Australian Space Taxi Can Detect Bushfires Within 3 Minutes
Three Australian space companies have united to launch a bushfire satellite into space inside a space taxi with the key mission to detect and track bushfires. The technology, which is the work of Queensland-based company Fireball International, can detect and report on bushfires less than three minutes after they start.
It provides automated bushfire detection and tracking by analysing images from sensors in real-time and sends notifications and maps to emergency responders after detecting a fire.
“This is an Australian-built taxi, which will bring an Australian-built satellite which looks for fires and has a national interest, which is launched by an Australian-built rocket and from an Australian spaceport in Queensland,” Fireball International chief executive Christoper Tylor told InnovationAus.
Fireball International co-founder and chief executive officer Christopher Tylor said having Australian-based launch and in-space transport capabilities were a significant benefit for their business. Not having to look overseas for launch and in-space transport capabilities reduces cost and complexity for Fireball International, which translates to better fire protection at a lower cost for Australia. The Optimus-1 transporter will launch Fireball International’s bushfire detection satellite. Space Machines Company founder and chief executive officer Rajat Kulshrestha said the deal would prove an important step in strengthening the country s defence against extreme weather events. We are proud to enable this vital and pioneering Australian space technology deployment, Mr Kulshrestha said.
Organizations can place payloads starting at $US200,000 per kg
The Lunar Ascent mission is rapidly securing supporters including Deloitte, NSW & SA Governments
SYDNEY, Australia (Lunar Ascent PR) Spacecraft for Australia’s first moon mission, Lunar Ascent, will be built by Australian aerospace pioneers Space Machines Company. Manufacturing will take place at a facility in Mascot close to the airport that Space Machines Company has identified as a suitable site.
The mission will offer “ride-sharing” to organisations seeking to place payloads – for example, imaging or communications satellites in lunar orbit. Interested parties are able to book cargo starting at around US$200,000 per kg. This is one third less expensive than the US-based competition.