Australian Space Science Program Fact Sheet 

KEY POINTS

• The Space Policy Unit (the Unit) was established in July 2009 and provides advice to the government on civil space matters.  It is the central point of contact and coordination of all civil space activities including fostering linkages with international space organisations. The Unit is also responsible for administering the Australian Space Research Program (ASRP).
• The ASRP, which is part of the Super Science – Space and Astronomy initiative announced in Powering Ideas – An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century, will provide $40 million over four years through competitive grants to support space research, innovation and skills development in areas of national significance or excellence. Four grants were awarded under the first round of the program. Applications for Round 2 of the program closed on 6 May 2010, with four successful applications announced on 14 July 2010. Round 3 is now open for applications, with a closing date of Thursday 26 August 2010 (3pm AEST).
• The Unit has commenced work on the development of a national space policy.
• The Unit liaises with Government agencies on space matters, and is working towards greater coordination of Government activities in space-related areas.  This includes coordinating the Australian Government Space Forum – a whole-of-government forum that serves as a focal point for the exchange of information; and undertaking an analysis of space activities undertaken by all agencies across the Commonwealth Government.
• The Unit is working to develop international relationships.  Key activities in this area include the negotiation of a new US-Australia space tracking agreement by 2012 and negotiation and development of a new space tracking agreement with the European Space Agency.  The Unit is also arranging the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum to be held in Melbourne November 2010.
• The unit has launched the new Australian Space Portal www.space.gov.au to improve visibility of the Australian Government’s space related activities.
• The Space Industry Innovation Council was announced on 19 November 2009 as part of the Government’s response to the Senate’s inquiry into the current state of Australia’s space science and industry sector.  Dr Ros Dubs is the Chair of the Council and four meetings have been held to date.
  

FACTS AND FIGURES

Australian Space Research Program

The Australian Space Research Program supports projects and coordinate relevant Australian public and private research and development organisations, linking them with industry and international space agencies/organisations, where appropriate.

The program provides competitive grants in two streams:

• Space Education and Development grants of between $200,000 and $1 million will support student space projects and education activities, including possible international educational opportunities and the establishment of national space education programs and centres of expertise.
• Space Science and Innovation Project grants of between $1 million and $5 million will support eligible consortia for collaborative space research and development projects that link to strategic national priorities and niche capability. Eligible consortia will comprise a university or research institution and at least one industry partner. International collaboration will be encouraged.

Four grants were awarded under Round 1.  The grants have a combined value of $10,944.416 (excluding GST).  Contract negotiations are currently underway, with final agreements expected to be finalised by the end of June 2010. 

Four grants were awarded under Round 2.  The grants have a combined value of $13,853,597 (excluding GST).  Contract negotiations are currently underway, with agreements expected to be finalised by the end of September 2010.

Space Industry Innovation Council

On 19 November 2009 the Government tabled its response to the inquiry of the Senate Standing Committee on Economics into the current state of Australia's space science and industry sector.  The response commits to establishing a Space Industry Innovation Council (Space IIC), which was announced at the same time as the response. The Space IIC will be governed by the Industry Innovation Councils Framework developed by the Department. 

The Space IIC will examine Australia's current civil space activities, risks and strategic priorities with a focus on Earth observation, satellite communications and navigation.  Members will provide strategic advice to the Government on innovation priorities, champion innovation in the space industry, and build connections with other initiatives, including the Enterprise Connect network. The Space IIC will also consider relevant implications for space science and industry arising from the Defence White Paper and the National Security Science and Innovation Strategy.

The Chair and Members of Space IIC were appointed for their leadership, knowledge and expertise and come from business and professional organisations, science and research agencies, universities, and government.