Space Policy Unit- Australia's national Space Policy

Joe AndrewsSpace Policy UnitDepartment of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

15 June 2011

Space Policy Unit

Central point of contact and coordination

Creating new opportunities nationally and internationally

Space Policy Unit

Developing a National Space Policy

Administers the Australian Space Research Program

$40 million Australian Space Research Program (ASRP)

Catalyst to develop and demonstrate Australia’s space-related capabilities

Eleven projects have been funded under the first three rounds of the ASRP

4th round of the program has closed, successful applicants to be announced this month

Australian Space Research Program

National Space Policy

Need for a Space Policy?

A vision for Australia’s use of space

Focus on Earth observation, satellite communications, and position navigation and timing applications

Coordinate the space activities of Government

National Space Policy

Provide assured access to the space systems on which Australia relies

Recognise that international collaboration is vital to Australia’s space efforts

National Space Policy

Articulate Australia’s role in protecting the space environment

Support innovation, science and skills development

Position Navigation and Timing

PNT infrastructure is an essential element of Australia’s national public infrastructure

Challenge to increase the benefits of these interoperable systems for a future Australia, move our existing excellent PNT industryinto a PNT2.0 mindset

Importance of GNSS

Able to provide major productivity improvements throughout the Australian economy, – Particularly in agriculture, mining,

engineering and construction, logistics and transportation and navigation.

Importance of GNSS

Benefits for Australian economy from greater GNSS usage in the $ billions

Role for government in realising these benefits through providing leadership and accelerating uptake

GNSS Vulnerability

Dependence on GNSS is now widespread and increasing

Can be considered as ‘Critical Infrastructure’

www.space.gov.auspace@innovation.gov.au+61 2 6276 1166