The U.S. space and aeronautics research agency, NASA, will launch a series of rocket launches from the Arnhem Space Center in the Northern Territory later this month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the first NASA rocket to be taken to Down Under in more than a quarter of a century, said it would be an “exciting project” to reaffirm to Australians the importance of science.
“Australia’s contribution to the space industry dates back to the 1950’s. As a nation, we have to build on that legacy, and it’s great to be here today at Darwin to declare that Equatorial Launch Australia and NASA will be launched right here in the north. Territory “.
Stay up to date with the latest news with The National Briefing, keeping up to date with the news as it arrives
“The Australian government has granted regulatory approval for ELA to launch three suborbital science launches on behalf of NASA between June 26 and July 12 at the Arnhem Space Center,” he said.
“These three releases are important, they are for universities to do scientific research,” the prime minister said.
“These rockets will go about 250 km north to … well, to the sky, to collect data on the physics of the sun and its relationship to the earth.”
“We want the next generation to see STEM as part of Australia’s future and that’s why this is an important project … the idea that NASA is involved in Australia should be a matter of pride,” Albanese said.
The traditional owners, the people of Gumatj, have been consulted about the project, with NASA picking up and removing all spent engine boxes and payloads when the launches are finished.
Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic said it marks a new era for the Australian space sector.
“This is an important milestone that will further enhance Australia’s position as a launch destination,” he said.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles described the launch as “a historic occasion for the Top End”.
“We have supported this project from the beginning, which I have seen first hand, and now we are less than a month away from seeing the launch of NASA’s first spacecraft from the Arnhem Space Center,” he said. Fyles.
“NASA is adding capacity and making East Arnhem Land the global focus for investors; this will help our industry grow, create more jobs for locals and more opportunities for businesses to expand.”
– Minister Files
Join Tom Tilley with regular rotating co-presenters Jan Fran, Annika Smethurst and Jamila Rizvi at The Briefing Monday through Saturday for headlines and breaking news, as well as hot topics and interviews. Available at Listnr.