Growing the Australian space sector
Over the past 75 years we've built strong capabilities in Earth observation, space tracking and managing complex facilities.
But we do much more, like supporting supply chains through advanced manufacturing, managing big data and helping SMEs.
We also have an established network of national and international partnerships throughout the space sector.
Whatever your challenge, we're here to help secure your footprint in the space economy.
[Music plays and an image appears of the Earth as seen from Space, and text appears: Work with CSIRO to make the impossible possible]
[Image changes to show a male and female looking at a laptop together, and text appears: Collaborating with industry, businesses, universities and governments]
[Image changes to show two males working together inside a room with many computers]
[Images move through to show a close view of workers looking at a circular piece of equipment on a table, and then the camera zooms out a little to show the workers looking at the equipment, and text appears: Generating new opportunities and innovations]
[Camera zooms out again to show a view looking down on the workers looking at the equipment and discussing it]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing a radio telescope on the left, and an AUV on the right on the surface of a planet, and text appears: Inspiring and growing Australia’s space industry]
[Image changes to show a view of a radio telescope on the right, and a digital view of terrain on the left]
[Image changes to show a hexapod moving along a rough surface on the right, and a female looking at a computer on the left]
[Image changes to show a view of the Earth from Space, and text appears: Amplifying Earth observation capabilities]
[Image changes to show a three way split screen showing the top of an observation tower, the observation tower on the ground, and a female looking at an Australian map on a screen, and text appears: Calibrating and validating Earth observation satellites]
[Image shows the bottom third of the screen changing to show two females looking up at various maps on a screen]
[Image changes to show a three way split screen showing a female on the left and right side of the top working on computers, and then maps in the bottom third, and text appears: Leading-edge Earth analytics and data platforms]
[Image changes to show a two way split screen showing a coastal scene on the left, and a scene looking down on an inland waterway on the right, and text appears: Safeguarding Australia’s freshwater and coastal resources]
[Image changes to show a view of Earth from Space, and text appears: Managing national space facilities]
[Image changes to show the NovaSAR-1 satellite orbiting the Earth, and text appears: NovaSAR-1 National Facility, Growing our satellite capability]
[Image changes to show a close view of an AUV moving over rough terrain, and text appears: In-situ Resource Utilisation Facility]
[Camera zooms out to show three colleagues looking at the AUV moving over a Moon surface simulator, and text appears: Simulating the surface of the Moon]
[Image changes to show a female working with her hands inside a fume hood, and text appears: Testing rovers and technology for lunar missions]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing a close view of a radio telescope on the left, and then a line of radio telescopes on the right, and text appears: Providing ground station services…]
[Image changes to show a close view of a radio telescope on the left in daylight, and then a radio telescope on the right lit up against the night sky, and text appears: … to space agencies and commercial companies]
[Image changes to show the Earth as seen from Space, and text appears: Developing new space technologies]
[Image changes to show an AUV moving over a Moon simulator, and text appears: Lunar dust mitigation, Radiation shielding, Flexible electronics, High-energy batteries]
[Camera zooms in to show a very close view of the vehicle]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing two males in the top placing a circular ring around a piece of equipment, and two males working on a piece of equipment in the bottom, and text appears: Closed-loop biofactories, Satellite optical systems, Multi-resolution 3D scanning, Phased array ground stations]
[Images move through of the males in the top placing the circular ring around the equipment, and the workers in the bottom working on the piece of equipment]
[Image shows the group in the top fitting a cover onto the circular piece of equipment, and the image in the bottom changes to show a view looking down on the group working on the equipment]
[Image changes to show a close view of two colleagues looking at the circular piece of equipment and then the camera zooms in on the colleagues talking, and text appears: Work with CSIRO to make the impossible possible]
[Image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]
[Image changes to show a male and female looking at a laptop together, and text appears: Collaborating with industry, businesses, universities and governments]
[Image changes to show two males working together inside a room with many computers]
