Supporting the technology needs of the Australian astronomy and space science community

The Australian National University Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ANU RSAA) is Australia's premier University Centre for astronomical research. It has a distinguished heritage in converting the complex scientific requirements of Astronomers into precision instrumentation, including the design, integration and test of advanced instrumentation for international observatories such as the Gemini Observatory and the new Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). The recent establishment of the Advanced Instrumentation and echnology Centre (AITC) expanded the ANU RSAA's capability and established the infrastructure to support the design, integration and test of spacebased instruments. With a mandate to support astronomy and space science nationally, the AITC provides an intersection between scientists and engineers, between research and industry and enables collaboration across different sectors. This paper will present recent steps taken by the AITC to identify potential science-justified space-based astronomy missions. It will outline some of the technologies being developed in Australia to support future astronomy and space science missions and the importance of the test and evaluation work being undertaken at the AITC to improve their performance and their technology readiness level.5 page(s