under the first round of the new $40 million Australian Space Research Program (ASRP).
Announcing the four successful projects today, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr praised the consortiums behind them for their smart approach to the program, which encourages applicants to assemble national and international teams with wide skills and experience.
“Only this week we saw evidence of the very real benefits that come from investing in world-class space science, with confirmation from NASA that it is building two new dishes at Australia’s Tidbinbilla facility, each worth US$45 million,” Senator Carr said.
“The projects we are funding under the ASRP will promote new opportunities and new investment in Australian space science and the Australian space industry.
“Australia can be a serious player in the global space industry if we focus on niche areas that match our special capabilities. That is what these projects do.”
The successful projects are:
- Pathways to Space: Empowering the Internet Generation – a collaborative, hands-on program enabling year 10-12 students to plan space exploration projects using a living laboratory to simulate realistic scenarios and gain an understanding of space engineering challenges.
- Scramjet-based Access-to-space Systems – taking Australia’s world-leading scramjet technology one step closer to possible future use in a fuel-efficient hybrid launch vehicle for transporting payloads into space.
- Antarctic Broadband – developing satellite-based broadband communications technology for use by the Antarctic community to transfer data; the project will also build expertise in small satellite communications systems that can be applied throughout Australia.
- Platform Technologies for Space, Atmosphere and Climate – developing technologies for space research, including tracking and navigation, weather and climate monitoring, and atmospheric modelling.
The program is part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion Super Science Initiative, which supports projects that build on Australia’s research strengths.
Details of the projects are attached.
Media contact: Fiona Scott, Minister's Office, 0447 086 727
Michael Green, Department, 0438 137 175