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

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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.

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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:   

• International Academy of Astronautics 

Members

• Observer: Professor Phil Bland
  • Curtin University, Director of Space Science and Technology Centre
  • Research expertise: Planetary scientist, understanding asteroid and cometary impacts
• Ex-officio: Dr Elyse Allender
  • Australian Space Agency, Project Lead , Planetary Scientist
• Committee member: Dr Kimberley Clayfield
  • CSIRO, Space Research Program Director
  • Research expertise: Space policy and strategy, space program management
• Committee member: Associate Professor Francis Bennet
  • Australian National University, Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Research expertise: Lasers and quantum electronics, and classical and physical optics
• Committee Member: Dr Hannah Schunker
  • University of Newcastle, School of Information and Physical Sciences
  • Research expertise: Stellar astronomy and planetary systems, solar physics, Heliophysics and space weather
• Committee member: Professor Penelope King
  • Australian National University, Professor at the Research School of Earth Sciences.
  • Research expertise: Planetary geochemistry and geology, x-ray spectrometers, Mars science laboratory Curiosity Rover.
• Committee member: Dr Lily Qiao
  • University of New South Wales, Senior Lecturer in Space Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology.
  • Research expertise: Guidance navigation and control, data fusion, space system engineering, system modular analysis, system trade space exploration.
• Committee member: Associate Professor Brett Carter
  • RMIT University, Associate Professor at the School of Science.
  • Research expertise: Space weather, Earth's ionosphere impact communication, radio and navigation, and weather forecasting systems.
• Ex-officio: Professor Chris Rizos
  • University of New South Wales, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Co-Director, Satellite navigation and positioning (SNAP) laboratory
  • Research expertise: Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), geodesy
• Observer: Emeritus Professor Fred Menk
  • The University of Newcastle, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • Research expertise: Space physics, magnetospheric and ionospheric physics, geomagnetism, plasma waves.