The Â鶹ֱ²¥ node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) has teamed with Australian-owned company Nova Systems to prototype a new facility for Space Domain Awareness.<\/p>\n
The formal partnership will deliver a prototype passive array radar system, which can locate and track satellites and space junk orbiting Earth.<\/p>\n
The prototype is located at Nova Systems\u2019 Space Precinct in South Australia\u2019s Mid North and is based on the adaption of the Â鶹ֱ²¥-led Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a low frequency radio telescope for astrophysics.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe passive array radar prototype is a massive step in Australian innovation to collect big data from space sensors,\u201d Nova Systems Executive General Manager Mission Solutions, Andrew Mannix said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe technology allows us to see the sky horizon to horizon to detect objects and activities of interest.\u00a0 Because of its broad capability, it is then useful for cueing other narrow-view sensors to take a closer and more detailed look.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpace Domain Awareness is essentially tracking the thousands of objects in Earth\u2019s orbit.\u00a0 It is integral to the national interest and protects against threats in orbit. Australia depends on space for communications, navigation, and information from its satellites, so it\u2019s imperative we\u2019re aware of what objects hover over us and could pose a threat.<\/p>\n
\u201cNova Systems has a strong background in the space sector including supporting the\u00a0delivery of complex space and satellite communication programs and engineering and advisory services such as mission analysis, space domain awareness, launch safety and regulatory support and\u00a0training.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe partnership with the Curtin node of ICRAR is a significant milestone for us in working closely with academia to innovate and create new capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Using a large number of individual antennas, the passive array radar system detects FM radio broadcasts from radio stations on Earth, that are reflected off objects in space. The array is also capable of other Space Domain Awareness tasks, such as monitoring space weather.<\/p>\n
ICRAR Deputy Executive Director and John Curtin Distinguished Professor Steven Tingay said the key focus of the partnership with Nova Systems is to help solve Australia\u2019s space challenges and understand how we see and manage what is going on above us.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new partnership will see the Â鶹ֱ²¥ node of ICRAR bring our underlying deep understanding of astrophysics and engineering technology to the project,\u201d Professor Tingay said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether with Nova Systems we will perform specific Space Domain Awareness missions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as required by potential clients including the Australian Defence Force.\u201d<\/p>\n
An initial 512 antennas are being established at Nova\u2019s Space Precinct, which also hosts several Satellite ground stations, supporting local and international clients to cater for the data download needs of the ever-increasing number of satellites and constellations. Once the Space Domain Awareness facility is complete, more than 2,400 antennas will be installed, with advanced electronics and software systems, the majority of which will be manufactured in Western Australia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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