A complex, but consistent question we get in space science research is "why should we continue to fund this type of science when we can resolve real-world issues here on Earth?". It's a valid question.

But the thing is - sometimes, pure science leads to global applications that benefit billions. Radio Astronomy gave us Wi-Fi. Extremophile studies gave us PCR tests for the pandemic.

I always love sharing these types of real-world applications stories.

Recently, an Aussie-based company called Quasar Satellite Technologies, has taken phased-array feed tech from CSIRO's radio telescope, ASKAP, and worked out a way to use the tech to communicate with multiple satellites at once per ground station. Given how many satellites are going up - this is that kind of game-changing tech we want to see. They've just secured their next round of funding.

My latest for #SpaceAustralia ---> https://www.spaceaustralia.com/news/quasar-satellite-technologies-secures-6m-funding

📷 Quasar / CSIRO

#SatComms #Communication #GroundSegment #RadioAstronomy #Astrodon