FINAL FRONTIER OPENS DOORS FOR MANY

There are few downsides and many, many upsides to scientific advancement. The Space Race of the middle of last century brought back to Earth many breakthroughs, from the humble ballpoint pen to the MRI scanner.

And on Sunday night, the Territory has an opportunity to contribute to another wave of technological progression.

If Equatorial Launch Australia’s (ELA) plans are seen through, the three NASA launches over the coming month will be just the beginning. The company already has plans to expand its current Arnhem Space Centre and accommodate for up to 50 launches a year, from right here in the Territory.

Imagine what doors could be opened if the NT’s space industry takes off.

The scientific aspect is one thing, but these launches also bring new possibilities to the development and advancement of communities in and around East Arnhem.

Take, for instance, tourism.

Getting a hotel room or a place to stay in and around the space centre has proved difficult – just ask the media organisations from across the nation that were initially clamouring to cover the launch on Sunday, only to have their enthusiasm dented when they realised there was actually no accommodation within a cooee of the launch pad.

The industry here has the potential to unlock new possibilities and attract tourism and development to the region that has for so long never happened.

And, even more importantly, it brings the hope and promise of space exploration to a part of the world that is willing and able to seize those opportunities.

Gumatj Corporation Chairman Djawa Yunupingu said before the launch that these launches were not just a spectacle – they were a beacon of opportunity.

“We want our young people to see and take up the jobs and business opportunities that come from the growth of the Arnhem Space Centre over time,” Mr Yunupingu said.

“We want to create a bright future for our Yolngu families and take up new opportunities – the space industry being one of them.”

Klaus Helms of the East Arnhem Economic Growth Committee likewise said the start of a space industry in the region presented “amazing opportunities for diverse industry growth”.

Lift-off on Sunday night is one small step. What opportunities will come from the further growth of our space industry is the next giant leap for Territorians.