Geographically located in the Asia-Pacific region with a small population occupying large tracks of land, coupled with political and economic stability, Australia has played a key role in its success with space-related activities (Australia Government, 1999, P.1). Such programs as operation of satellite and its services, processing of signal and space data, space instrumentation, designing of ground equipment, tracking of space debris and GPS usage are useful in Australia just as it is in other countries in terms of socio-political and economic benefits that come with them. These programs are applied in national security-related issues, natural resource and environmental management, navigation, and communication like in broadcasting purposes (Australia 1999, P.1)
To begin with, Australia’s national security does benefit a lot through space-related activities. This benefit is seen in the way research on astronomy, specifically, space technology is used significantly in the management of security issues. For example, aerial surveillance is used to monitor borders, survey anti-terrorism programs, and maintain the insecurity of telecommunications (James, 1992, P. 129).
The meteorological data is also used in the prediction and timing of any probable security scare to the national defense department, hence the decision to put a budget of over $1 billion for the next generation satellite and ground station investment that began in 2006 and will run through to 2016, intended to boost its research (DITNR, 2006, P.1).
Space activities have so far also benefited the economic aspect of development in Australia. According to a policy paper on space engagement by the Australian government in the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Resources (2006), involvement in space activities is “user-and market-driven” with the main objective of getting inroads to economic advantages of space activities. The launching of satellites in the Australian space can benefit the countries in the Asia-Pacific that can get access to data on environmental monitoring and weather forecasting at a cost, hence boosting Australia’s economy.
In addition, the use of space-related technologies have increased tremendously within the past few decades with many private companies especially the broadcasting industry buying space products like satellite broadcasted airwaves, hence a potential of making a generally improved economy (Deeker, 1997,p. 4)
The education sector is also not left out in the benefits that accrue from space science study and technological innovations. The successful launching of the spacecraft is likely to attract more international students, scholars, and more space experts who will bring more benefits in terms of scholarly innovations in the Australian education sector as a result of more successful research and breakthroughs (Deeker, 1997, p. 7)
Socially, space-related activities have some social benefits too. The space science study in schools and colleges at the beginning of quite interesting career prospects in space science. Due to her non-proliferation credentials within the international community, Australia can derive social benefits by attracting more interest from other countries who are members of the international community organizations like the United Nations (Australia Government, 1999).
Again, the activities in space help the people of Australia and the world over can understand themselves, their solar system, the galaxy, and the universe (James, 1998, p.1). This is important for self-assurance and satisfaction in the general living standard of the people of Australia and the world in general. The people of Australia would also have confidence in programs that give them a simple understanding of scientific findings.
Reference
James, M 1998, “Australia in Orbit: Space Policy and Programs.
Technology Adviser”- Science, Technology, Environment and Resources Group. Web.
Department of Industry, Tourism and Natural Resources (DITNR), Australian Government Space Engagement, 2006. Web.
Statement by the Leader of the Australian Delegation (UNISPACE 111), VIENNA, 1999. Web.
Deeker, W. 1997, vision and perseverance, Space Industry News, CSIRO Office of Space Science and Applications, No. 77, Canberra, pp. 3-9.
James, L. 1992, History of Australia’s Space Involvement, Australia and Space, Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence No. 94, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, pp. 122-143.