Editor's note

On November 27 1967, Australia launched its first satellite – WRESAT – into orbit from Woomera, South Australia. It gave us entry into the exclusive “space club” of countries that had orbited a national satellite, and was the culmination of a decade in which Australia was seen as a significant player in the space arena.

Space historian Kerrie Dougherty argues that instead of our Federal governments then backing and building our space presence, what followed was a cyclical process that has – at least in the civil sector – hindered Australia’s ability to maintain its original level of capability, or redevelop it over recent decades.

Today, Australia is one of only two OECD nations not to have a space agency.

Our series Australia in space explores the strengths and weaknesses, along with the past, present and the future of Australia’s space presence and activities.

Sarah Keenihan

Section Editor, Science and Technology

Top story

Australia worked closely with the UK, Europe and USA in developing space capability in the 1950s and 1960s. from www.shutterstock.com

Lost in space: Australia dwindled from space leader to also-ran in 50 years

Kerrie Dougherty, UNSW

Australia was a significant global space player during the 1950s and 1960s. Now we're one of only two OECD countries not to have a space agency. What happened?

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