CSIRO


Headquartered in Canberra

Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla

CSIRO

CSIRO is an independent statutory authority constituted and operating under the provisions of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949, which designates functions to:

  • Conduct scientific research to benefit Australian industry and the community, and to contribute to the achievement of national objectives;
  • encourage and facilitate the application of the results of scientific research;
  • manage and make available national facilities for scientific research;
  • contribute to scientific collaboration between Australia and other countries;
  • and contribute to training the next generation of Australian researchers.

Under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949, CSIRO is granted powers to undertake a broad range of activities consistent with performing the above functions. These include arranging for scientific research to be undertaken on behalf of the organisation; forming partnerships, joint ventures and spin-off companies; and deriving income from intellectual property through licensing and royalty arrangements.

Expertise and capability

Defence capabilities

Please see CSIRO website

Space sector capabilities

CSIRO currently has approximately 350 staff involved in space activities, primarily focused on using space-based systems and data streams to perform research and deliver nationally significant outcomes, where space provides the most effective and efficient means for delivering this impact. Consistent with this strategy, CSIRO has developed extensive capability in space-related areas that include earth observation; navigation and communication; advanced aerospace technologies, spacecraft tracking and radioastronomy.

Key space-related activities

CSIRO carries out space-related activities in the following areas:

  • Earth observation from space;
  • Radio-astronomy;
  • Spacecraft tracking and communications.

Unique selling points

Conduct scientific research to benefit Australian industry and the community, and to contribute to the achievement of national objectives; encourage and facilitate the application of the results of scientific research; manage and make available national facilities for scientific research; contribute to scientific collaboration between Australia and other countries; and contribute to training the next generation of Australian researchers.