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The prime has been selected to support the development of the satellite-based augmentation system.
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Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has announced its receipt of a $1.18 billion contract to support operation of the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) — a partnership between Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) under the Australia New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement.
The 19-year deal, signed with Geoscience Australia, aims to deliver “instant, accurate and reliable positioning” to industry and community users across Australasia.
Specifically, the SouthPAN initiative involves delivery of a signal augmenting GPS and Galileo, designed to improve accuracy from 5-10 metres, to within as little as 10 centimetres.
The enhanced position capability is expected to be leveraged by a range of users, including:
- civil aviation:
- vehicle guidance;
- precision agriculture for efficiencies in crop management;
- tracking maritime shipments; and
- enabling navigation for drones and other unmanned vehicles.
As part of its work, LMA is expected to work with the SouthPAN project team to establish a network of Global Navigation Satellite System reference stations and satellite uplink facilities.
This is tipped to enable communications and transmissions with the SouthPAN space infrastructure.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand chief executive Warren McDonald AO, CSC, welcomed the SouthPAN contract, stating it reflects the Australian and New Zealand governments’ shared commitment to improved space services and the industry.
“As we look to the future and the arrival of new and emerging space technologies, our company is committed to growing a long-term and sustainable space presence in Australia,” he added.
David Ball, regional director of space for Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand said the SouthPAN project is reflective of rapid growth across the space sector.
“Space is among our fastest growing areas, and our local technical team will play an important role in delivering the benefits of SouthPAN capability to service many sectors including aviation, agriculture, transport, mining and other industries,” he said.
“Lockheed Martin is a global leader in satellite navigation technology, providing recent upgrades to the US government’s GPS constellation.
“We look forward to working with the Australian and New Zealand governments to deploy this world-class technology.”
[Related: Lockheed Martin delivers high-powered laser to US DoD ]
