Defence

Strategy Group

Space: Exploring the Next Frontier

Navigation and communications were two key themes explored by Defence and industry experts at the 2005 Australian Defence Space Seminar

By Justine O'Brien

In some respects the Australian War Memorial, a place for remembering the past, is an unusual place to hold a Space Seminar!

Yet on March 8-9 this year, that's exactly what Strategy Group did with its 2005 Australian Defence Space Seminar, a forum for discussing the future of military directions in space - incorporating an industry focus on space development.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie opened the two day seminar by welcoming the myriad of Australian and international guest speakers, and delegates.

Deputy Secretary Strategy, Shane Carmody gave the Keynote Address and noted the increasing necessity for space enabled capability. He did so by highlighting the role that Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and satellite enabled communications played in relief operations to help the Boxing Day tsunami victims across Asia.

Indeed, navigation and communications were two of the key themes addressed by both military and industry experts.

Military speakers addressed space doctrine and policy aspects, including the ADF Space Policy and Implementation Plan and delivering the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) aspects of Network Centric Capability.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation gave an insightful presentation on space research into Satellite Internet Protocol Networks.

Industry speakers also addressed Satellite Networks, in particular Defence's payload on the Optus C1 Satellite, which was launched in June 2003.

Dr Mark Harwood, from SingTel Optus discussed the current applications and limitations of the Optus C1 satellite and the development of the next generation - the D Series Satellites. The D Series expands the coverage and therefore capability of the existing C Series.

Following this, Professor Don Sinnot from the Australian Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Coordination Committee spoke about the future of navigation in Space. He informed delegates about both civil and military applications of satellite navigation, including tracking shipping containers across the globe as well as search and rescue uses.

Strategy Group has been running the Defence Space Seminars for four years and each year sees a larger audience wanting to participate. It is expected that seats will be filling up fast next year, so make sure you book early when details of the 2006 Defence Space Seminar are published in the near future. Further information is available from WGCDR Nicholas Clarke on 02 6265 1561.

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