[Images move through to show a close view of workers looking at a circular piece of equipment on a table, and then the camera zooms out a little to show the workers looking at the equipment, and text appears: Generating new opportunities and innovations]
[Camera zooms out again to show a view looking down on the workers looking at the equipment and discussing it]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing a radio telescope on the left, and an AUV on the right on the surface of a planet, and text appears: Inspiring and growing Australia’s space industry]
[Image changes to show a view of a radio telescope on the right, and a digital view of terrain on the left]
[Image changes to show a hexapod moving along a rough surface on the right, and a female looking at a computer on the left]
[Image changes to show a view of the Earth from Space, and text appears: Amplifying Earth observation capabilities]
[Image changes to show a three way split screen showing the top of an observation tower, the observation tower on the ground, and a female looking at an Australian map on a screen, and text appears: Calibrating and validating Earth observation satellites]
[Image shows the bottom third of the screen changing to show two females looking up at various maps on a screen]
[Image changes to show a three way split screen showing a female on the left and right side of the top working on computers, and then maps in the bottom third, and text appears: Leading-edge Earth analytics and data platforms]
[Image changes to show a two way split screen showing a coastal scene on the left, and a scene looking down on an inland waterway on the right, and text appears: Safeguarding Australia’s freshwater and coastal resources]
[Image changes to show a view of Earth from Space, and text appears: Managing national space facilities]
[Image changes to show the NovaSAR-1 satellite orbiting the Earth, and text appears: NovaSAR-1 National Facility, Growing our satellite capability]
[Image changes to show a close view of an AUV moving over rough terrain, and text appears: In-situ Resource Utilisation Facility]
[Camera zooms out to show three colleagues looking at the AUV moving over a Moon surface simulator, and text appears: Simulating the surface of the Moon]
[Image changes to show a female working with her hands inside a fume hood, and text appears: Testing rovers and technology for lunar missions]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing a close view of a radio telescope on the left, and then a line of radio telescopes on the right, and text appears: Providing ground station services…]
[Image changes to show a close view of a radio telescope on the left in daylight, and then a radio telescope on the right lit up against the night sky, and text appears: … to space agencies and commercial companies]
[Image changes to show the Earth as seen from Space, and text appears: Developing new space technologies]
[Image changes to show an AUV moving over a Moon simulator, and text appears: Lunar dust mitigation, Radiation shielding, Flexible electronics, High-energy batteries]
[Camera zooms in to show a very close view of the vehicle]
[Image changes to show a split screen showing two males in the top placing a circular ring around a piece of equipment, and two males working on a piece of equipment in the bottom, and text appears: Closed-loop biofactories, Satellite optical systems, Multi-resolution 3D scanning, Phased array ground stations]
[Images move through of the males in the top placing the circular ring around the equipment, and the workers in the bottom working on the piece of equipment]
[Image shows the group in the top fitting a cover onto the circular piece of equipment, and the image in the bottom changes to show a view looking down on the group working on the equipment]
[Image changes to show a close view of two colleagues looking at the circular piece of equipment and then the camera zooms in on the colleagues talking, and text appears: Work with CSIRO to make the impossible possible]
[Image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]
Developing space technologies
Observing Earth from space
NovaSAR-1 national facility
We manage Australia’s 10 per cent share in NovaSAR-1 as a national facility.
The Earth observation satellite uses ‘synthetic aperture radar’ or SAR which allows it to ‘see through’ cloud, smoke and even collect data at night.
We're working with Australia’s first and only Aboriginal owned-and-operated ground station provider, the Centre for Appropriate Technology, to downlink NovaSAR-1 data for Australia.
Australian researchers and industry can apply to task the satellite and access NovaSAR-1 data via CSIRO’s NovaSAR Data Hub.
[Music plays and a split circle appears with images of different CSIRO activities flashing through on each side of the circle and then the circle morphs into the CSIRO logo]
[Image changes to show a view of a CSIRO sign on the side of the Curtin University building]
[Image changes to show Dr Amy Parker talking to the camera, and text appears: Dr Amy Parker, Director, CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation]
Dr Amy Parker: Australia is one of the largest users of Earth observation data but historically we’ve relied on data provided by foreign satellites.
