The Role of Australia in Space Exploration: Technology and Innovation
While it may not be known for being the first to send people into orbit or land on the moon, Australia is often overlooked for the vital role that it has played and continues to play in the science and applications of space exploration. Started as an Australian and UK joint venture, the Woomera Prohibited Area is a test range that has been in operation since the 50s, acting as a primary testing ground for rocket and missile technologies from all over the world. In the first 30 years of its existence, Woomera launched more than 6000 rockets and assisted in nuclear testing as well. It was this involvement in the development of high-speed aerodynamics, guided weapons and rockets that prompted other nations to work with them in the realm of space travel
In the 60s, Australia joined with the US in its space ambitions by establishing a series of spacecraft tracking stations. Eventually, a station by the name of Parkes Observatory would become key in the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. Due to its unique place when the craft touched down on the moon's surface, the Parkes telescope was able to get the best view of what was happening on the moon and relay these images back to NASA. Australia also lent their help in the Mercury and Gemini space programs, in a tracking and communications role. Later, the Parkes telescope design would be copied by NASA for use in their Deep Space Tracking Network.
Due to Woomera's unique advantages, Australia was given member status in ELDO (European Launcher Development Organization) and chosen as the launch site for many of its test vehicles. Australia has recently been making headway into research concerning scramjet technology as well as continuing its role in rocket and missile development.
Though space exploration has gone somewhat out-of-fashion in the recent years, it is seeing a resurgence. Australia's Space Research Program recently awarded more than $34 million to assist in technological development. While Australia mostly concentrates its efforts on developing technologies for other nations' space programs, some shift in purpose is being seen as the government becomes more interested in launching satellites and removing the country's dependence on foreign satellites for many of their needs.
Australian educational programs are currently training many of the lead scientists in the fields that are essential to space exploration as well as working internationally to design and build the 'Giant Magellan' which, when completed, will be the world's largest telescope and 10 times more powerful than anything currently used.
While Australians may not be spending their time walking on the moon, the contributions that they have made in the associated technologies are essential. Without the Woomera center and the knowledge of Australian scientists the list of the world's space-based accomplishments would no doubt be much shorter.
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