Through our Space and Astronomy research unit we operate world-class national facilities for radio astronomy, spacecraft communications and tracking, and collecting satellite-derived data about Earth, for customers from across Australia and the world.
Radio astronomy
For more than 75 years we've been a world-leader in radio astronomy: managing observatories including the Australia Telescope National Facility and revealing the structure of the Universe.
We are also playing a leading role in the global SKA Observatory, an international project to design, build and operate the world's largest radio telescopes. The SKA-Low telescope is being constructed on the world's premier radio-quiet site, Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory.
Technologies
Our team of highly specialised engineers work across our radio astronomy and space programs. They develop new instruments for our own instruments, and those around the world, to enhance our understanding of the Universe and realise benefits for us here on Earth.
Space
We operate two facilities that are part of global networks providing continuous, two-way contact with spacecraft exploring our Solar System and beyond: NASA's Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and the European Space Agency's New Norcia tracking station.
Our space research is centred on satellite and space communication technologies, Earth observation data analytics, robotics and remote operations, and space life sciences.
We also operate Australia's share of the innovative Earth observation satellite, NovaSAR-1, and lead the design and development of the AquaWatch Australia Mission, a 'weather service for water quality' to help safeguard freshwater and coastal resources in Australia and around the world.
Our Space and Astronomy leadership team
- Director – Dr Douglas Bock
- Science Director and Deputy Director – Dr Mark Cheung
- Chief Operating Officer and Acting Program Leader, SKA – Ms Kate Callaghan
- Program Director, SKA Telescope Operations – Dr George Simpson
- SKA Site Entity Leader – Ms Rebecca Wheadon
- Program Director, ATNF Operations – Dr John Reynolds
- Acting Program Director, ATNF Science – Dr George Hobbs
- Acting Program Director, Technologies for Radio Astronomy – Mr Mark Bowen
- Program Director, Space – Dr Kimberley Clayfield
- Director, Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex – Mr Kevin Ferguson
Through our Space and Astronomy research unit we operate world-class national facilities for radio astronomy, spacecraft communications and tracking, and collecting satellite-derived data about Earth, for customers from across Australia and the world.
Radio astronomy
For more than 75 years we've been a world-leader in radio astronomy: managing observatories including the Australia Telescope National Facility and revealing the structure of the Universe.
We are also playing a leading role in the global SKA Observatory, an international project to design, build and operate the world's largest radio telescopes. The SKA-Low telescope is being constructed on the world's premier radio-quiet site, Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory.
Technologies
Our team of highly specialised engineers work across our radio astronomy and space programs. They develop new instruments for our own instruments, and those around the world, to enhance our understanding of the Universe and realise benefits for us here on Earth.
Space
We operate two facilities that are part of global networks providing continuous, two-way contact with spacecraft exploring our Solar System and beyond: NASA's Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and the European Space Agency's New Norcia tracking station.
Our space research is centred on satellite and space communication technologies, Earth observation data analytics, robotics and remote operations, and space life sciences.
We also operate Australia's share of the innovative Earth observation satellite, NovaSAR-1, and lead the design and development of the AquaWatch Australia Mission, a 'weather service for water quality' to help safeguard freshwater and coastal resources in Australia and around the world.
Our Space and Astronomy leadership team
- Director – Dr Douglas Bock
- Science Director and Deputy Director – Dr Mark Cheung
- Chief Operating Officer and Acting Program Leader, SKA – Ms Kate Callaghan
- Program Director, SKA Telescope Operations – Dr George Simpson
- SKA Site Entity Leader – Ms Rebecca Wheadon
- Program Director, ATNF Operations – Dr John Reynolds
- Acting Program Director, ATNF Science – Dr George Hobbs
- Acting Program Director, Technologies for Radio Astronomy – Mr Mark Bowen
- Program Director, Space – Dr Kimberley Clayfield
- Director, Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex – Mr Kevin Ferguson