[Image changes to show a blue screen with a computer screen in the background, and text appears: Direct tasking control]
[Images move through of the NovaSAR-1 orbiting the Earth in a facing view, and then the image changes to show a side view of the satellite orbiting the Earth]
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has secured a 10% share of time on the Earth observation satellite NovaSAR-1 giving Australian scientists direct tasking control and allowing us to decide when and where data is collected over our region.
[Image changes to show a view looking down on the satellite moving over Australia and imaging the Fleurieu Peninsula area of Australia]
The NovaSAR-1 satellite uses an advanced form of radar technology known as ‘Synthetic Aperture Radar’, or SAR.
[Images move through to show the Earth bathed in sunlight, the Earth at night, and then the Earth with clouds swirling over the surface]
Rather than relying on sunlight, this means the satellite can take images of Earth at night and through all weather conditions, including heavy cloud and smoke.
[Images move through to show a side view of Amy and a male looking at a computer screen, a rear view of them looking at maps on the screen, and then a side view of them looking at the screen]
Being able to see through cloud is particularly useful in tropical regions or during rainfall events where heavy cloud cover blocks the view of optical satellites.
[Image changes to show a blue screen with the NovaSAR-1 satellite in the background, and text appears: The SAR sensor]
[Image changes to show Amy walking up some steps towards the camera and talking]
The SAR sensor on board NovaSAR is different to other satellites, operating at what is called S-band.
[Image changes to show a side, and rear view of a female working on a computer, and then the image changes to show two females walking towards a bank of computer screens displaying maps]
This presents exciting new opportunities for science and research.
[Images move through of the females looking up at the maps, a closer view of the females looking at the maps, and then Amy working on a computer]
The satellite’s imaging capabilities can be directly used by Australian scientists, who can apply for satellite imaging time, or access thousands of images already collected that are available for free via the online NovaSAR-1 Data Hub.
[Image changes to show a blue screen showing a view of an arid area in the background, and text appears: Managing Australian environments]
[Images move through of a view looking down on fires burning at night, a close view of fire burning on a mountain, a view looking down on the Earth’s surface, and a view of a flooded river]
NovaSAR-1 is an additional tool we can use to map, monitor and manage Australian environments, observing changes over time and allowing us to better assess the impacts of climate change.
[Image changes to show Amy talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show a rear view of Amy and a male looking at a computer]
Through our access to NovaSAR-1, we are also building important capabilities for our future.
[Images move through of a close view of Amy’s hand operating a mouse, a rear view of Amy working on a computer, and a CSIRO logo sign on a wall]
We’re developing new skills in our science community and we’re learning how to operate and manage satellites, allowing us to better support future Australian space programs.
[Images move through of a group of workers assembling a piece of space equipment, and then the image changes to show a male guiding a piece of equipment which is being lowered by a crane]
NovaSAR-1 is also helping to support new local space industries.
[Images move through to show data on a computer screen, cords in the back of equipment, views of the receiving station, and then workers looking up at the radio telescope at the receiving station]
Satellite data from NovaSAR-1 is downloaded directly to Australia using a receiving station near Alice Springs that’s operated by the Centre for Appropriate Technology, Australia’s first and only Aboriginal owned and operated ground segment service provider.
[Image changes to show a blue screen and cords in a supercomputer can be seen in the background, and text appears: A valuable data advantage]
[Images move through to show the NovaSAR-1 orbiting the Earth, a ship in the docks, a tractor pulling a chaser bin next to a harvester through a crop, and views of a facility near a coastal city]
Through our share of NovaSAR-1, CSIRO is increasing access to and the use of SAR data for applications in Australian science, and providing a valuable data advantage to the many Australian industries that are now harnessing the estimated $2.5 billion in economic benefits flowing from the Earth observation sector.
[Image changes to show Amy talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show the NovaSAR-1 satellite orbiting the Earth]
NovaSAR-1 is an important step forward, securing and enhancing Australia’s Earth observation capability, both now, and well into the future.
[Music plays, and the image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]
[Image changes to show a view of a CSIRO sign on the side of the Curtin University building]
[Image changes to show Dr Amy Parker talking to the camera, and text appears: Dr Amy Parker, Director, CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation]
Dr Amy Parker: Australia is one of the largest users of Earth observation data but historically we’ve relied on data provided by foreign satellites.
