The Australian Space Agency (ASA) and NASA are leveraging the expertise of resources companies for deep space exploration. For instance, Fugro's Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) has developed automation technology initially for the offshore energy sector, which is now being applied to space. The ASA's $95 million Moon to Mars initiative is also driving the growth of Australia's space sector, with two teams competing to design Australia's first Lunar rover. The rover will be used to collect lunar soil for oxygen extraction to support human presence.
Key takeaways:
- The inaugural Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference (IPSEC) highlighted the synergies between the resources and space sectors, with the resources powerhouse of Australia providing opportunities for space technology and future deep space missions.
- Earth observation (EO) satellites are increasingly being used by resources companies for various purposes, including mine reconciliation, predicting site activities, and meeting environmental, social and corporate governance requirements.
- Australian company Arlula provides high-resolution EO data from commercial and government satellites to resources companies, supporting critical decision-making processes in the resources sector.
- Space technology is being used to address environmental challenges, with companies like Fleet Space Technologies developing non-invasive space-based exploration solutions. The company's Exosphere system uses nanosatellites and portable seismic sensors to support resources exploration.