Our Canadian friends are currently considering a satellite mission called the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) Mission. The mission is quite different from most, in that it has an interesting combination of missions, and will be flying in a somewhat unusual twin satellite High Earth Orbit.
The three main objectives for the mission are:
1. To provide 24/7 telecommunications services to the polar regions
2. Monitor Arctic Weather and Climate Change
3. Monitor Space Weather
Recent space press coverage has focussed on the need for Canada to seek partners in the project, which prompted me to think - could Australia partner in such a mission, and if so, what benefit would it bring to us, in our part of the world? How would this apply to Antarctica rather than the Arctic?
Firstly, looking at the main objectives for the mission - Telecommunications - Australia has a very strong need for telecommunications in the Antarctic region. Australia lays claim to a major portion of Antarctica, and has several scientific bases conducting research. It also claims the Australian Antarctic Territorial Waters surrounding the land claim, and has seen significantly more shipping, fishing and defence interest in these areas in recent years. All of these activities, combined with the new flight routes through this region, have significantly raised Australia's need for reliable communications bandwidth in the Polar Region. Under the Australian Space Research Program, the folks at Antarctic Broadband have also been looking at the problem.
Secondly, Climate Change and Antarctic weather are becoming an increasing priority to Australia as the planet warms up, and the Antarctic weather has strong influence on Australia's weather patterns. This weather is also poorly covered by traditional GEO Satellites due to the polar latitudes.
Thirdly, Space Weather has been a topic of scientific study for many universities around Australia for decades. Having our own ability to generate data over Australia and Antarctica could provide a significant boost in research efforts in Australia for Space Weather. It also helps us develop a higher skilled workforce for defence activities such as Space Surveillance and the JORN facility.
So, how could Australia participate? Given the High Earth Orbit, and dwell over the Artic region, wouldn't that make Australian involvement fairly useless?
Well, there are a couple of ways we could participate. Firstly, for the brief periods that the satellites are over the Antarctic region, Australia could benefit from any telecommunications capacity or weather information that can be generated. Whilst it would be small, it could be commensurate with our contribution.
We could also piggy back on the mission, and purchase a satellite (or even two), to provide the exact same mission as the Canadians, but for the Antarctica Region instead of the Arctic Region. In doing so, the collective cost of each satellite would be cheaper to both Canada and Australia. This would probably deliver the best benefits to Australia, but also come with the highest price.
Next, we could bring together a coalition of nations who are part of the Antarctic Treaty, to share the costs of two satellites, providing telecommunications and weather information to all participants. This would provide a good balance between capability achieved versus price, but would come with the added benefit of Australian involvement in an international space program, and enhance cooperation in the Antarctic region.
Alternatively, we could contribute technologies such as ground segments or on-board technologies such as those from Antarctic Broadband, for a limited use or data sharing agreement. Perhaps this could be of most use for the Space Weather and Meteorological data only.
All up, it would be interesting for the Space Policy Unit to open up a dialogue with the Canadian Space Agency on the PCW mission, to explore where our mutual interests could be further enhanced through cooperation.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Back at it!
Hi Blogosphere. Sorry for my absence. I've been moving house, changing job and a few other things! I promise I'll be better in the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Space Boomerang
Yours Sincerely,
Space Boomerang
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Upcoming Public Space Lectures in Adelaide
The Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program for 2013 has some fascinating public lectures coming up in Adelaide, which come highly recommended. I've published a quick summary of the events here, but for full details and registration, head over to the UniSA / ISU website here.
Friday 11 January - International Astronaut Event
The International Astronaut Event is a long-standing highlight in ISU sessions. The objective is to give the program participants and members of the general public a direct opportunity to ask a broad range of questions to a number of astronauts in an interactive mode. The international astronaut panel, composed of astronauts from different organisations, provides varying insights and opinions, especially comparing intensive, short duration flights with long-duration stays on board space stations (such as MIR and ISS).
The panel will include Dr Andy Thomas of Australia, Dr Soyeon Yi of South Korea, and, for the first time in Adelaide, Mr Paolo Nespoli of Italy. The panel will be moderated by Prof Scott Madry.
Thursday 17 January - Satellite Remote Sensing – the Benefits for Society
Australians are largely unaware of the impact of remote sensing by satellite on daily lives. Chaired by UniSA remote sensing specialist, Assoc Prof David Bruce, we will hear the latest policy developments and technological capabilities of earth observation satellites from an expert panel that includes Dr Kimberley Clayfield of CSIRO, and Mr Anthony Wicht of the Space Policy Unit, Department of Innovation, Canberra.
