Dr. Christyl Johnson is NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre’s deputy director for technology and research investments. She manages the research and development portfolio and is responsible for formulating future technology goals and leading an integrated program of investments aligned to meet those goals.
In a recent visit to Australia, Dr Johnson was asked about Australia’s role in NASA’s resurgent Space Program which includes putting the first woman on the moon as well as manned exploration of the planet Mars.
Returning to the moon will involve “bringing all the best and brightest ideas to the table at the same time. When you bring all the resources together, there is nothing that’s impossible.”
Australia’s Involvement in exploring space
Australia has been involved since the beginning of the Apollo program and has many opportunities to contribute.
We now have laser communications that will make it possible for large amounts of data to be streamed back from Mars. As we explore the caves and tunnels on Mars, children on Earth will be able to observe in real time.
How difficult will it be to build a space industry in Australia?
Dr Johnson says that Australia has many start-up companies that will have opportunities to direct their research and productivity towards the space program.
Dr Johnson says that the program will open up “a whole world of possibilities.”