ANU has welcomed the announcement by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA to support the future of Australia's space industry at Mount Stromlo.

ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Young AO, said the University was well placed to support a Space Research and Innovation Hub.

"ANU is home to some of the world's best space research facilities and instruments and has recently been involved in testing the next generation in satellite technology," Professor Young said.

"The ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics has a long history of technical research and industry collaboration, and is equipped with specialised engineering facilities to help researchers develop high-tech space instruments.

"The Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) based at Mount Stromlo is a national facility and was established to support the development of the next generation of instruments for astronomy and space science."

ANU scientists at Mount Stromlo are also taking the lead role in a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) project to clean up debris in space, to make space safer for satellites and future exploration.

The University also leads Australia's activities in an international consortium of leading universities and science institutions to build the Giant Magellan Telescope - the next class of super giant earth-based telescopes that promises to revolutionise our view and understanding of the universe.

"The ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics has a strong track record of collaboration with industry and government partners and looks forward to working with the ACT Government to further develop Australia's space industry," Professor Young said.