Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) Together with the Australian Scientific Organization CSIRO, as well as the sterling university, Pixalytics, RAL Space, Assimila т т Deloitte, started a new stage of development of the Aquawatch International Program. The initiative is funded by the British Space Agency within the second wave of the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) and is part of the partnership of UK -Australia Space Bridge.
The goal of AquaWatch is to create an integrated water quality monitoring system, which will combine Earth remote sensing data from satellites and ground measurements. Це дозволить масштабно й оперативно відстежувати стан водойм, which is especially important in the conditions of the growing impact of pollution and climate change.
The project proposes the development of an Australian AquaWatch satellite to complement the European Space Agency's NAIAD mission (THIS) . The creation of a "dual" satellite system is envisaged, able to provide more frequent and accurate monitoring. The Australian spacecraft will be equipped with the Cyanosense hyperspectral instrument, developed by CSIRO, which will enable detailed biochemical analysis of water bodies. Its data will be combined with information from the TrueColor camera of the NAIAD satellite, forming complementary streams of observations.
The collected information will be integrated into national digital platforms, notably the UK's EO DataHub and Australia's EASI, which will simplify access to data and their use for scientific and applied needs.
The idea of the IBF should become the foundation for the next stage — the direct design and production of an Australian satellite. Using the proven NAIAD design in combination with new technologies from Australia will optimize costs while increasing the level of innovation.
For Australia, this collaboration means accelerating the development of national satellite technologies, strengthening the country's role in international satellite groups and new opportunities for economic growth. For Great Britain, this is a strengthening of the position in the field of small satellites, expansion of export potential and strengthening of international partnerships.
Source: https://news.satnews.com