A new partnership between SmartSat CRC and New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), will boost funding opportunities for Trans-Tasman space research.
The partnership will see four jointly funded space research projects funded in the initial phase. These include research into enhancing real-time monitoring of greenhouse gases, improving the tracking of space objects and developing a joint AUS-NZ concept for maritime domain awareness.
Initially limited to Australian firms, the scope of work expanded in January to include NZ-based organisations and projects that included situational awareness, Earth observation and optical communications to support space exploration.
The Trans-Tasman collaboration aims to build long-term relationships between researchers, with a view to develop platforms for larger-scale future research collaborations, development of talent and joint expertise and support for R&D in alignment with industry and end-user needs.
The partnership demonstrates significant commitment towards the collaboration between Australia and New Zealand and will deliver considerable advancement for the space sectors in both countries.
“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,” said Professor Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC.
The research projects will also help to address major environmental, economic and social challenges through scientific collaboration, and utilise the unique landscapes and geographic attributes of each country to deliver robust learnings.
As part of the announcement, SmartSat CRC and MBIE also opened a call for submissions for funding opportunities for further research activities.
Under the program, eligible organisations are invited to submit proposals for collaborative six-month feasibility studies, with up to AUD $100,000 on offer for Australian-based research activities, or NZD $100,000 for New Zealand-based research activities.
The funding aims to propel growth of the space industry in both countries by harnessing complementary resources and expertise to develop innovative research and development projects in Earth Observation.
The opportunity is open to public and private Australian and New Zealand research organisations, and projects should align with industry and end-user needs, addressing major environmental, economic and social channels.
To find out more about the collaboration and the call for proposals, visit the SmartSat CRC website.
To view a list of funded projects and find out more about the program, visit the MBIE website.
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Photo (L-R): Enrico Palermo, Head of Australian Space Agency, Hon Judith Collins KC MP NZ Minister for Space, Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science and SmartSat Chief Executive Officer Prof Andy Koronios.
