Australia wants a bigger part of space race: minister

Australia's space agency is looking for opportunities to have a bigger slice of the space race, Federal Industry Minister Karen Andrews says.

Parkes

The CSIRO Parkes Observatory is seen ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, 380km west of Sydney, Friday, July 19, 2019. Source: AAP

As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, Australia is seriously looking for opportunities in space.

Australia set up its own space agency in Adelaide 12 months ago and is very keen to work with NASA for opportunities to be involved in its Artemis program which aims to return a man and the first woman to the moon by 2024.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that we will be sending an astronaut to the moon or to Mars but it doesn't exclude it either," Australia's Industry Minister Karen Andrews told Sky News from the Parkes observatory in NSW that was crucial in relaying pictures during the first moon landing.

"We are part of the space race, we want a bigger part."

She said Australia's space agency works with industry and researchers to maximise opportunities for the country.

US President Donald Trump wants a return to the moon by 2024 and a mission to Mars beyond that.

He has also flagged a 'space force' aimed at a space warfare, but Ms Andrews said she has not be involved in any discussions in relation to that.


Share

2 min read

Published

By AAP-SBS

Presented by Justin Sungil Park

Source: AAP, SBS



Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Korean

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Korean-speaking Australians.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Korean News

Korean News

Watch it onDemand