The latest industry roadmap published by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, encourages the growing Australian space sector to join with international partners to provide technological expertise to help to establish a human base on the Moon. According to Megan Clark, head of the Australian Space Agency, the agency is mandated to grow the size of the domestic space industry to $12 billion by 2030.
According to CSIRO, meeting the “lunar” challenge would involve building capabilities in autonomous robotic systems, in situ resource utilization, habitat and life support, and power and propulsion. Deep-space exploration missions are hostile environments for humans, so developments in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics are essential to gather data and supporting analytics. To support habitat and life on the Moon, the development of innovative systems will be needed to provide food, medicine, shelter, and waste management.
Use of local resources at the exploration destination may require mapping and prospecting, processing of new minerals and materials, and additive manufacturing capabilities, according to the roadmap. Furthermore, technology solutions suitable for in situ power generation, energy harvesting and storage, engine and fuel options for rockets, and in-space propulsion will be needed.
An international coordination group already exists with the aim of expanding human exploration and presence in low Earth orbit, and on the Moon and Mars, over the next two decades. Australian space sector support for the lunar challenge would be an opportunity to grow these existing relationships with global partners, including international space agencies.
Launched in September by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, at the 18th Australian Space Research Conference, the report—“Space: A Roadmap for Unlocking Future Growth Opportunities for Australia”—highlights Australia’s unique strengths and geographic advantages to increase the country’s share of the international space sector.
The new roadmap was developed by CSIRO Futures, the strategic advisory arm of CSIRO, following extensive industry consultation with nearly 150 business, government, and technology representatives.
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The latest industry roadmap published by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, encourages the growing Australian space sector to join with international partners to provide technological expertise to help to establish a human base on the Moon. According to Megan Clark, head of the Australian Space Agency, the agency is mandated to grow the size of the domestic space industry to $12 billion by 2030.
According to CSIRO, meeting the “lunar” challenge would involve building capabilities in autonomous robotic systems, in situ resource utilization, habitat and life support, and power and propulsion. Deep-space exploration missions are hostile environments for humans, so developments in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics are essential to gather data and supporting analytics. To support habitat and life on the Moon, the development of innovative systems will be needed to provide food, medicine, shelter, and waste management.
Use of local resources at the exploration destination may require mapping and prospecting, processing of new minerals and materials, and additive manufacturing capabilities, according to the roadmap. Furthermore, technology solutions suitable for in situ power generation, energy harvesting and storage, engine and fuel options for rockets, and in-space propulsion will be needed.
An international coordination group already exists with the aim of expanding human exploration and presence in low Earth orbit, and on the Moon and Mars, over the next two decades. Australian space sector support for the lunar challenge would be an opportunity to grow these existing relationships with global partners, including international space agencies.
Launched in September by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, at the 18th Australian Space Research Conference, the report—“Space: A Roadmap for Unlocking Future Growth Opportunities for Australia”—highlights Australia’s unique strengths and geographic advantages to increase the country’s share of the international space sector.
The new roadmap was developed by CSIRO Futures, the strategic advisory arm of CSIRO, following extensive industry consultation with nearly 150 business, government, and technology representatives.