SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in space science and technology between Australia and Greece.
The agreement aims to utilise the strengths of both organisations to foster joint research and explore synergies, particularly between the Kanyini Mission and HSC's National Microsatellite Program. This would involve shared scientific information, coordinated data acquisition, AI applications, and the exchange of experts to advance space technology and research.
Initial focus areas of the collaboration include developments in microsatellite technology. SmartSat CRC and HSC are keen to ramp up capabilities in AI and promote multi-sector collaborations, reflecting a strategic integration of resources in this domain.
Research will also concentrate on Earth observation technologies, addressing practical applications in agriculture, disaster monitoring, environmental sustainability, maritime surveillance, and climate change adaptation. These efforts align with the significant needs posed by the global climate crisis.
In the area of space science, academic collaborations will encompass Space Domain Awareness, IoT, and Space Communications, with an emphasis on radio frequency and optical communications.
Commercial networking forms another cornerstone of the agreement, aiming to bridge academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders from both countries to foster space research commercialisation.
Professor Andy Koronios, Chief Executive Officer of SmartSat CRC, stated: "The collaboration between SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre offers exciting new opportunities for our two nations to leverage the significant potential of space technologies to improve life here on Earth. We can work 'hand-in-hand' to solve major problems such as preventing, responding to and mitigating the risks of wildfires, supporting agriculture and protecting our environment. Australia and Greece have had a long and positive relationship, and this agreement creates an opportunity to build a strong relationship in advanced technologies, such as the next generation of satellites, telecommunications and AI technologies. With my Greek background, I am particularly proud of the prospects of this partnership."
Dr Nick Sergis, Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Space Centre, commented: "This agreement marks the beginning of a very promising collaboration between our countries in the domain of space, including related technologies, applications, products, research and innovation. Both countries have critical needs, mainly imposed by the global climate crisis, that microsatellites and Earth Observation products, in particular, can address, at least to some degree. Both countries are also very active in space research carried out in prominent institutes - such as SmartSat - by renowned researchers. This MOU comes, therefore, as a natural step forward to strengthen space capabilities and co-create new opportunities for the space ecosystem."
The HSC's National Microsatellite Program, developed in partnership with the European Space Agency, plans for the construction and launch of 15 microsatellites by 2026. Supported by a EUR €200 million fund from the European Recovery Fund, this initiative aims at bolstering disaster management, environmental monitoring, and support for public agencies to confront challenges like climate change at both national and global levels.
