Jul 19 2009
Australia Celebrates the Moon Landings Anniversary
In a couple of days (21st July local time) it will the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings. What is not as well known is that Australia was an important part of the NASA infrastructure that saw man walk on the moon. Being “down under” was critical because observatories in Australia could cover communications with the space missions while Florida was on the wrong side of the world to have line of sight contact.
Of the three original tracking stations in Australia: Carnavon, Honeysuckle Creek and Parkes - only Parkes radio telescope is still in operation, and well worth a visit if you are interested.
The other well known connection that Australia has with Nasa - is that Ausralia is where Skylab ended up- parts of the space station broke up and hit earth in remote Western Australia - driving the Nullarbor you will see some of the remnants in roadhouse museums!
The clear air and wide open spaces still attract both amateur and professional astronomers to Australia - but he romance and excitement of the moon landings has long gone. What is sure though when man does land on the moon again - Australia will be part of the communications team!
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