Earth Observation Research Collaboration Announced

A new agreement for Earth observation research collaboration has been signed by SmartSat and ESA's Φ-lab.

"I see this letter of intent as a major opportunity to harness the complementary expertise of the Earth Observation Directorate and SmartSat."

Simonetta Cheli, ESA

The European Space Agency’s Φ-lab is a world-leading research center with a mission to accelerate the future of Earth Observation through transformational innovations and new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and on-board processing.

The Earth observation research collaboration agreement builds upon SmartSat’s existing relationship with Φ-lab, who supported cosine to develop the HyperScout imager payload. This payload is currently being integrated into the SmartSat-led South Australian Kanyini satellite, following consultations with Φ-lab regarding its Φ-sat-1 satellite mission. The synergies between these missions offer significant collaboration opportunities between SmartSat and Φ-lab regarding onboard intelligence for EO applications, creating a solid foundation for further research activities under the new agreement.

“Our relationship with Φ-lab has been growing stronger over the past few years through our shared strategic research initiatives in the Kanyini and Φ-sat satellite missions," said SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios, who signed the agreement in Rome. “We have also identified new collaboration opportunities between researchers at the University of Queensland and Φ-lab to develop advanced AI capabilities using hyperspectral satellite imagery. This will create the next generation of predictive intelligence that can forecast and monitor agricultural and environmental activities and disaster events with greater accuracy.”

Earth Observation Research Collaboration Agreement will Establish and Exchange Program

As part of the new agreement, SmartSat and Φ-lab plan to establish an exchange program for research personnel and SmartSat PhD students to undertake internships at Φ-lab. The internship program is slated to commence in early 2024 for PhD students specializing in Onboard AI and Synthetic Aperture Radar.

"I see this letter of intent as a major opportunity to harness the complementary expertise of the Earth Observation Directorate and SmartSat. With ESA Φ-lab as the lead on our side in conjunction with SmartSat’s broad-based consortium, the collaboration will undoubtedly yield significant results in the areas of onboard AI and edge computing in space," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programs. "The exchange program will also be an excellent chance for European and Australian researchers to optimize knowledge sharing in this field, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of their endeavors.”

Professor Koronios has also met with the Italian Space Agency (ASI)’s new President Teodoro Valente, along with Gabriella Arrigo, Director of International Affairs, and Danilo Rubini, Head of International Relations and Space Diplomacy, to discuss international research collaboration that will enable strong space research and development and innovation between Australia and Italy.

(Source: SmartSat news release. Images provided)