One of the oldest living cultures in the world is helping scientists understand galaxies and stars with the launch of the first of three NASA rockets from the Northern Territory.
The rocket launch is scheduled from the Arnhem Space Center on the Dhupuma Plateau near Nhulunbuy at around 10.44pm on Sunday.
It will carry a quantum X-ray calorimeter, which will allow scientists at the University of Michigan to measure interstellar X-rays accurately to provide new data on the structure and evolution of the cosmos.
About 75 NASA personnel are in Arnhem Land for the launch, which is the first the agency has in Australia in 27 years and the first from a commercial spaceport outside the United States.
The Yolngu helped build the Arnhem Space Center, owned by Equatorial Launch Australia, on their lands.
They are also involved in the next launch, including the recovery of rocket modules when they return to Earth.
Gumatj Corporation president Djawa Yunupingu says the space industry can offer opportunities to the Yolngu people.
“We want our young people to see and take advantage of the jobs and business opportunities that come from the growth of the Arnhem Space Center over time,” he said in a statement.
The NSA will launch two more rockets from the ELA complex on July 4 and 12.
These will have a probe to measure ultraviolet light and the structure of the stars.
NT chief minister Natasha Fyles says the launch will help attract global space investors to the Territory, which will provide jobs.
“The launch of a rocket from Arnhem Earth is an incredible milestone for Australia in establishing the Northern Territory as a launch site and a major player in space exploration,” he said. in a statement.
“Working with the people of Gumatj to launch rockets into space combines one of the oldest cultures in the world with some of the most advanced technologies ever.