Noby Leong finds out the story of a collection of satellite dishes in the heart of Adelaide's suburbs.

At the University of South Australia, a group of researchers are key players in staying in contact with the satellites far above Australia. From their centre, the Institute for Telecommunications Research run a satellite communication facility, developing new technology and working with a range of businesses.

The team also conduct research to improve satellite signal transmission and processing, including a project to improve satellite-based search and rescue to ensure that information is processed and relayed to people on the ground as quickly and accurately as possibly.

Australia’s space agency will have a major impact on science, and society, boosting jobs, collaborations and opportunities overseas for space companies. In this special feature, we take stock of Australia’s current role in space and what the future might look like – for the space industry, for science, the young professionals pursuing their dream jobs, and for the country as a whole.

The final frontier, Down Under

The space jobs of the future

What the Australian space agency must do

A young professional's view of space

Looking up for our future in space