Monday 21 January - Using Satellites to overcome the Digital Divide
Satellites are more important than ever in overcoming the digital divide between those who have access to high speed broadband communications and those who do not. We will hear how each of Australia's satellite operators - Newsat, Optus and NBNCo - are addressing or are planning to address this vital national need. The panel will chaired by Ms Alexandra Seneta of the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Thursday 31 January - Showcasing the Australian Space Research Program
The Australian Space Research Program, now in its final year, has been an outstanding success in stimulating Australian space research activity. This panel will be chaired by Professor Andrew Parfitt and will include representatives from the Australian National University, Vipac, Flinders University and the Institute for Telecommunications Research at UniSA. Each speaker will present the highlights of their project and explain what the future holds.
Friday 11 January - International Astronaut Event
The International Astronaut Event is a long-standing highlight in ISU sessions. The objective is to give the program participants and members of the general public a direct opportunity to ask a broad range of questions to a number of astronauts in an interactive mode. The international astronaut panel, composed of astronauts from different organisations, provides varying insights and opinions, especially comparing intensive, short duration flights with long-duration stays on board space stations (such as MIR and ISS).
The panel will include Dr Andy Thomas of Australia, Dr Soyeon Yi of South Korea, and, for the first time in Adelaide, Mr Paolo Nespoli of Italy. The panel will be moderated by Prof Scott Madry.
Thursday 17 January - Satellite Remote Sensing – the Benefits for Society
Australians are largely unaware of the impact of remote sensing by satellite on daily lives. Chaired by UniSA remote sensing specialist, Assoc Prof David Bruce, we will hear the latest policy developments and technological capabilities of earth observation satellites from an expert panel that includes Dr Kimberley Clayfield of CSIRO, and Mr Anthony Wicht of the Space Policy Unit, Department of Innovation, Canberra.
Monday 21 January - Using Satellites to overcome the Digital Divide
Satellites are more important than ever in overcoming the digital divide between those who have access to high speed broadband communications and those who do not. We will hear how each of Australia's satellite operators - Newsat, Optus and NBNCo - are addressing or are planning to address this vital national need. The panel will chaired by Ms Alexandra Seneta of the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Thursday 31 January - Showcasing the Australian Space Research Program
The Australian Space Research Program, now in its final year, has been an outstanding success in stimulating Australian space research activity. This panel will be chaired by Professor Andrew Parfitt and will include representatives from the Australian National University, Vipac, Flinders University and the Institute for Telecommunications Research at UniSA. Each speaker will present the highlights of their project and explain what the future holds.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
United States to Relocate Space Surveillance Radar to Australia
Announced as part of the AUSMIN 2012 meeting in Perth between the United States and Australia, the United States will relocate one of it's C-band surveillance radar from Antigua to Exmouth in Western Australia. This aligns with Project JP 3029 as part of the 2012 Australian Defence Capability Plan.
In addition there is discussion that a DARPA-built optical telescope could also be relocated from New Mexico to Western Australia to monitor Space Debris and Satellites right out to GEO, as well as the potential establishment for a combined communications gateway to support the Wideband Global SATCOM System, of which Australia is already a partner and has paid for an additional satellite in the constellation.
Overall the announcement represents a major step in US-Australian Space collaboration, as well as a significant boost to the Australian Defence Force space situational awareness capability.
The Joint Communique released states:
We recognised the need to address the rising threat presented by increasing congestion in space from over 50 years of space activities and a significant rise in space debris. In particular, we need to ensure our continued access to space assets for services critical to the functioning of modern economies, as well as for national security purposes.
In response, we have brought forward a new and important element of this cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the relocation and establishment of a jointly-operated US C-Band space surveillance radar at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Western Australia. We have also decided to work towards the relocation of a highly advanced US Space Surveillance Telescope to Australia.
The relocation of these capabilities will strengthen the US global Space Surveillance Network's ability to track space assets and debris, and contribute to the global public good by making this information publicly available and providing satellite operators around the world with warnings of possible collisions between space objects, thereby reducing the danger posed by space debris.
The relocation and joint operation of these assets is a demonstration of our commitment to closer space cooperation, and builds upon the Space Situational Awareness Partnership established between Australia and the United States at AUSMIN in 2010.
In addition, the Joint Communique reaffirms the joint commitment to:
In addition there is discussion that a DARPA-built optical telescope could also be relocated from New Mexico to Western Australia to monitor Space Debris and Satellites right out to GEO, as well as the potential establishment for a combined communications gateway to support the Wideband Global SATCOM System, of which Australia is already a partner and has paid for an additional satellite in the constellation.
