In 2022, the South Australian Government, in partnership with the SmartSat CRC and local companies Inovor Technologies and Myriota, will send a locally manufactured small satellite to low Earth orbit— the first State Government to ever embark on such a mission.
The information gathered by the satellite will help improve state services like emergency services, the environment, water quality monitoring, mining and bushfire mitigation.
Boosting South Australia’s space economy, the $6.5 million SASAT1 Space Services Mission will strengthen the competitiveness of South Australian businesses in the small-satellite supply chain and pave the way for external investment and future growth in Australia and abroad.
To inspire young South Australians about future opportunities in space and demonstrate its impact on everyday life, all South Australian school students were invited to submit entries to name the satellite and become a part of South Australian history.
Fifty-seven primary and secondary schools from across regional and metropolitan South Australia answered the challenge which was won by Year 11 students from Findon High School’s Reconciliation Action Plan group.
The winning name – Kanyini – is a Pitjantjatjara word that describes the principle of responsibility and unconditional love for all of creation. In their submission, the students were inspired by the connection of Kanyini to how the satellite data would be used to tackle real world problems.
For further information on the SASAT1 Space Services Mission and the school competition visit saspacemission.com.au
