ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy (right) and the ANU’s Roger Franzen launched the space policy at Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra. Image: ABC News Robert Herrick.
In part of what Labor describes as Australia’s first space policy, the Federal Government has promised millions of dollars to develop space technology at the Australian National University (ANU).
Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Kate Lundy, says that the initial $40 million will be spent on developing technology to make satellites run more effectively, while simultaneously breaking Australian children’s hearts by adding that there will be “no Aussies in space any time soon.”
“But as I made very clear, how we use our satellite capability and space policy generally is something that will always be part of our future.”
Senator Lundy also said that a space research office will also be set up by the middle of 2013.
“Many of our agencies and departments including Geoscience Australia and the Department of Meteorology play a role,” she said.
“The space policy coordination unit will be able to be a go-to point for anyone working in or around or wanting to interact with Australians and playing a role in space policy.”
The satellite business is expected to generate $12 billion for the Australian economy by 2030.
