Learning ‘smaller, faster, cheaper’ from the Applied Physics laboratory

By demonstrating the ability to build ‘smaller, faster, and cheaper’ space devices, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has played a key role in influencing NASA's current Discovery program. The APL Space Department was founded by Richard B. Kershner. This article examines the key elements of Kershner's leadership and management philosophy through the Transit satellite program and the Delta series spacecraft.     

Threats, risks, and sustainability—Answers from space: Results of the ESPI conference

An initiative was undertaken by the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) on 10–11 December 2007 to shed new light on the various threats to long-term sustainability on Earth using an interdisciplinary approach. The main objective of this conference was to analyse how space could be a tool for prediction, management or mitigation of threats and risks in six sectors (environment, security, mobility, knowledge, resources and energy) defined by ESPI as the main areas for sustainability. For each sector, one (non-space) speaker from a think-tank covering the respective sector and two speakers from the space sector exchanged views and ideas in order to identify common needs for action to ensure sustainability in the field. Such a dialogue between sector specialist and space experts permitted a detailed examination of the way space has become a crucial tool in solving a variety of today's problems. It also identified areas where space applications could better respond to sectoral and future challenges.     

“We can lick gravity,but…”: What trajectory for space in Australia?

In 2008 the Australian Senate Economics Committee held an inquiry into the state of Australia's space science and industry sector. One of the most important problems identified by the committee was that Australia lacked both a space agency and a national space policy in order to formulate a whole-of-government approach to space issues. This article briefly discusses Australia's historical political lacuna in relation to space before considering how space issues fit within broader contemporary policy frameworks at both the domestic and international levels. Using some of the findings from the inquiry, the author then addresses some core issues that the Australian government should consider when constructing a national space policy.