We want bigger part of space race:minister

As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, Australia is seriously looking for opportunities in space.

Australia set up its own space agency in Adelaide 12 months ago and is very keen to work with NASA for opportunities to be involved in its Artemis program which aims to return a man and the first woman to the moon by 2024.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that we will be sending an astronaut to the moon or to Mars but it doesn't exclude it either," Australia's Industry Minister Karen Andrews told Sky News from the Parkes observatory in NSW that was crucial in relaying pictures during the first moon landing.

"We are part of the space race, we want a bigger part."

She said Australia's space agency works with industry and researchers to maximise opportunities for the country.

US President Donald Trump wants a return to the moon by 2024 and a mission to Mars beyond that.

He has also flagged a 'space force' aimed at a space warfare, but Ms Andrews said she has not be involved in any discussions in relation to that.