Space as a national mission: why it matters, how we can each think about it, and what actions we can take.
Background
I have almost 30 years of experience working with both large and small organisations at the cutting edge of technology. For the last few years, I’ve been leading EPE Innovation, a space and defence company. Previously, I was on the board and part of the executive team for the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre. My tenure at CSIRO concluded as Commercial Director for Data 61, where I was responsible for $40M of collaboration revenue and led enterprise defence and national security relationships.
I am a commercial leader, not a scientist or engineer. My vocation is to enable our most talented people to have an impact. Impact means increasing the prosperity and quality of life for those around us.
Current Role Today, I am the ELO2 Consortium Director. ELO2 is one of two consortia designing a lunar rover for the Australian Space Agency. The ASA will decide later this year which consortium will receive a $42 million grant to build the rover and conduct Australia’s first lunar rover mission with NASA.
Talk Introduction This evening, I will discuss space as a national mission: why it matters, how we can each think about it, and what actions we can take.
Story 1: Disruptive Innovation
Eight years ago, while running the Queensland Innovation Hub and teaching disruptive innovation at the QUT Graduate School of Business, we envisioned new business models around space. One idea was mining asteroids, not for the mining itself but for the R&D required to achieve it. It seemed far-fetched then, but as Bill Gates noted, “We overestimate what will happen in two years and underestimate what will happen in ten.”
Strategic Considerations for Space Mining:
These are actually the strategic considerations for Space, generally.
- The economics must eventually justify the costs, with enough value created on Earth.
- A focus on space is essential, despite our Earth-centric mindset.
- There must be an imperative for humanity’s expanded presence in space.
Historical Context: The Space Race, sparked by the USSR’s Sputnik launch in 1957, led to massive investments in research and technology. This resulted in the creation of DARPA and NASA, which developed enabling technologies such as microprocessors and communications systems. The race culminated in the moon landing in 1969, just 12 years after Sputnik.
Personal Anecdote: This morning, I woke up, checked my heart rate variability on my smartwatch, and used my phone to check the weather. These technologies, which improve my quality of life, are rooted in space research.
Australia’s Role in Space: Australia played a key role in the Moon landings through CSIRO’s Dish at Parkes and the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex. Our natural resources, people, industries, and research institutions are national assets. Global partners like the United States recognise Australia’s importance in space and national security.
Space’s Impact on Daily Life: Space technologies enhance our daily lives, from weather forecasts to autonomous farming equipment. They underpin our society’s prosperity and security.
National Mission: The Australian Space Agency’s strategy is to ensure Australia’s access to space, fundamental for national prosperity and security. Our environment is complex and fast-moving, requiring robust national and international partnerships.
ELO2 Consortium: ELO2 is developing a lunar rover for the Moon to Mars Trailblazer program, aiming for a 95% reliability on the moon. Our consortium includes universities like RMIT and international partners like Colorado School of Mines. Industry partners, led by EPE Oceania, bring diverse expertise and investments.
Principles and Collaboration: We operate on principles of humility and valuing diverse perspectives. Collaboration among industry, research, and government unlocks new value and capabilities. The Trailblazer program aims not only to develop technology but also to inspire Australians and commercialise innovations.
Impact and Future Vision: The investment in ELO2 has already generated jobs and technological advancements applicable to other industries like mining and defence. Space investment benefits society now and will continue to grow. As the ELO2 Consortium Director, I lead a team of 14 organisations, designing a lunar rover to help understand the moon and establish a human base.
Call to Aspire: Aspire for yourself and for the success and improvement in quality of life for those around you. Space matters as a national mission because of its multidimensional impact. When we succeed in space, we uplift other industries and society. Aspire to develop space science, engineering, and industry for a prosperous future. Aspire because it inspires others to reach further and work on impactful things.
Closing Challenge
The predictions of just eight years ago are becoming reality. What else that seems unlikely today will come to pass in the next decade? Investment in space pays off for Australia here and now and will continue to grow and compound. We have the necessary and world-class capability and capacity to create value working on the challenges of space already.
My message to you is to aspire. Aspire for yourself and for the improvement in quality of life for those around you. Space as a national mission is crucial because of its multidimensional benefits. When we achieve success in space, we uplift other industries and society. Aspire to develop space science, engineering, and industry for immediate and long-term prosperity. Aspire because it inspires, breathing life, intent, purpose, positivity, and possibility into others.