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Observing Earth from space

CSIRO provides end-to-end Earth observation capabilities, from designing satellite sensors, to operating Australia’s share of the NovaSAR-1 satellite, providing critical calibration and validation services, and developing cutting-edge data analytics platforms. We apply our Earth observation expertise to solve the greatest challenges, such as safeguarding freshwater and coastal resources, enhancing mineral exploration and disaster management.

NovaSAR-1 national facility

We operate Australia’s 10 per cent share in the NovaSAR-1 satellite as a National Facility and provide analysis ready data for research.

Calibration and validation

We are investing in infrastructure, methods and communities to support the calibration and validation of Earth observation datasets and products.

SAR capability

We apply our Synthetic Aperture Radar expertise to use NovaSAR-1 and other datasets to develop innovative research applications, define standards for Analysis Ready Data, and increase data uptake.

EASI data analytics

EASI is CSIRO’s cutting-edge, cloud-based data analytics platform, designed to process satellite imagery at scale. It transforms complex data into actionable intelligence, fostering innovation across scientific domains.

Partnerships

We maintain key partnerships with governments and Earth observation data providers for CSIRO and Australia and will become Chair of the inter-agency Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) in November 2025.

AquaWatch Australia

We are developing AquaWatch Australia as an integrated national water quality monitoring system to support water management with accurate data and predictive forecasting.

Space Tech

Explore our space technology

Developing technologies and capabilities leading to new innovations in the space sector and supporting the growth of the Australian space industry.

Developing space technologies

Multi-resolution scanner

Our autonomous multi-resolution scanner can create rapid 3D maps of the International Space Station and other space environments, freeing astronauts to do other tasks.

Space Optics

The Space Optics team are designing and building customised hyperspectral imaging payloads for Earth observation. Drawing together expertise from across the organisation, the team aim to uplift Australian space manufacturing capabilities.

Robotics and autonomous systems

We’re developing robotic systems that help humans perform dangerous tasks, and expanding the Australian robotics industry.

Printable solar cells

Our thin, flexible solar cells offer an affordable solution to meeting increasing energy demands around the world.

Lab22: 3D printing

Research and development at our Lab22 underpins and creates value for Australia's growing metallic additive manufacturing industry.

3D mobile mapping technology

Our multi-resolution scanner payload, capable of rapid 3D modelling and mapping, is bound for the International Space Station. It's portable, efficient, and can assist human space exploration.

In-Situ Resource Utilisation Facility

Technology testing

Bringing space exploration down to Earth

The in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) facility is a lunar testbed, simulating some of the physical characteristics of the Moon's surface, particularly the lunar dust, for realistic testing and evaluation of assets such as rovers and related equipment.

ISRU Facility

Big data

Using high-performance computing to tackle big challenges

Our investment in high-performance computing infrastructure and expertise in handling big data allows us to develop insights and solutions for the Australian space sector and provide better access to the growing reservoir of space data.

Pawsey Supercomputing Centre

Managing space facilities

NovaSAR-1 satellite

Our share of the NovaSAR-1 satellite will support research and environmental management, and create new opportunities in remote sensing.

In-situ Resource Utilisation Facility

The In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) Facility is a lunar testbed, simulating some of the physical characteristics of the Moon’s surface, particularly the lunar dust, for realistic testing and evaluation of assets such as rovers and related equipment.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is part of NASA's Deep Space Network, a global network that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions exploring the Solar System and beyond.

New Norcia ground station

We provide operational support for the European Space Agency's deep space ground station in Australia, which is essential for communicating with spacecraft voyaging across our Solar System.

Our latest space and astronomy news