National Committee for Space Science
The committee focusses on studying planets, small bodies, extraterrestrial materials, space weather, Solar System exploration, Earth observation, space situational awareness (SSA), and life sciences in space.
The National Committee for Space Science aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on space science to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in space science by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
- support the implementation of Australia in space: A decadal plan for Australian space science 2021-2030
Australia in Space: a decadal plan for Australian space science 2021–2030
Australia in Space presents a ten-year plan for Australian space science, with recommendations and strategies to advance national interests and priorities in space; grow the innovation economy, develop sovereign capability and improve the lives of all Australians. Download the plan at www.science.org.au/AustraliaInSpace
Sign up for Space Science News and Opportunities
The National Committee for Space Science provides regular electronic updates from international scientific unions and committees, in addition to news from the local scientific community, relevant funding opportunities, conferences and awards.
Subscribe to receive the newsletter
To make a submission to be included in the next update, please email nc@science.org.au.
Reports
- Australia’s Future in Space: a strategic plan for space science, published 2022
- Radio Science: an Australian perspective by Professor Ross McPhedran FAA, published 2021
- A vision for space science and technology in Australia, published 2017
- Decadal Plan for Australian Space Science 2010-2019: Building a National Presence in Space, published 2010
Submissions to government
- Submission - 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft, December 2021
- Submission-Inquiry into Developing Australia’s Space Industry, February and October 2021
- Submission—Australian Space Agency: Moon to Mars program design, March 2020
- Submission—Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Council (ANZSRC) Review consultation updated draft, November 2019
- Submission—Australian Space Agency: Mission Control Centre grant opportunity guidelines, September 2019
- Submission—Space Infrastructure Fund (SIF): Mission Control Centre Consultation Paper, September 2019
- Submission – Australian Space Agency International Space Investment (ISI) initiative, July 2019
- Submission—Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Council (ANZSRC) Review consultation draft, June 2019
Related groups and organisations
- Committee on Space Research
- International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, especially the constituent bodies International Association of Geodesy, International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, and the Union Commission on Planetary sciences
- International Astronomical Union Divisions E and F
- ISC Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics
And the following organisation recognised by the UN:
Members
Chair
- Associate Professor Francis Bennet, 2025–2029
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Associate Professor Brett Carter, 2025–2027
- Dr Kimberley Clayfield, 2017–2027
- Penny King, 2025–2027
- Dr Amy Parker, 2026–2028
- Associate Professor Kate Poole, 2026–2028
- Dr Lily Qiao, 2025–2027
- Dr Hannah Schunker, 2023–2026
Observers
- Emeritus Professor Fred Menk, Observer (past chair), 2023–2026
Ex-officio Members
- Dr Elyse Allender, ex-officio representing Australian Space Agency, 2025–
- Emeritus Professor Chris Rizos, ex-officio representing International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), 2021–