Wednesday, July 24, 2024 2:08 PM
Press Release: University of Auckland
Two newly funded space research projects will see University of Auckland and Australian researchers working together to advance innovation in space communications and the responsible use of space.
As part of its research activities, the University of Auckland is partnering with the University of South Australia to develop a system to manage an international network of optical ground stations that will help transmit large amounts of data between Earth and space, addressing the critical needs of modern space exploration and communications.
Optical communications, which uses laser light, allows for much higher data transmission speeds than traditional radio frequencies. Terrestrial networks use optical fibre, but transmitting data between Earth and space faces challenges due to atmospheric interference.
A big problem is cloud cover that blocks the signals. One solution is to have a network of interconnected ground stations distributed across different locations.
The research, led by Associate Professor Nicholas Rattenbury from the School of Science, will produce a report on the operational and governance requirements for running such an international network, providing essential information for stakeholders involved in the project.
“Building an international network of researchers and infrastructure requires effort to overcome administrative and management challenges, and this funding will support those efforts in both New Zealand and Australia,” Latenbury said.
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In another project, the Faculty of Engineering’s Te Punaha Atea Space Institute, in collaboration with Curtin University and Nova Systems, will support the development of the SatPing initiative. Led by Professor Roberto Almerin, the project aims to improve space traffic management and enhance the responsible use of space through innovative technologies.
Space traffic management has become a challenging problem as the number of spacecraft and space debris continues to grow. Effective management requires accurate information about the positions of orbital objects, traditionally obtained from ground- and space-based sensors such as radar and optical instruments.
The SatPing plan will use tiny tracking beacons on orbital objects: these chips will send radio signals to Earth, allowing the object’s location to be tracked precisely.
The collaboration brings together a diverse team from multiple institutions across Australia and New Zealand, blending expertise from academia and industry.
Curtin University and Nova Systems, which runs a 24/7 space situational awareness facility in South Australia, will play a key role in collecting passive radio frequency data compatible with SatPing, which experts from Te Punaha Atea Space Institute will then analyse and create algorithms to determine the trajectories of these objects.
Curtin University has also developed the Binar 1U CubeSat, a small satellite that will help test SatPing technology in space, and Nova Systems will handle regulatory and spectrum licensing requirements for space-based communications, ensuring SatPing operates legally and efficiently.
The collaboration is part of an agreement signed in January 2024 between New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Australian SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre. The University of Auckland’s participation in the two research projects is funded through the Catalyst Fund, with each project receiving $100,000.
First, the research team will conduct six-month feasibility studies. Upon successful completion, these studies will be considered for second-stage funding, paving the way for longer-term research and development.
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