Voyager
Just beyond the south western extremities of urban Canberra is the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex at Tidbinbilla. Surrounded by hills – part of the scientific attraction of the relatively radio quiet site –is the most startling technology tucked away in a typical rural Australian setting. Kangaroos, sheep and cattle share the land with high powered radio telescopes and gum trees.
As you approach Tidbinbilla and the giant dishes first appear around a corner the contrast of modern technology upon a backdrop of countryside provides a moment that takes your breath away.
On 26 February this year Australia celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its relationship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration – NASA. Back on 26 February 1960 Prime Minister Menzies and US Ambassador Sebald signed the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the USA relating to Space Vehicle Tracking and Communications.
Continue reading "Our link to the far reaches of human achievement" »
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
In light of today's news, I eagerly await the empassioned calls for polygaymarriage
Marc Glasby says he's the 'meat in the sandwich' - he loves two women. And they're identical twins... http://t.co/kL2jL1RK via @sharethis
RT @ThePunchHQ: COMING SOON to a suburb near you: A controversial #NT intervention policy. @drpiotrowski explains http://t.co/MYjvaAy6#auspol
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
On a hiding to tweet nothing over mining jobs
You know you’re in strife as a political leader when you must rely on the almost uniformly vacuous…
An NT intervention policy coming to a suburb near you
A controversial policy from the Northern Territory intervention has managed to get through the atrocious…
An insight into a particularly tricky relationship
Marc Glasby has been married to his wife Belle for over thirty years. Three years ago, Belle was reunited…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
Michael S says:
"A teacher at Geelong Grammar had criticised her for using words that were too long, which had left her confused and had made her doubt her ability to write essays. She became ''quite distressed'' when her English marks began to fall." I can sympathise. My scholastic mentors conveyed to me a causal relationship… [read more]From: Welfare for breeders is a bonus for everyone
Change Up! says:
I have no problem paying my taxes. As a single, childless person on a very decent income, I can afford it and not have my life severely altered. Plus I understand that my taxes paying for things like schools, childcare and infrastructure is ultimately a good thing. A better community is better for me… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
A private school girl’s family is sueing her elite, extremely expensive private school for not… Read more
Latest 2 of 8 comments
View all commentsAdd your comment