BAS Observer November 2017

20 BAS OBSERVER Meade 12-inch LX200 Classic OTA $1500 ONO This is the OTA only. No other accessories are included. Includes the Meade soft carrying case. There are two small spots of mould on the inside of the corrector plate (see photo). There are also two small water spots on the primary mirror. Due to size and weight, would prefer pick-up in South-East Queensland. (Could deliver/meet within 3 hours of Ipswich.) Bausch & Lomb 800 mm f/10 Lens $400 ONO Suitable for camera lens or guidescope. Includes camera mount, camera adaptor, diagonal, 18mm and 30mm Plössl eyepieces. NOTE: All prices exclude postage and insurance. Contact:  Brendan Downs Email: brendandowns@bigpond.com Phone: (07) 3812 2813 (after 7.00 p.m.) Equipment for Sale LOST IN SPACE . . . ( continued from page 13 ) The WRE had an active scientific sounding rocket program, participated in defence space projects and was supporting the European Launcher Development Organisation’s ( ELDO ) satellite launcher test program at Woomera. The country was a crucial participant in NASA space programs, through the tracking stations in the country, and an Australian ( Dr David Forbes Martyn ) chaired the UN Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee . Space program proposed, and rejected To build on these achievements, in 1 9 68 the WRE proposed a modest national civil and defence space program, which could have harnessed WRE and civil space capabilities towards the development of an Australian space industry. The proposal was rejected by the Gorton government on the basis of cost. This marked the beginning of a cyclical process that has, at least in the civil sector, hindered Australia’s ability to maintain its original level of space capability, or redevelop it over recent decades. Political parties of both persuasions have shown short-lived, underfunded bursts of support for developing an Australian space industry, only to withdraw that support just as these programs were achieving results. Potentially beneficial membership of the European Space Agency (the European Launcher Development Organisation’s successor), to which Australia has been repeatedly invited, has been constantly rejected, also (ostensibly) on the basis of cost. Disclosure statement Kerrie Dougherty is the author of Australia in Space (ATF Press, 2017) and received funding from the Space Industry Association of Australia to write the book. She is also a member of the National Space Society of Australia.  ■ An ELDO Europa rocket launched from Woomera. ( Image courtesy of Defence Science and Technology Group )