Trans-Tasman Earth observation research studies confirmed

New Zealand researchers will partner with Australian research organisations on Earth observation projects that will monitor soil moisture and improve satellite imaging for agricultural monitoring among other projects.

The collaborative research approach stems from an agreement signed earlier this year between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Australia’s SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC). It also aligns with the 2017 bilateral science and innovation agreement on bolstering trans-Tasman research and innovation connections.

The feasibility studies will be considered for second stage funding once completed.

Funding for the projects comes from the $6 million made available from the Government’s Catalyst Fund to support collaborative research projects with SmartSat CRC. This will support activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations which take advantage of international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit.

More information about the 4 newly funded feasibility studies, as well as previous feasibility studies funded under the Australia New Zealand Collaborative Space Programme, is available in our science funding section.

Catalyst: Strategic – Australia New Zealand Collaborative Space Programme