Blog icon

13 June 2018 News Release

The CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation will help Australian researchers maximise the benefits of observing Earth from space and further develop Australia’s space sector, which is estimated to be worth over $3 billion per year (APAC Report 2015 [pdf · 2.2mb]).

The Centre will coordinate a range of Earth-observing activities within CSIRO and also be a catalyst for engagement with Australian businesses, other government agencies and research organisations.

Data about Earth, collected by satellites orbiting the planet, is critical to understanding how our world works.

Satellite data is used in environmental management, for making accurate weather forecasts and monitoring natural disasters, and in commercial applications such as precision agriculture and transport logistics.

Executive Director for CSIRO Digital, National Facilities and Collections Dr Dave Williams said CSIRO was recognised globally as an expert in Earth observation from space, particularly in data modelling, analytics and applications.

"The development of new products and services based on satellite-derived data presents a growth opportunity for Australia's space sector," Dr Williams said.

"Our new CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation will be an open door for governments and businesses to access the wealth of CSIRO's expertise as well as those of our partners."

The Centre's Director, Dr Alex Held, is an international expert in Earth observation programs and policy, remote sensing and vegetation mapping.

"Our goal is to provide technical support to the Australian space sector, and help streamline research and the operation of projects through advances in remote sensing technologies," Dr Held said.

The Centre has already signed its first agreements, including one on satellite calibration and validation with CSIRO's partner, Geoscience Australia, for the Digital Earth Australia program.

This project will further improve the accuracy of satellite-derived data and be an important Australian contribution to international satellite missions.

In addition to being a key partner for industry and government, the Centre will support Earth observation science across CSIRO and represent Australia on bodies such as the international Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), conduct research into new satellite and sensor technologies, and manage Australia's access to state-of-the-art satellite facilities such as NovaSAR, which is due for launch later this year.

CSIRO has been working in the space sector for 75 years. We have strong capabilities in Earth observation, big data, advanced manufacturing, space tracking, managing complex facilities, and connecting with business both locally and internationally.

Images

The NovaSAR satellite will provide CSIRO and the wider Australian research community with access to an advanced form of radar technology known as S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar, or S-band SAR, which provides high resolution images of Earth from space. ©  Surrey Satellite Technology
Dr Alex Held is Director of the new CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation. He is an international expert in Earth observation programs and policy, remote sensing and vegetation mapping.
NovaSAR enables images to be taken day and night, and through cloud cover, which is especially useful in tropical zones and cloud-affected areas. ©  Airbus Defence & Space
Dr Dave Williams, Executive Director for CSIRO Digital, National Facilities and Collections, says CSIRO is recognised globally as an expert in Earth observation from space, particularly in data modelling, analytics and applications. The new CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation will be an open door for governments and businesses to access the wealth of CSIRO’s expertise as well as those of our partners.

Contact us

Find out how we can help you and your business. Get in touch using the form below and our experts will get in contact soon!

CSIRO will handle your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and our Privacy Policy.


First name must be filled in

Surname must be filled in

I am representing *

Please choose an option

Please provide a subject for the enquriy

0 / 100

We'll need to know what you want to contact us about so we can give you an answer

0 / 1900

You shouldn't be able to see this field. Please try again and leave the field blank.