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The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have announced four new jointly funded space research projects. This initiative marks a significant step in the Australia-New Zealand Collaborative Space Program, aimed at fostering innovation and research in space technology.
Starting in August 2024, these projects will explore a range of critical areas including monitoring methane emissions, enhancing real-time greenhouse gas monitoring, managing free space optical communication nodes, improving space object tracking, and developing a joint AUS-NZ concept for maritime domain awareness.
Professor Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC, spoke on the significance of this partnership. “This collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in the space sector demonstrates our commitment to leveraging our combined strengths and resources. These projects reflect our shared vision of driving innovation and developing capabilities that will benefit our countries and contribute to global advancements in space technology.”
The partnership aims to establish lasting connections between Australian and New Zealand researchers, creating platforms for larger-scale future collaborations. It seeks to develop talent and joint expertise while supporting research and development in line with industry and end-user needs. The research also addresses major environmental, economic, and social challenges through scientific collaboration, taking advantage of the unique geographical features of Australia and New Zealand, such as the southern hemisphere location, clear skies, and varied topography.
Dr Carl Seubert, Chief Research Officer of SmartSat CRC, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort. “We’re excited to be driving international research collaboration, bringing Australian and New Zealand research organisations together to tackle significant issues through innovative space R&D. Initiatives like this are crucial to fostering the development of space technology and amplifying its impact on addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges on Earth.”
Alongside the initial projects, SmartSat CRC and MBIE have opened a call for submissions for further funding opportunities. They are inviting proposals for collaborative six-month feasibility studies, offering up to AUD $100,000 for Australia-based research activities and up to NZD $100,000 for New Zealand-based research activities. The aim is to harness complementary resources and expertise to develop innovative projects in Earth Observation, driving growth in the space industry in both countries.
The funding opportunity is open to public and private research organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Projects should align with industry and end-user needs and address significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. More information and submission details can be found on the SmartSat CRC website.
Further information is also available on the MBIE website.
Funded Projects
Verifying MethaneSat Livestock Methane Emission Estimates Led by the University of New South Wales, in collaboration with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the University of Wollongong, this project aims to use ground and airborne observations to verify MethaneSat’s livestock methane emission estimates in New Zealand and Australia. It seeks to enhance real-time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, providing valuable data for carbon accounting and emission reduction strategies.
Governance and Management of Free Space Optical Communication Nodes A feasibility study by the University of South Australia and the University of Auckland will explore the governance and management of a network of free space optical communication nodes across Australia and New Zealand. This project addresses technical and operational challenges related to Earth-to-space optical communications.
SatPing Initiative: Observation, Modelling, and Hardware Development Curtin University, Nova Systems, and the University of Auckland are collaborating to develop observation modelling and hardware for the SatPing initiative. The project aims to improve space situational awareness by enhancing the tracking of objects in Earth’s orbit.
Monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific: The Takahē Mission SmartSat CRC and Restore Lab are aligning efforts to develop a joint AUS-NZ mission concept focusing on maritime domain awareness. The Takahē Mission will advance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies for environmental and security monitoring.
Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Nick Ross
