Abandoning our Own Satellite: Joining Forces with Landsat
Credit: NASA
In a surprising turn of events, Australia has opted to forego the development of its own Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) in favour of joining forces with the United States Geological Survey's Landsat Next Earth observation mission. The decision was a consequence of budget cuts and has ignited discussions within the science and space industry communities.
The National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO) program had initially aimed to build four satellites, scheduled for launch between 2028 and 2033, to access crucial earth observation data. The program was aligned with the Defense Strategic Review's call for a comprehensive framework to guide the development of the space domain. However, with the recent cuts to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the development of the EOS became an unattainable goal, leading to the unexpected decision to shift towards the Landsat Next project.
Joining the Landsat Next program as a core partner, Australia officially solidified its involvement in this pioneering initiative during the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). The government views the formal signing as a significant milestone in Australia's participation in the Landsat Next mission, which aims to map the earth's surface and provide vital support for sectors such as mining exploration, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.
While the NSMEO intended to reduce Australia's dependency, the decision to join the Landsat Next program entails a significant financial commitment. Australia has pledged $207.4 million over the next four years to Geoscience Australia for the development of advanced data processing and analytics capabilities. Additionally, the funding will enhance the ground station capabilities in Alice Springs, providing essential support to the Landsat Next mission.
Senator Penny Wong stated, "The establishment of the Australia-United States Landsat Next Partnership will build on our near half-century of cooperation in Earth observation." She emphasized the critical role that satellite data will play in benefiting both countries and the Indo-Pacific, providing insights to optimize food security, agricultural production, urban infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness.
While the decision to shift away from developing the EOS may have raised concerns within the space and science communities, Australia's commitment to the Landsat Next program marks a strategic move towards fostering international collaboration and harnessing advanced earth observation capabilities.
The transition to joining the Landsat Next project signifies a new chapter in Australia's pursuit of cutting-edge Earth observation initiatives, reflecting a shift in strategy amidst budget constraints and aligning with global partners to advance technological innovation for the benefit of both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Original article: https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/abandoning-our-own-satellite-we-opt-for-landsat
