Space endeavours across the Australian National University (ANU) will be coordinated under a new organisation launched today.

ANU’s Institute for Space, InSpace, will coordinate technology research and development, science missions, space test facilities, commercial space law and business and finance.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews congratulated ANU for the initiative to consolidate and streamline their impressive array of space endeavours.

“InSpace will serve as a bridge between academia and industry, and is designed to drive co-investment between industry and government partners in space projects,” said Minister Andrews.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in space - the Coalition Government invested $41 million in establishing the Australian Space Agency, laying the groundwork to triple Australia’s space economy to $12 billion and create an additional 20,000 jobs by 2030.”

“The Coalition Government invested a further $260 million to develop world-leading satellite capabilities, and this ANU initiative complements these efforts.”

As Australia focuses on its research and development strengths, including in communications technologies, space situational awareness, positioning infrastructure and earth observation – InSpace will help drive co-investment between industry and government partners in projects that support the growth of a globally competitive and respected Australian space industry.

Minister Andrews also welcomed the appointment of Professor Anna Moore, a distinguished astronomer at the ANU, as director of InSpace.

ANU has hosted key national space resources such as Mount Stromlo Observatory, Siding Spring Observatory and the Space Environment Research Centre, and has partnered with NASA, the European Space Agency and other institutions and space agencies around the world.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070