A new science sphere technology sphere is being launched by the Government on Thursday.
The sphere, launched by Industry Minister and the Minister for Space and Defence (ISDS) Peter Garrett, will allow Australian companies to operate on an international level and conduct space research and development activities.
The new sphere is part of the Government’s “space sector transformation” strategy, which will see a number of government agencies including the Department of Science and Innovation, the Department for Science, Industry and Innovation (DIII), and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) be established.
“Our sphere will give the Australian people a more informed, active, and engaged space policymaking and participation in our space sector,” Minister Garrett said.
The Government said the sphere will allow Australians to “lead the way in a new era of exploration, discovery and innovation”.
“With the help of a diverse range of international experts and experts in the Australian scientific community, we have set out a vision for our science- based sphere,” Mr Garrett said in a statement.
The minister said that the sphere would provide “significant economic and strategic benefits to Australia”.
“Our space sphere will enable Australians to lead the way to a more active and engaged Australian space policy and to better understand our planetary systems and our neighbours,” he said.
“This is in stark contrast to the current global status quo, where Australia is at the back of the queue in many respects.”
He said the new sphere would be “faster, more agile, and cheaper to operate than existing spaceships, enabling Australia to develop new space technologies and technologies that are more affordable and easier to access”.
The sphere is designed to facilitate research and innovation on space, particularly in the areas of climate change, ocean technology, energy, and human health.
It is the Government plan to provide Australia with a “leading role” in space and space science, and will involve “the Australian Government, industry, universities and academic institutions” and the public, Mr Garrett says.
“The aim of the sphere is to create a more integrated and diverse space policy, one that is more accountable to our national interests,” he added.
“It is a space-based policy that will be based on the science, technology and engineering capabilities of the nations of Australia, and is not an ideological or political position.”
The Minister said that his government was keen to create “a space-faring world, one where our children and grandchildren can take advantage of the many opportunities of space”.
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