International Space Conference and Expo
Australia to be partner country for India’s major space expo by CII, ISRO
New Delhi/IBNS: Australia is this year’s partner country at India’s space summit – the International Space Conference and Expo organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Antrix Corporation, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
Australia has a thriving space economy, projected to grow from $3.9 billion today, to $12 billion by 2030, creating 20,000 new jobs.
The Australian delegation is led by Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head, Australian Space Agency, and will include 95+ delegates representing Australian federal and state governments, leading space industry firms, world-class academic institutions, space start-ups and incubators.
Over the course of the conference, from September 13 to October 4, 17 Australian experts will address various sessions. The participation will be virtual.
" Australia and India have a strong history of collaboration, partnering in space for more than 35 years. We’re particularly excited to support India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, by supporting the tracking of the mission from Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands,” Anthony Murfett said
He stressed on the importance of building strong collaborations, especially in the light of challenges presented by Covid-19, and highlighted the role space can play to improve the lives of our societies and inspire the next generation.
"We’re looking forward to building on our strong relationship with India in space, science and research activities in the years to come,” he added.
Professor Virginia Kilborn, Chief Scientist at Australia’s Swinburne University said Australia and India can partner to invest in space life sciences.
This promises to deliver key breakthroughs that will increase our ability to live and work safely in space, treat medical conditions on Earth, transform agricultural practices, and carefully consider the ethical dimensions of space exploration and settlement.
In health terms, space medicine has the potential to develop innovative treatments for cardiovascular and lung conditions, neurological conditions, visual and other sensory problems and cancer.
"Experiments and research on growing human tissue in space also have potential applications for organ transplants. Australia already has much of the existing talent necessary for this endeavour. In biomedicine, we have world-class expertise and high intensity of research activity,” she said.
A dedicated Australian country session will be held on 23 September exploring commercial collaboration opportunities between Australia and India with further high-level government and business participation.
Australia and India have been innovating in space together since 1987, to support data calibration and laser ranging for Indian satellites, launching Australian satellites, and conducting joint research.
In February 2021, the Australian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation refreshed their Civil Space MOU to expand cooperation in space science, technology and education.
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