First contact with aliens could end in colonization and genocide if we don’t learn from history
Three Indigenous studies scholars draw from colonial histories and explain why listening for alien life can have ethical ramifications.
Primary Results
Half the matter in the universe was missing – we found it hiding in the cosmos
Cosmologists had only been able to find half the matter that should exist in the universe. With the discovery of a new astronomical phenomenon and new telescopes, researchers just found the rest.
‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty
As more countries look to space, experts argue that it’s worth asking why we want to go at all, and who should lead the charge.
To launch Australia into space, we need inspiration
India’s recent launch of a mission to Mars should cause us to contemplate Australia’s potential role, or lack of one, in such ventures. We presume India mounted this project at amazing speed to give China…
As the details emerge on Australia’s new space agency, we (might) finally have lift‑off
New jobs and investment for Australia’s growing space industry are promised with the backing of the new space agency. It’s hoped that all states and territories will benefit from a national approach.
Falling space debris poses an escalating risk as spacecraft get stronger and more heat resistant
Some engineers are prioritizing ‘design for demise’ and planning satellites that are more likely to completely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their lifespan.
To carve out a niche in space industries, Australia should focus on microgravity research rockets
On Earth the flame from a struck match looks like an inverted teardrop shape and is orange. In microgravity, that same flame is spherical and blue. Heat transfer is different with minimal gravity.
A satellite to save Australia? We should have one of those
Does Australia need space capabilities? Well, as Senator Kate Lundy said this month when announcing the government’s new space policy: “Australians, whether they know it or not, rely on satellites every…
Mangroves protect coastlines, store carbon – and are expanding with climate change
As Earth’s climate warms, mangroves are expanding north and south from tropical zones. Mangroves reinforce shorelines and store huge quantities of carbon, so protecting them is an effective climate strategy.
Cornwall space launch: why launching rockets from UK soil can benefit industry and security
Efforts to launch rockets into space from the UK need to demonstrate reliability.
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