[Image changes to show a blue screen with a computer screen in the background, and text appears: Direct tasking control]
[Images move through of the NovaSAR-1 orbiting the Earth in a facing view, and then the image changes to show a side view of the satellite orbiting the Earth]
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has secured a 10% share of time on the Earth observation satellite NovaSAR-1 giving Australian scientists direct tasking control and allowing us to decide when and where data is collected over our region.
[Image changes to show a view looking down on the satellite moving over Australia and imaging the Fleurieu Peninsula area of Australia]
The NovaSAR-1 satellite uses an advanced form of radar technology known as ‘Synthetic Aperture Radar’, or SAR.
[Images move through to show the Earth bathed in sunlight, the Earth at night, and then the Earth with clouds swirling over the surface]
Rather than relying on sunlight, this means the satellite can take images of Earth at night and through all weather conditions, including heavy cloud and smoke.
[Images move through to show a side view of Amy and a male looking at a computer screen, a rear view of them looking at maps on the screen, and then a side view of them looking at the screen]
Being able to see through cloud is particularly useful in tropical regions or during rainfall events where heavy cloud cover blocks the view of optical satellites.
[Image changes to show a blue screen with the NovaSAR-1 satellite in the background, and text appears: The SAR sensor]
[Image changes to show Amy walking up some steps towards the camera and talking]
The SAR sensor on board NovaSAR is different to other satellites, operating at what is called S-band.
[Image changes to show a side, and rear view of a female working on a computer, and then the image changes to show two females walking towards a bank of computer screens displaying maps]
This presents exciting new opportunities for science and research.
[Images move through of the females looking up at the maps, a closer view of the females looking at the maps, and then Amy working on a computer]
The satellite’s imaging capabilities can be directly used by Australian scientists, who can apply for satellite imaging time, or access thousands of images already collected that are available for free via the online NovaSAR-1 Data Hub.
[Image changes to show a blue screen showing a view of an arid area in the background, and text appears: Managing Australian environments]
[Images move through of a view looking down on fires burning at night, a close view of fire burning on a mountain, a view looking down on the Earth’s surface, and a view of a flooded river]
NovaSAR-1 is an additional tool we can use to map, monitor and manage Australian environments, observing changes over time and allowing us to better assess the impacts of climate change.
[Image changes to show Amy talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show a rear view of Amy and a male looking at a computer]
Through our access to NovaSAR-1, we are also building important capabilities for our future.
[Images move through of a close view of Amy’s hand operating a mouse, a rear view of Amy working on a computer, and a CSIRO logo sign on a wall]
We’re developing new skills in our science community and we’re learning how to operate and manage satellites, allowing us to better support future Australian space programs.
[Images move through of a group of workers assembling a piece of space equipment, and then the image changes to show a male guiding a piece of equipment which is being lowered by a crane]
NovaSAR-1 is also helping to support new local space industries.
[Images move through to show data on a computer screen, cords in the back of equipment, views of the receiving station, and then workers looking up at the radio telescope at the receiving station]
Satellite data from NovaSAR-1 is downloaded directly to Australia using a receiving station near Alice Springs that’s operated by the Centre for Appropriate Technology, Australia’s first and only Aboriginal owned and operated ground segment service provider.
[Image changes to show a blue screen and cords in a supercomputer can be seen in the background, and text appears: A valuable data advantage]
[Images move through to show the NovaSAR-1 orbiting the Earth, a ship in the docks, a tractor pulling a chaser bin next to a harvester through a crop, and views of a facility near a coastal city]
Through our share of NovaSAR-1, CSIRO is increasing access to and the use of SAR data for applications in Australian science, and providing a valuable data advantage to the many Australian industries that are now harnessing the estimated $2.5 billion in economic benefits flowing from the Earth observation sector.
[Image changes to show Amy talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show the NovaSAR-1 satellite orbiting the Earth]
NovaSAR-1 is an important step forward, securing and enhancing Australia’s Earth observation capability, both now, and well into the future.
[Music plays, and the image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]