History of the Wresat project: Australia’s First satellite

28 November, Talk by Kerrie Dougherty, Curator Space Technology at the Powerhouse Museum

November 29 marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s entry into the Space Club, with the launch of its first satellite WRESAT in 1967. This launch made Australia one of the earliest countries to independently launch its own satellite-an incredible technical achievement for its time that has been almost forgotten today. Kerrie Dougherty will present the story of Australia’s first satellite project and trace its history from the early sounding rocket programs conducted at the Woomera Rocket Range. Find out how an act of American generosity enabled Australia to parlay its existing expertise in upper atmosphere research into its first satellite project, in an amazing 11 month program.

For more information see http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/whatson/wednesday_talks.asp