New Australian satellite research tackles disaster communications
The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre launched in February and announced details of its first research and development (R&D) projects, prioritizing water security, disaster management and advanced telecommunications innovation.
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The SmartSat CRC, the largest space industry-research collaboration in Australia’s history, is helping to develop the country’s space industry, having already raised $245 million from more than 100 organizations, the Australian government and industry funding. This investment is targeted at advanced telecommunications, intelligent satellite systems, Earth observation and remote sensing analytics.
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“Critical communications infrastructure is often damaged during a major fire incident, which may complicate rescue efforts and put lives at further risk,” said Andy Koronios, SmartSat CEO and managing director. “We are meeting with NASA to discuss a project that will adapt existing emergency beacon technologies into a form of miniaturized satellite radio, connected into a national incident data management system that will deliver a complete, real-time picture of disaster zones and ensure reliable communications for individuals and communities in danger.”
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In a separate project, SmartSat will prove-up technologies that will enable its partners and relevant agencies to establish a national network to monitor the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater across the country. Dubbed the AquaWatch Australia Mission, this project is to be undertaken in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and with the support of partners will encompass a national mission to establish a mini constellation of dedicated AquaWatch satellites, complimented by a network of thousands of terrestrial water sensors that will upload data continuously in near real time.
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