Space Enabling Advancement of Critical Technology Sectors

Space - for several decades, has continued to stimulate the advancement of critical technology sectors, which in the past included solar cells, battery storage, and medical devices and today extends to the fields of Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Manufacturing, Sensing, Navigation and Timing and Robotics. The harsh conditions, the need for optimization, resourcefulness, and innovative solutions under constraints that space imposes drive scientists and engineers to develop path-breaking technologies, leading to significant advancements. These constraints are usually reduced Size, Weight, and Power(SWAP), and with space, this also includes harsh temperature extremes, radiation damage, and increasing chances of impact damage due to debris. These constraints make space an ultimate proving ground for breakthroughs that supercharge the critical technology sectors on earth.

Quantum Computing is a rapidly maturing field with tremendous promise for solving complex problems in remote sensing, communications safety, cryptography, drug discovery, and finance. The microgravity environment of space has enabled researchers to conduct critical quantum experiments that would be impossible on earth, translating valuable lessons to benefit the sector. For example, NASAs Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) is a facility aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that uses lasers and magnetic fields to cool atoms to nearly absolute zero, creating a state known as Bose-Einstein condensate facilitating the researchers to study the behaviour of atoms closely. It has enabled significant advancements in the field of quantum computing. A number of Australian Quantum research leaders, such as Q-Ctrl, ANU Quantum Memory, and Quintessence labs, have also been making rapid advancements in quantum technologies that could leverage space-based testing and qualification. Such break throughs can fast-track Australia's strength in optical communications research in space-based quantum research.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computing are other fields enabled by use cases developed by space. AI algorithms are used to analyse large amounts of data from space, providing insights into everything from climate change, Asset tracking, feature detection from Remote sensing data, and metrics from Astronauts' health data to distant galaxies' behavior. For example, Australian industry players such as Fleet, Spiral Blue, Fortify Edge, and AICraft design and qualify AI capable Edge computing devices and smallsats that can extract features, detect anomalies and learn from various data sources in space, thereby generating new use cases for space-based information generation. These algorithmic and hardware advances are validated with several terabytes of real-world data, which translates to know-how and IP that facilitates developments in the sector for developing size, weight, and power optimised solutions.

“ The harsh conditions, the need for optimization, resourcefulness, and innovative solutions under constraints that space imposes drive scientists and engineers to develop path-breaking technologies, leading to significant advancements.”

The field of robotics has leveraged the Space sector heavily. Robotic systems are used extensively in space exploration, performing tasks that are too dangerous or difficult for humans. For example, NASAs Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, explored the Martian surface, collecting data on the planet's geology, weather, and atmosphere. The development of these robotic systems has led to significant advancements in the field of Robotics, including the development of autonomous systems and development in the field of navigation and intelligent systems, which are revolutionizing several sectors such as mining, agriculture, logistics, and transport. Australia's strengths in earth and ocean-based remote and autonomous operations of robotic solutions for the mining and resources sector is now poised to make a historic leap to the Moon, Mars, and beyond in the near future with the Australian Space Agency Moon to Mars Trailblazer program intending to demonstrate an Australian built rover on the moon as early as 2026.

Examples from history also highlight the sheer scale and significant impact of space technology on the development of critical technology sectors. The Apollo program, for example, played a significant role in developing computing technology. NASAs' need for advanced computing systems to support space missions led to the development of the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), one of the first integrated circuit-based computers. The development of the AGC paved the way for the development of modern computing systems and has had a significant impact on fields such as AI and Robotics. Australia is also on a similar path of supporting niche technologies that can be spun into space for a catalysed development and qualification cycle and then spun out to the parent sector for productivity improvements. Examples include technologies such as Quantum optimised Inertial navigation systems from Advanced Navigation, innovative and efficient 3d printed thermal material from Conflux Technology, and optimisation of advanced underwater robotics to use in space by Reach Robotics.

Space demonstrates very good potential for significant Return on Investment, with direct economic benefits, jobs created, and IP generated but also with indirect benefits with the Non-Recurring Engineering costs that went into the sector subsidizing and catalysing a whole plethora of spin-off benefits to life on earth. The added advantage also comes with the visibility of space-based projects that attract the workforce, further investment, and much-needed attention to the small and medium-sized businesses involved.