Curtin\u2019s planetary scientists will contribute to remote operations on the Moon and Mars as part of an exciting new Australian space consortium.<\/p>\n
Perth is set to become a global centre for remote operations in space, using local expertise that will take robotics and remote operations from the mine site to the Moon.<\/p>\n
Launched on 17 February, the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium comprises Curtin, the State Government of Western Australia and The University of Western Australia, with industry partners Woodside, Fugro and Nova Systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can leverage industry expertise in Australia to take remote operations into space,\u00a0and deliver solutions that benefit the Australia\u2013NASA Moon-to-Mars program,\u201d says planetary geologist Professor Phil Bland, from Curtin\u2019s Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC).<\/p>\n
\u201cAROSE brings together the best of Australian industry with the most advanced technology and leading WA scientists, on a project that has got deliverables in the economy and in research.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Curtin team will contribute its unique \u2018Binar\u2019 technology, used to build \u2018CubeSats\u2019 \u2013 small, lightweight satellites with low launch costs and minimal fuel requirements.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach element of a CubeSat is built around a 10-centimetre cube. Ours is an advanced, highly integrated version where all the systems are compacted into a single multi-layer circuit board,\u201d Professor Bland explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means more room for all the other systems you want the satellite to do. We can put a big camera on it, we can map the surface of the Earth for different types of rocks or we can send the satellite to other planets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtin will be engineering all the systems required to operate the satellites, including power, computer, steering and communications systems. These tasks provide hands-on experience for Curtin PhD researchers and students.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to build our own spacecraft here in Perth is really exciting \u2013 the SSTC is an amazing team.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd through AROSE, we can make that small-satellite capability available to industry for any relevant project \u2013 whether it be testing remote operations protocols in space, or inspecting mine sites,\u201d Professor Bland says.<\/p>\n
Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry says Curtin is proud to be joining a project that harnesses the strengths of both research and industry to drive innovation in the space and technology sectors.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtin\u2019s University\u2019s Space Science and Technology Centre is home to the largest planetary research group in the Southern Hemisphere and will be a valuable asset and contributor to the AROSE project,\u201d Professor Terry says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to be able to offer Curtin\u2019s world-class facilities, technology and expertise to this exciting collaboration that has the potential to not only solve some of the world\u2019s most complex problems, but to inspire the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n