Space technologies will receive $16 million as part of CSIRO's Future Science Platforms (FSP) to identify and develop the science needed to leapfrog traditional technologies and find new areas for Australian industry to work in.
It will initially focus on advanced technologies for Earth observation, and then address challenges such as space object tracking, resource utilisation in space, and developing manufacturing and life support systems for missions to the moon and Mars.
The investment is part of CSIRO’s FSP portfolio, aimed at dedicating research to new and emerging opportunities for Australia.
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According to CSIRO, it aims to help reinvent old and create new industries, as well as grow the capability of a new generation of researchers through specially-created student places in these 'future' fields.
Dr Sarah Pearce, deputy director, CSIRO astronomy and space science, said: "The new CSIRO Space Technology FSP will build on CSIRO’s existing space-related activities, with a focus on cross-disciplinary opportunities and deep industry collaboration."
The space industry plays an essential role in the lives of all Australians.
The nation's telecommunications, especially in rural areas, rely on satellite infrastructure. A number of Australian industries rely on access to accurate satellite images and other data derived from space; weather forecasts and positioning technologies on mobile devices even rely on space science and space-based infrastructure.
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Dr Pearce explained to Space Connect that CSIRO has extensive expertise in the space ecosystem, particularly in areas like Earth observation, data analytics, space tracking and informatics.
Additional key areas where CSIRO has world-leading technology or operations experience and expertise that can be applied to space, include:
- Carbon fibre manufacturing;
- 3D printing and additive manufacturing;
- Printable solar cells;
- 3D mobile mapping technology;
- In-situ resource extraction;
- Remote operations;
- Astronaut health and nutrition;
- Space tracking and situational awareness; and
- Radio astronomy.
"What we are now discovering is that CSIRO has expertise in areas that can help build the space industry, in areas like plant genomics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, space object tracking, in-situ resource utilisation and life support systems," Dr Pearce said.
CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall said the CSIRO Future Science Platforms have an important role to play in inventing and securing Australia’s path to prosperity.
"Our Future Science Platforms aim to turn Australia’s challenges into opportunities where new science can break through seemingly impossible roadblocks to give Australia an unfair advantage on the world stage," Dr Marshall said.
CSIRO’s investment in space technology builds on the launch of CSIRO’s Space Roadmap for Australia and supports the newly formed Australian Space Agency’s goal of tripling the size of the domestic space sector to $10-12 billion by 2030.
It will also grow CSIRO’s 75 years of work in space.
Dr Pearce expanded on the collaboration between CSIRO and the newly formed Australian Space Agency.
"We are working very closely with the Space Agency to help grow Australia's domestic space industry. Which while currently small in the global context, is poised for growth thanks to pioneering technology transformation, industry momentum created by the new Australian Space Agency, and growing demand for satellite services," she said.
CSIRO supports supply chains through advanced manufacturing, managing big data and helping small and medium enterprises. CSIRO also has an established network of national and international partnerships throughout the space sector.
FSPs are an investment in science that underpins innovation and that has the potential to help reinvent and create new industries for Australia. FSPs will see CSIRO grow the capability of new generation of researchers and allow Australia to attract the best students and experts to work on future science.
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