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The organisations have agreed to collaborate to bolster space domain awareness.
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Nova Systems has announced a new partnership with the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), aimed at prototyping a new facility for space domain awareness.
This is expected to involve the delivery of a prototype passive array radar system, designed to locate and track satellites and space junk orbiting Earth.
The prototype, located at Nova Systems’ Space Precinct in South Australia’s Mid North, was modelled on the Curtin University-led Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) — a low frequency radio telescope for astrophysics.
“The passive array radar prototype is a massive step in Australian innovation to collect big data from space sensors,” Nova Systems executive general manager, mission solutions, Andrew Mannix said.
“The technology allows us to see the sky horizon to horizon to detect objects and activities of interest.
“Because of its broad capability, it is then useful for cueing other narrow-view sensors to take a closer and more detailed look.”
Mannix noted the importance of building space domain awareness to help track the thousands of objects in Earth’s orbit.
“It is integral to the national interest and protects against threats in orbit. Australia depends on space for communications, navigation, and information from its satellites, so it’s imperative we’re aware of what objects hover over us and could pose a threat,” he said.
“Nova Systems has a strong background in the space sector including supporting the delivery of complex space and satellite communication programs and engineering and advisory services such as mission analysis, space domain awareness, launch safety and regulatory support and training.
“The partnership with the Curtin node of ICRAR is a significant milestone for us in working closely with academia to innovate and create new capabilities.”
The passive array radar system is expected to leverage a large number of individual antennas to detect FM radio broadcasts from radio stations on Earth, reflected off objects in space.
The array is also reportedly capable of other space domain awareness capabilities, including monitoring space weather.
ICRAR deputy executive director and John Curtin Distinguished Professor Steven Tingay said the partnership with Nova Systems would help address Australia’s space challenges.
“This new partnership will see the Curtin University node of ICRAR bring our underlying deep understanding of astrophysics and engineering technology to the project,” Professor Tingay said.
“Together with Nova Systems, we will perform specific space domain awareness missions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as required by potential clients including the Australian Defence Force.”
[Related: Nova Systems takes aerospace students under its wing]
