Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Australia must be part of the 'Final Frontier'

By Natasha Stott Despoja - posted Monday, 22 October 2007


The one bright spot for the Australian space research community has been the backing the Federal Government has given for Australia's bid to host the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, a truly international project that would place Australia at centre-stage in the astronomy field.

Space research is one of those areas that often has people rolling their eyes because it seems so removed from our everyday existence - but it isn't. The descendents of Sputnik provide us with high-speed and widely available communications and navigation. Many other everyday products we now take for granted come from space research.

In fact, it is quite possible that we are on the verge of another Space Race of sorts. India, China and Japan are all adopting increasingly grand visions of space exploration, and the US and the EU may increase their own efforts to ensure they stay ahead. And as these countries adopt ever more ambitious and expensive goals it is likely that competition will make way for co-operation and pooling of resources. Australia will want to be a part of this.

Advertisement

I must admit that I am fascinated by bold, adventurous, big-picture research. I like that we ask “what's next?” – that, instead of sticking with what we know, we continue to test our abilities. A renewed international space research effort may be just the thing for a world increasingly focused inwards.

It could be just the thing for Australia. It is a well-worn cliché, but space is the final frontier for research and development. If we do not have a seat at the table of space-faring nations we may miss out on all the benefits exploring that frontier may offer.

The Australian Academy of Science's National Committee for Space Science has marked the 50th Anniversary of the Space Race with a call to arms. They want to ensure that this country is seen as a player on the global stage, and have put forward a number of realistic goals that Australia could adopt.

I will endeavour to ensure that this issue is on the agenda of our new Parliament, whatever it may look like after Election '07. A cross-party inquiry into Australia's space policy could be an ideal springboard for the Government of the day to advance this country's interests in space research. If we do not take this opportunity to “buy in” to this huge frontier soon, it could cost us in the future.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

17 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja was the Australian Democrats spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Attorney-Generals, Science & Biotechnology, Higher Education and the Status of Women (including Work & Family). She is a former Senator for South Australia.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Natasha Stott Despoja

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Natasha Stott Despoja
Article Tools
Comment 17 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy