CSIRO test-bed antenna.

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science formed

Reference: 09/214

A new Division, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS), has been formed today bringing together CSIRO's radio astronomy capabilities (the Australia Telescope National Facility), NASA Operations (including the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex), CSIRO Space Sciences and Technology; and the CSIRO Boeing Advisor.

• 1 December 2009

The enlarged unit will encompass radio astronomy, deep space tracking and communication activities on behalf of NASA, space science coordination, advanced aerospace business development, and national/international facilities management.

The Chief of CASS will be responsible for both radio astronomy activities and space science and will report to the CSIRO Group Executive for Information Sciences, Dr Alex Zelinsky.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark said the creation of this Division reinforces our role in managing global-scale facilities and the importance of our space science.

“CASS also supports the increasing alignment of astronomy and space science in Australia and will strengthen CSIRO and Australia’s positioning to host and operate the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) the $3B next-generation international radio astronomy facility,” Dr Clark said.

CSIRO Group Executive for Information Sciences Dr Alex Zelinsky said CASS would add to CSIRO’s existing capabilities and expertise in operating national and international facilities.

“CASS will be primarily responsible for outcomes through the management of the Australia Telescope National Facility, and through the newly approved direct management of the CDSCC Facility, as well as CSIRO Space Sciences and Technology (CSST),” Dr Zelinsky said.

“The move by CSIRO to take on direct management of CDSCC from late February 2010 is a strategic step.”

Recruitment for the role of ‘Chief of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science’ is underway. Dr Lewis Ball (currently ATNF Acting Director) will be the Acting Chief of CASS until the appointment process is completed.

“Bringing CSIRO’s activities in space science and astronomy together is consistent with the recent identification of Astronomy and Space Science as one of the Australian Government’s three ’Super Science’ priorities,” Dr Ball said.

“Under the new structure, CSIRO’s impact in radio astronomy and space science will continue to grow with the whole being much greater than the sum of the parts.”

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