Super Science – Space and Astronomy

(Last Reviewed : 12/05/2009 )

Key Points

The Government will invest $160.5 million in space science and astronomy that will further boost our proud record of scientific achievement in these areas.
An Australian Space Research Program will be established to support space research, innovation and skills development, and to link space research with industry.
An Australian National Centre of Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Science will be established in Perth to host new high performance computing facilities and expertise to support SKA research and other high-end science.
This investment will increase Australia’s chance of hosting the world’s most powerful telescope, the $3.0 billion Square Kilometre Array.
New funding and governance arrangements will be implemented to support the operations of the Anglo-Australian Observatory following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from involvement with the facility on 1 July 2010.

Space science and astronomy enable us to apply fundamental scientific principles to create important new technologies for everyday living – for example, the ability to measure accurately the effects of relativity and variations in the earth’s gravity enable satellite-based Global Positioning Systems to guide our aeroplanes and ships and even our cars.
This initiative will target key space science and astronomy priorities identified in the Review of the National Innovation System and the 2008 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure.
It will provide funds to address critical infrastructure needs and deliver facilities that will enhance Australia’s existing research strengths in space science and astronomy, generating commercial spin-offs with applications ranging from telecommunications to weather and climate mapping.
A total of $160.5 million will be provided over the four years to 2012-13.

Deliverables under the initiative include:

$80.0 million to establish a Square Kilometre Array (SKA) science and high performance computing centre in Perth.
A net increase in funding of $20.9 million for the operations of the Anglo-Australian Observatory in Sydney and at Siding Spring near Coonabarabran.
$10.0 million for national infrastructure funded by Astronomy Australia Ltd.
$40.0 million to establish an Australian Space Research Program.
$8.6 million to establish a Space Policy Unit within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.