25 Years of Education, Outreach & Discovery
9 December 2005
Encouraging the Next Generation of Space Explorers
In a year that celebrates 40 years of operations at the NASA Deep Space Network station at Tidbinbilla, the Complex's public visitor centre - the Canberra Space Centre (CSC) reaches a milestone of its own - 25 years educating and exciting people about the wonders of the Solar System and beyond.

The Centre was designed to fulfil a need expressed by the public for a place to come and learn about the work done by the antennas of NASA's Deep Space Network and learn more about the discoveries being made in space and on Australia's key role in that endeavour.

"The CSC offers the public a stimulating and informative insight into the scientific roles and achievements of space exploration and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex's (CDSCC) crucial role as an element in NASA's Deep Space Network," says Glen Nagle, CSC education and outreach manager. "This cooperative quest to explore our Solar System is for the benefit of all humanity."

Each year 70,000 people, including 9,000 students on school excursions from around the country visit the Centre. Over 25 years the CSC has literally passed on its important message to millions of people in Australia and visitors from around the world. Its outreach programs extend even further to thousands more each month through its website.

Jointly established by the Australian Department of Science and NASA, the CSC was officially opened on 11th December 1980. Each year 70,000 visitors come to the Centre, including thousands of school students and their teachers, all eager to start exploring the universe through memorabilia and exhibits as well as guided tours from the Centre's education staff.

Apart from its message about space exploration the CSC also highlights the direct benefit of the antenna complex to the local and Australian community. Tens of millions of dollars each year from the operation of the Complex goes directly into the local economy, and directly employs 140 Australians (plus many other jobs through contractors and support services). The CDSCC also plays a key role in the environmental management of the beautiful Tidbinbilla valley.

"As much as possible we try to show the public that 'space' isn't just a place for scientists and astronauts to explore. Each one of us can start making our own discoveries and dream about going there ourselves one day." Glen says.

"The Canberra Space Centre is all about encouraging a new generation of scientists and engineers - the space explorers of tomorrow."

"The Apollo astronauts who walked on the Moon were aged from 35-50. If the vision for our future in space goes as planned, then the first person to walk on Mars will take place about 30 years from now. That means that the generation alive today between the ages of 5 to 20 years old will be the first to go there."

"We need to encourage our children and grand-children to follow that dream, to be the first to walk on another world, and take that next 'small step' for all of us."

The Canberra Space Centre is open everyday and provides all of its programs free. Exhibitions at the CSC include an actual piece of the Moon over 3.8 billion years old, real flight hardware, spacesuits, full-scale replicas of the Mars Rovers, and magnificent views of the largest antenna "dishes" in the southern hemisphere.

Article compiled by Glen Nagle - CDSCC Education & Outreach Manager.