The winning initiatives, listed in full at the bottom of this article, include a plan to verify a satellite that measures methane from space and an initiative to enhance the real-time surveillance of greenhouse gases.
Funded by the federal government, SmartSat CRC is a collaboration between universities and research organisations that partner with industry.
Originally limited to Australian firms, in January, it expanded its scope to work with Kiwi organisations on projects including Earth observation, situational awareness, and optical communications to support space exploration.
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The deal came alongside a commitment from the New Zealand government to support projects with NZ$6 million.
Dr Carl Seubert, chief research officer of SmartSat CRC, said, “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&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.”
SmartSat and New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said they are inviting proposals for collaborative six-month feasibility studies with up to AU$100,000 for Australia-based research activities, or up to NZ$100,000 for New Zealand-based research activities.
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“This funding opportunity aims to harness complementary resources and expertise to develop innovative research and development projects in the area of Earth observation that will drive the growth of the space industry in both countries,” said SmartSat.
“Open to public and private Australian and New Zealand research organisations, projects should align with industry and end-user needs, addressing major environmental, economic, and social challenges. For more information and to submit proposals, please visit the SmartSat CRC website.
“Further information can be found on the MBIE website.”
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 utilise ground and airborne observations to verify MethaneSat’s livestock methane emission estimates in New Zealand and Australia. This project aims to improve 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
To explore the governance and management of a network of free space optical communication nodes across Australia and New Zealand. This study will address the 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
To develop observation modelling and hardware for the SatPing initiative, which aims to enhance space situational awareness by improving the tracking of objects in Earth’s orbit.
Monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific from Space – The Takahē Mission
SmartSat CRC, Restore Lab
To align and develop a joint AUS–NZ mission concept focusing on maritime domain awareness and the advancement of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies for environmental and security monitoring.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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