The Australian Democrats have welcomed the Interim Report on the Current State of Australia's Space Science and Industry Sector by the Senate Economics Committee.

"I have long campaigned for greater involvement in space science and industry, so I am really pleased that this is on the Senate's agenda," Democrats' Spokesperson for Science and Research, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, said.

"The extent to which we are dependent on space technology is often taken for granted, and Australia's involvement in this cutting edge field of innovation is just not up to par with other wealthy nations.

"A recurring theme during the inquiry was that space science is unmatched in its ability to inspire students to engage in science and engineering. We are missing out on these benefits," Senator Stott Despoja said.

The Committee received 80 submissions from a range of private citizens, government agencies, researchers and academics, and companies large and small.

There were two well-attended public hearings, one in Canberra and the other in Adelaide. A highlight was the attendance of Australian-born astronaut Dr Andy Thomas, who gave evidence early in the morning and stayed for the rest of the day. The Committee will deliver its final report by October 2008.

"If we want to be involved in this area, it will require government support. For a number of reasons, few avenues of space activity are yet commercially viable in their own right," Senator Stott Despoja said.

"This does not need to cost billions of dollars – we could pursue initiatives that would cost a lot less.

"I initiated this inquiry because I wanted the Senate to evaluate the arguments for and against greater Australian activity in space science and industry and for the Government to consider this for the National Innovation Review.

"It would be a shame if Australia stood alone in not seeing the value of this kind of big, inspirational science and industry," Senator Stott Despoja said.