Australia's often-overlooked reliance on satellite infrastructure has sparked concern among authorities, with emergency services and military personnel now undergoing training in traditional navigation and communication techniques in preparation for potential disruptions. Experts warn that a loss of access to critical space-based systems could have severe consequences, including widespread power outages, ATM network failures, and significant impacts on aviation, freight, and energy grid communications.
At the recent Australian space forum in Adelaide, Nick Leake, head of satellite and space systems at Optus, highlighted the vulnerability of Australia's space infrastructure to events such as solar flares or cyber-attacks. He stressed that many Australians are unaware of how integral space technology is to their daily lives until it is lost.
Jacqueline Craig AM, an adjunct professor at Flinders University and incident management team leader with the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES), revealed that SES members are now learning to navigate using street directories and paper maps – a skill once commonplace but now largely forgotten due to widespread use of digital mapping services. Younger generations, she noted, often struggle with traditional map reading.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in South Australia and the Northern Territory has contingencies in place to allow for normal operations for up to 24 hours without satellite systems. Beyond that, they would prioritise life-saving missions, relying on manual procedures, high-frequency radio, and even traditional “bush telegraph” methods for information sharing.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are also being trained in sextant use for celestial navigation and terrestrial navigation, although Air Commodore Chris Robson expects these skills would only be required infrequently. Experts agree that the primary risk to Australia's space capabilities comes from solar flares, which could significantly impair satellite functions.
While some may view the training as “doomsday prepping”, experts stress it is a necessary response to potential vulnerabilities. The forum explored strategies for enhancing network resilience, including advocating for increased investment in satellite technology and infrastructure development.
The initiative aims to ensure essential services can continue functioning even if critical space-based systems are compromised, illustrating the importance of addressing these risks and investing in alternative technologies.