The research is included in the second round of the grant program, backed by the SmartSat CRC collaboration, which focuses on using Earth observation (EO) for better environment and agricultural management.
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 EO, situational awareness, and optical communications to support space exploration.
==
==
The launch of the Australia-New Zealand Collaborative Space Program came alongside a commitment from the New Zealand government to support projects with NZ$6 million.
Professor Andy Koronios, the CEO of SmartSat, said, “By investing in space technologies for farm management, land monitoring and the integration of indigenous knowledge, we are improving our understanding of how to more reliably and sustainably look after our unique countries.
“We hope these new projects encourage enduring partnerships between Australian and New Zealand researchers, establish platforms for larger-scale future research initiatives, help develop talent and joint expertise, support R&D initiatives, and enhance business development.
“We also hope to build scientific capacity in alignment with both industry and end-user needs to address major environmental, economic, and social challenges for both nations.”
PROMOTED CONTENT
The scheme, which closed to new applications in September, invited 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.
The four new research projects, as described by SmartSat CRC, are:
Indigenous pathways to advance fuel moisture Earth observation technologies for improved fire planning management strategies
Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, and Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute)
This project will interface traditional Aboriginal and Indigenous Māori knowledge with contemporary scientific methods to better understand and manage fire-prone landscapes across Australia and New Zealand.
Researchers will use satellite data to create “life maps” that integrate science-derived models with traditional methods of reading the landscape and assessing fuel flammability – such as moisture content in vegetation – with a view to developing a near real-time flammability monitoring system.
Enhancing fractional cover models using hyperspectral data for improved pastoral condition assessment in Australia and New Zealand
FrontierSI and Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
This project seeks to enhance fractional cover data products (used to analyse and interpret proportions of green vegetation, non-green vegetation, and bare ground in a landscape) calibrated and proven in Australian conditions for use in monitoring pasture conditions across New Zealand.
By enabling better land condition assessments and management practices, the outcomes of this study will contribute to more sustainable land use, help mitigate the risk of erosion and protect vital soil and water resources.
Satellite sensing into agricultural practices: Phase A - ANZ’s Cal/Val campaigns of satellite, airborne and ground GNSS sensing of soil moisture
The University of Newcastle, FrontierSI and the University of Canterbury
This project will demonstrate the integration of soil moisture measurements collected using global navigational satellite systems (GNSS) from several platforms, including satellites, aircraft and ground receivers.
The study will collect baseline remote sensing data for assessing spatial and temporal variations of soil moisture in the hopes of better supporting decision making for agricultural practices and environmental applications.
SilverEye – Satellite imaging for land vegetation, environmental recovery in ecosystems and yield enhancement
CSIRO and the University of Auckland
This project aims to develop satellite capability to improve return time and resolution of agricultural monitoring, supporting crop management and environmental best practices across the southern hemisphere.
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.
Receive the latest developments and updates on Australia’s space industry direct to your inbox. Subscribe today to Space Connect here.
