Released 26/02/2020
The world’s leading space agency, NASA, will be in Canberra this week to attend a technical workshop focussed on emerging technologies in laser and quantum communications.
Hosted by The Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace), the three-day event is coordinated by the Australian Space Agency to discuss collaboration with NASA on future missions.
Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries Mick Gentleman welcomed NASA, the Australian Space Agency and other research leaders to Canberra.
“Laser and quantum communications will be a critical part of future space missions such as Artemis, NASA’s Moon to Mars mission that is aiming to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon.
“I’d like to see Canberra play a key role in these missions, with the ANU InSpace team specialising in laser and quantum communications.
“Last year the ACT Government invested $800,000 to help the ANU build Australia’s first quantum optical ground station, which will allow Mt Stromlo Observatory to communicate to orbiting spacecraft.
“I’m proud to support our local space industry through the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program, which is strengthening the ACT’s position as a leader in the space and advanced technology.
“Canberra has a long and proud history of involvement in the global space industry. The very first live images of the Apollo 11 lunar module landing on the Moon were received in Canberra and this workshop will help build on that legacy.
“Today, almost one in four Australian space sector jobs – around 2,000 – are here in Canberra. The capability of our local industry is internationally renowned and it will only continue to grow.”
Quote from Mr Badri Younes, NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation:
“This quantum and optical workshop builds on our sixty years of partnership with Australia in space communications, and will allow NASA to develop stronger relationships in science and exploration with CSIRO, the newly-established Australian Space Agency, and the Australian universities as we head back to the Moon and prepare for the longer journey to Mars.”
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases