Professor Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, "In a significant advancement for Trans-Tasman space collaboration, this partnership between Australia and New Zealand in the space sector demonstrates our commitment to leveraging our combined strengths and resources. These projects are a testament to our shared vision of driving innovation and developing capabilities that will not only benefit our respective countries but also contribute to global advancements in space technology."

The collaboration aims to establish lasting partnerships between Australian and New Zealand researchers, fostering large-scale future research endeavors. These projects are designed to address environmental, economic, and social challenges while utilizing the unique advantages of both countries, such as their southern hemisphere location, clear skies, and diverse topography.

Dr Carl Seubert, Chief Research Officer of SmartSat CRC, commented, "We're excited to be driving international research collaboration, and bringing Australian and New Zealand research organisations together to tackle significant issues through innovative space R and D. Initiatives such as this are essential to foster the development of space technology and amplify its impact to solve environmental, economic, and social challenges on Earth."

In addition to the initial projects, SmartSat has opened a call for submissions for further funding opportunities under the program. Researchers can apply for six-month feasibility studies with funding up to AUD $100,000 for Australia-based projects and NZD $100,000 for New Zealand-based projects. These funds aim to develop innovative Earth Observation research and foster growth in the space industry across both countries.

Funded Projects

+ Verifying MethaneSat livestock methane emission estimates in New Zealand and Australia using ground and airborne observations University of New South Wales, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), University of Wollongong

This project aims to verify MethaneSat's livestock methane emission estimates in New Zealand and Australia using ground and airborne observations. The goal is to enhance real-time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and provide valuable data for carbon accounting and emission reduction strategies.

+ A Feasibility Study into the Governance and Management of a Network of Free Space Optical Communication Nodes Across Australia and New Zealand

University of South Australia, University of Auckland

This study will explore the governance and management of a network of free space optical communication nodes across Australia and New Zealand, addressing technical and operational challenges of Earth-to-space optical communications.

+ Supporting the SatPing initiative with Observation, Modelling, and Hardware Development

Curtin University, Nova Systems, University of Auckland

This project aims to develop observation modelling and hardware for the SatPing initiative to enhance space situational awareness by improving the tracking of objects in Earth's orbit.

+ Monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific from Space - The Takahe Mission

SmartSat CRC, Restore Lab

This project focuses on aligning and developing a joint AUS-NZ mission concept for maritime domain awareness and advancing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies.

Related Links
SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application