The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has announced it is to establish a new Space Weather Hub in Adelaide.
BOM said the Hub, set to open in 2022, would result in the Bureau’s space weather scientists, researchers and customer engagement specialists located alongside the Australian Space Agency, Microsoft Azure Space and other space, defence and commercial customers.
The Bureau said it would add four new positions to its Space Weather Service, bringing a total of 18 positions to the new Hub.
Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall said the State was home to more than 90 space-related organisations, making it the undisputed national centre of Australia’s space industry.
“There is something special about the space sector — the enthusiasm and passion the industry generates is impossible to dampen, and the addition of the Bureau to the mix here is going to be huge for the sector,” Mr Marshall said.
Minister for Finance, Simon Birmingham said the move would bring jobs to South Australia and expertise to the rapidly growing space sector.
“South Australia is the centre of space research and technology in Australia, already employing around 1,400 people, and with the Government’s commitment to investing in space, it is only fitting that the Bureau’s space weather team joins the ranks in Adelaide,” Senator Birmingham said.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said Australians were familiar with the Bureau’s weather forecasts, but many would not be aware that it also played a role in ensuring the nation was prepared for the effects of events that come from beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
“Events such as solar flares can disrupt services we’ve come to rely on in everyday life, including GPS for navigation and radio communications,” Ms Ley said.
“They can also damage satellites and the electricity transmission network,” she said.
“The Bureau monitors and forecasts space weather in much the same way it does weather here on Earth, and it provides important advice to industry, reducing the risks of these impacts,” Ms Ley said.