Overall the announcement represents a major step in US-Australian Space collaboration, as well as a significant boost to the Australian Defence Force space situational awareness capability.
The Joint Communique released states:
We recognised the need to address the rising threat presented by increasing congestion in space from over 50 years of space activities and a significant rise in space debris. In particular, we need to ensure our continued access to space assets for services critical to the functioning of modern economies, as well as for national security purposes.
In response, we have brought forward a new and important element of this cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the relocation and establishment of a jointly-operated US C-Band space surveillance radar at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Western Australia. We have also decided to work towards the relocation of a highly advanced US Space Surveillance Telescope to Australia.
The relocation of these capabilities will strengthen the US global Space Surveillance Network's ability to track space assets and debris, and contribute to the global public good by making this information publicly available and providing satellite operators around the world with warnings of possible collisions between space objects, thereby reducing the danger posed by space debris.
The relocation and joint operation of these assets is a demonstration of our commitment to closer space cooperation, and builds upon the Space Situational Awareness Partnership established between Australia and the United States at AUSMIN in 2010.
In addition, the Joint Communique reaffirms the joint commitment to:
- relocate a US C-Band space surveillance radar to Western Australia in 2014, where it will track space assets and debris, contribute to the safety and security of space-based systems on which we rely and increase coverage of space objects in the southern hemisphere;
- complement the C-Band space surveillance radar capability by working towards the relocation of an advanced US space surveillance telescope to Australia, and explore ways to better leverage Australian space surveillance capabilities for combined benefit, as next steps under the Space Situational Awareness Partnership signed in 2010;
- discuss the possible establishment of a Combined Communications Gateway in Western Australia, which would provide both Australia and the United States greater access to the Wideband Global Satellite communications constellation in which we are partners. The discussions follow the signature of a Military Satellite Communications Partnership Statement of Principles in 2008;
Overall, the facilities will help provide the United States with far better Space Situational Awareness capability in the Southern Hemisphere, whilst also giving Australia direct access to advanced Space Situational Awareness Technology. It will also allow both countries to keep a very close watch on any space launches coming from Asia, as well as both satellites and space debris already in orbit.
The C-Band radar will cost around $30 Million to relocate, with an annual $10 Million operation cost annually. It is anticipated that US personnel will train Australian operators, rather than remain in Australia to operate the system. The Radar facility is scheduled to be up and running in 2014.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Australian publishes a 'Satellite Technology Special Report'
Australia in the Asian Century White Paper refers to Space
Buried on page 239 of the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper provides an interesting few paragraphs on space related technology, and the growing importance in Asia.
Whilst the reference is fairly small, it shows an increasing understanding and importance placed within the Australian government on space related issues. It also makes an interesting reference to continuing investment in Australia's space-related ground infrastructure. Perhaps this will feature in the upcoming policy.
The Space Paragraphs:
Space-related technologies, such as those used to observe the Earth from space, are increasingly important for security, environmental and commercial interests. In the maritime domain, for example, information from space can provide essential data for anti-piracy measures, fisheries enforcement and environmental operations. Advanced space-enabled positioning systems, which are highly accurate and based on existing systems such as the global positioning system maintained by the US Government, are driving innovation in the logistics, agriculture, construction and other sectors.
Some regional countries are increasing their investment in space technology. For example, India, China and Japan are flying satellite missions and are developing independent satellite positioning systems. And Vietnam is investing US$600 million in a space technology centre in the Hoa Lac hi-tech zone in Hanoi.
Protection of this space-based and space-related infrastructure will become increasingly necessary.
Australia’s regional connections, geographical location and long-term engagement on space issues position us well. However, we need to continue our investment in space-related ground infrastructure to capitalise on our location and ensure that our capabilities remain relevant.
Whilst the reference is fairly small, it shows an increasing understanding and importance placed within the Australian government on space related issues. It also makes an interesting reference to continuing investment in Australia's space-related ground infrastructure. Perhaps this will feature in the upcoming policy.
The Space Paragraphs:
Space-related technologies, such as those used to observe the Earth from space, are increasingly important for security, environmental and commercial interests. In the maritime domain, for example, information from space can provide essential data for anti-piracy measures, fisheries enforcement and environmental operations. Advanced space-enabled positioning systems, which are highly accurate and based on existing systems such as the global positioning system maintained by the US Government, are driving innovation in the logistics, agriculture, construction and other sectors.
