Introduction
Firstly, ATSE wishes to commend DIISRTE and the Space Industry Advisory Council for their efforts in establishing a national Australian space policy. ATSE sees it as essential that there be an ongoing, high-level mechanism for providing coordinated advice to Government on an Australian strategy for space utilisation.
ATSE is pleased that the AAS-ATSE (2009) Australian Strategic Plan on Earth Observations from Space has provided useful guidance for the preparation of Australia’s Satellite Utilisation Policy. The Academy was also pleased to be involved in the industry consultation process on 10th October, 2012, and to accept the invitation at that time to provide written comment on the Policy document.
It is clear that the Policy process has produced a cooperative approach to space activities across Commonwealth Government departments and agencies. This outcome is very significant in maximising the return on investment in space and in ensuring that space-related priorities are set appropriately. The existence of a single focal point (the Space Policy Unit) for space activities is recognised as a key element in achieving consistency in the management of space activities from both a national and international perspective.
While the preparation of the Policy document is most welcome, there are some elements that could be strengthened. These elements are:
- Appropriate recognition of the public-good aspects of national space activities.
- A recognition that national needs for space infrastructure will evolve.
- The development of a national process for priority setting, rather than just a process for coordination of Commonwealth Government departments and agencies.
The submission suggests possible changes to the Policy document aimed at strengthening and clarifying these elements.
