Space exploration in Australia — is it worth funding?
Since the beginning of human existence, our ancestors couldn’t help but gaze at the deep gloomy sky. So far away, and out of reach; they couldn’t imagine why the space above them had these lustrous sparkling stars, and magnificent nebulae full of stunning colours that looked as if they were luminous glitter scattered across space. But of course, with time, we began to learn more and more about outer space, growing evermore close to reaching what was once presumed impossible to reach.
At present time, the space sector in Australia is relatively small compared to its peers around the globe. Despite that, it has rapidly grown in the past years. According to the Australian government, the estimated revenue generated by the space sector in 2019 was $4.8 billion, a big jump from the generated revenue in 2015, estimated at $3.8 billion. Several space programs are also set to launch in the next 10 years, which will help grow our footprint in the global space industry. In return, this will help scientists and innovators make countless advancements for the benefit of Australia and the whole world. We are, however, facing problems. A group of people in Australia stand against space funding and accuse the government of ‘putting money in the wrong place instead of focusing on the “real” issues here in Australia’. They believe the space sector is useless to Australia and its people.
The truth is, you’ve probably already heard this a thousand times; space research is good. It’s a sign of political power and technological advancement between countries… So why are there arguments being thrown around that undermine funding space programs? Is the subject of “Anti-Space Exploration” actually valid? Those against it are outlining problems that “affect people here on earth”, and are stating how things such as providing jobs, building relations with other countries, and improving the medical sector in Australia; are much more immediate problems that space research contributes absolutely nothing to. They‘re spreading misinformation about how the space sector’s advancements are useless to the average citizen, when in reality, space research has affected our lives drastically for the better. The reason behind their stance may be attention-seeking, ignorance, or even personal benefit. One thing is certain — the deception carried out by these people will only lead to Australia’s economic and industrial doom if it’s not put to a stop.
Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of the space industry isn’t just limited to sending astronauts to explore other stars and planets. It affected the lives of billions of people on earth including us here in Australia, and continues to do so without us even realising it! An obvious example of that is the launch of satellites that orbit earth all around the globe, allowing us to access GPS and flight navigation systems for aeroplanes, making international travel possible for everyone
On top of this, recent research conducted in outer space involved observing and analysing the growth of endothelial cells and protein clusters that cause neurodegenerative diseases without the effects of gravity. Essentially, without the scientific jargon, scientists will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and possible cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Cancer, and Heart Disease. This could save millions of people who will suffer from terminal diseases in the future; it could be you, it could be a close friend or it could even be a family member. In short, we finally have a chance to fight diseases that turned countless people into dust and ashes over the ages through research conducted in space. Do we really want to let it go and focus on the “real” issues they speak of?
It might be hard to believe, but it doesn’t stop there. Space research is contributing to many other things that directly impact our economy, our health, and our safety, such as:
- New water purification systems
- Efficient space engineering designs & technology that is adopted on earth
- Detection & prevention of solar/meteorological threats coming from outer space
- Creating new medical devices based on fluid dynamics in space
All these elements of space research are directly benefiting the people who live here in Australia and improving their lives for the better, not to mention that the space industry is creating thousands of new jobs each year; generating as many as 10 thousand jobs in the year 2019 alone! Ironically, one of the arguments used against space funding is that we should be switching our attention to making more job opportunities…
Here is the thing, a million more reasons could be said about why space exploration & research is not only beneficial to our economy but is improving our quality of life and overall happiness. But just acknowledging its benefits isn’t enough. We need to embrace and actively support the government’s funding of space programs and dismiss any foolish ideas that oppose its usefulness. A great way of doing this is by supporting the Science Party of Australia and its space policy outlined below:
- Support and develop the Australian Space Agency
- Accept the invitation from the European Space Agency to become an associate member
- Introduce regulations that encourage the building and development of space infrastructure in Australia
- Undertake a Space Innovation and Growth Strategy Study.
Taking into account the influence the space industry has on our world and society, the government’s decision to fund space exploration over the next few years should be supported with absolute certainty. The question is not whether the space sector should receive government funding or not anymore, it’s about how much funding should be allocated for it. We share the same future, and we need to work together to improve it. Increasing our footprint in the space industry will not only better our lives, but our children’s as well.
Bibliography
Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. 2022. Administering and funding space programs. [online] Available at: <https://www.industry.gov.au/policies-and-initiatives/australian-space-agency/administering-and-funding-space-programs> [Accessed 24 March 2022].
Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. 2021. The Economic Contribution of Australia’s Space Sector. [online] Available at: <https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-02/the-economic-contribution-of-australias-space-sector-in-2018-19.pdf> [Accessed 27 March 2022].
Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. 2019. Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019–2028. [online] Available at: <https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/australian-civil-space-strategy-2019-2028> [Accessed 27 March 2022].
Australian Science Party. n.d. Space Policy. [online] Available at: <https://www.scienceparty.org.au/space_policy> [Accessed 27 March 2022].
NASA. 2020. 20 Breakthroughs from 20 Years of Science aboard the ISS. [online] Available at: <https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/iss-20-years-20-breakthroughs> [Accessed 24 March 2022].
