Australia’s $150m investment in space industries – September 2019
Mars Society Australia Media Statement at the 19th Australian Space Research Conference: 30th September2019:
The Australian Federal Government’s recent $150m partnering with NASA signals an investment that all Australians will benefit from.
“We’re excited at the recent announcement by the Federal Government of the $150m partnering with NASA for involvement in the Artemis program for Lunar exploration and missions and travel to Mars. Some of the greatest Australians have been explorers and this funding helps pass baton to the next generation wanting to push into the unknown.” Said Dr. Jon Clarke, Mars Society Australia President
“While the bulk of this funding will go towards joint venture funding and related investment in space industry technologies here and in the USA, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the current space R&D being carried out on the ground by Australian organisations. Many of these projects are directly related to solving the tricky problems of crewed spaceflight and off-world habitats.” Continued Dr. Clarke
(Analogue astronaut in field. Credit: The Mars Society)
“For example, the Mars Society Australia is planning Mars-Oz, a simulated Mars base located at Arakoola, some 700km north of Adelaide in South Australia. This will join a network of other Mars habitat simulation bases around the world where people live and work while learning about the problems of a Martian environment. These simulation bases help solve them one by one ahead of boots on the ground exploration of Mars.”
Investment bring benefits for all Australians
“Australia has a long history of scientific research that’s expanded our knowledge and spun off technology we all use on a day to day basis. For example, Australian farmers are among the most tech-saavy in the world. They rely on GPS, WiFi, satellite imaging, new materials and weather forecasting technology – all of which are direct results of earlier space exploration technology.” Commented Mars Society Australia Vice-president Earl White.
“Space exploration has proven again and again it results in technology for use here on the ground. It’s often solid, practical tech that industry often does not have incentive to produce on their own. With a challenging environment and uncertainty in global conditions it’s the kind of tech Australians need more than ever.”
The Australian Federal Government’s $150m over 10 years partnership with NASA will cost each Australian less than 70c per annum. This compares to the over $40m on Australian Federal parliamentarian travel and other costs in the three months from April to June 2019 alone.
“What will we find out when we return to the Moon and push on further to Mars? We simply don’t know and that’s why we’re going. Based on past experiences we’ll make discoveries nobody predicted and generate technology for everyone that our best science fiction writers haven’t imagined”. Mr White concluded.
Mars Society Australia (MSA) is a not for profit research institute that is active in research, education, and outreach related to the exploration of Mars. It has members in all Australian states with links with scientific and space research bodies throughout the world. You can read more about the Mars Society Australia and its activities at:
More details about Mars-Oz can be found here:
https://marssociety.org.au/project/mars-oz
Current and Former Parliamentarians' Expenditure 1 April to 30 June 2019:
Meda contacts
The following Mars Society Australia directors are available for further expert media commentary:
Dr. Jon Clarke, President – jon@marssociety.org.au – 0418 401 612
Earl White, Vice-President – earl@marssociety.org.au – 0407 021 171
Guy Murphy – Secretary – guy@marssociety.org.au – 0416 794 688
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