Some regional countries are increasing their investment in space technology. For example, India, China and Japan are flying satellite missions and are developing independent satellite positioning systems. And Vietnam is investing US$600 million in a space technology centre in the Hoa Lac hi-tech zone in Hanoi.
Protection of this space-based and space-related infrastructure will become increasingly necessary.
Australia’s regional connections, geographical location and long-term engagement on space issues position us well. However, we need to continue our investment in space-related ground infrastructure to capitalise on our location and ensure that our capabilities remain relevant.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Australian Space Policy to be called "Satellite Utilisation Policy"
It is understood that Australia's first national space policy is in the throws of debate within federal cabinet, and has been renamed the "Satellite Utilisation Policy".
In what is seen as a strong reflection of Australia's ongoing awkwardness with the space domain and policy, the renaming of the Australian Space Policy demonstrates that politically, the policy needs to focus on the use of space technology for solving Australia's national problems, rather than a general association with the space activities of other international space agencies.
Previously the Space Policy Unit has focussed on what was called a 'National Space Industry Policy' - reflecting a focus that the policy would be directed towards 'industry development' rather than space in general. The new name demonstrates a very practical focus to the policy - likely centered around the workhorse applications of Telecommunications, Earth Observation, and Position, Navigation and Timing - the technologies that most Australian's use every day without ever considering that they are using Space technology.
There are some implicit implications of this change of focus within the policy. Where does this leave Australian space science? Science is not traditionally considered a utilisation of satellites - perhaps science is excluded from the policy consideration all together? If so, where does this leave the Australian Space Science Decadal Plan?
How will this change of focus be perceived internationally? By excluding the broader space domain, will the policy address legal and diplomatic aspects of space? Is Australia serious about becoming an active diplomatic middle power nation, when we don't have a policy that covers an area underpinning our national economic, military and environmental future? Will international space agencies feel confused about Australia's direction within the space domain, and how will the new policy focus change how they interact with Australia?
What about defence - will the policy be a whole of government policy with civilian and defence activities covered? In Australia, we struggle to sustain a single space community - let alone two communities with limited interaction.
What I do know is that most people in Australia still think of putting man on the moon when the topic of space comes up, and why would Australia want to spend bucket loads of money on that?
Short to mid term, the focus of the space policy as a 'Satellite Utilisation Policy' is likely insulate the policy from major criticism surrounding the 'waste of money' theme associated with manned exploration, and allow Australia to start changing the conversation to - why are we not better using these technologies and industries to better solve our problems. It is also more likely to receive better parliamentary support, providing a more sustainable future for the Space Sector in general.
In what is seen as a strong reflection of Australia's ongoing awkwardness with the space domain and policy, the renaming of the Australian Space Policy demonstrates that politically, the policy needs to focus on the use of space technology for solving Australia's national problems, rather than a general association with the space activities of other international space agencies.
Previously the Space Policy Unit has focussed on what was called a 'National Space Industry Policy' - reflecting a focus that the policy would be directed towards 'industry development' rather than space in general. The new name demonstrates a very practical focus to the policy - likely centered around the workhorse applications of Telecommunications, Earth Observation, and Position, Navigation and Timing - the technologies that most Australian's use every day without ever considering that they are using Space technology.
There are some implicit implications of this change of focus within the policy. Where does this leave Australian space science? Science is not traditionally considered a utilisation of satellites - perhaps science is excluded from the policy consideration all together? If so, where does this leave the Australian Space Science Decadal Plan?
How will this change of focus be perceived internationally? By excluding the broader space domain, will the policy address legal and diplomatic aspects of space? Is Australia serious about becoming an active diplomatic middle power nation, when we don't have a policy that covers an area underpinning our national economic, military and environmental future? Will international space agencies feel confused about Australia's direction within the space domain, and how will the new policy focus change how they interact with Australia?
What about defence - will the policy be a whole of government policy with civilian and defence activities covered? In Australia, we struggle to sustain a single space community - let alone two communities with limited interaction.
What I do know is that most people in Australia still think of putting man on the moon when the topic of space comes up, and why would Australia want to spend bucket loads of money on that?
Short to mid term, the focus of the space policy as a 'Satellite Utilisation Policy' is likely insulate the policy from major criticism surrounding the 'waste of money' theme associated with manned exploration, and allow Australia to start changing the conversation to - why are we not better using these technologies and industries to better solve our problems. It is also more likely to receive better parliamentary support, providing a more sustainable future for the Space Sector in general.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)