South Australia’s role in the space race: Then and now

It would surprise most people to learn of Australia's almost forgotten role in the space race of the Cold War Era. Whilst many people are familiar with the name Woomera, few have any knowledge that it was from this remote South Australian township that an Australian satellite constructed at the University of Adelaide was launched into space on an American rocket, making Australia the fourth country in the world to launch a satellite from its own territory. What we do know is that little followed from this first bold experiment. Australia certainly went on to become a major provider of ground services, famously celebrated in the beloved Australian movie 'The Dish', but few Australians regard Australia as a potential site for space launches even now at the dawn of the new era of commercial space. This article will explore some of South Australia's role in the fostering and facilitation of an Australian space industry.