Next generation space weather forecasts. Next generation space weather forecasts. This project aims to improve Australia's space weather prediction capabilities by developing space weather forecasts that use ground- and space-based GPS data. The Earth's ionosphere is temporally and spatially variable and the small number of observations limits understanding of its dynamics and effects on radio waves. Using ground- and space-based GPS to remotely sound the ionosphere increases this coverage and c ....Next generation space weather forecasts. Next generation space weather forecasts. This project aims to improve Australia's space weather prediction capabilities by developing space weather forecasts that use ground- and space-based GPS data. The Earth's ionosphere is temporally and spatially variable and the small number of observations limits understanding of its dynamics and effects on radio waves. Using ground- and space-based GPS to remotely sound the ionosphere increases this coverage and can be used to develop space weather forecasts tailored to industries that heavily rely on GPS and satellite communications. An expected direct outcome of this research is modernised space weather forecasts, with economic benefits for several industries.Read moreRead less
Innovative solutions to enhance space situational awareness. This project seeks to significantly advance Australia's space situational awareness by researching advanced orbit prediction techniques. The development of novel space object orbit prediction techniques will greatly improve collision warnings for satellite operators that provide essential space-based services to Australian Government and industries.
Prediction of solar activity and space weather by automated analyses of solar radio and magnetic field observations and simulations. This project will build world-recognised capabilities to forecast space weather events at Earth in time to take protective measures. It involves around the clock automated identification and analysis of specific solar radio bursts, forecasting solar activity that results in transients moving Earth-ward, and simulations to predict when these will reach Earth.
Space weather prediction via automated data analysis systems. The project will build world-recognised capabilities in forecasting space weather events at Earth, in time to take protective measures, identifying and analysing solar drivers of space weather, and modelling interplanetary space. Australia's scientific standing, expertise, and infrastructure will be strengthened in space science, complex systems, and multiple fields of physics. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionosphe ....Space weather prediction via automated data analysis systems. The project will build world-recognised capabilities in forecasting space weather events at Earth, in time to take protective measures, identifying and analysing solar drivers of space weather, and modelling interplanetary space. Australia's scientific standing, expertise, and infrastructure will be strengthened in space science, complex systems, and multiple fields of physics. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionospheric Prediction Service services to customers in government, industry, and society, leading to better communications, more assured access to space services, and reduced risks of damage to critical infrastructure. The project will enhance Australia's human capital and its role in global space efforts.Read moreRead less
Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communic ....Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communication links used by military personnel and civilians living or travelling in Australia’s remote territories. This project will also provide training in areas highly relevant to our partners in government and defense, potentially improve efficiency of scientific and military radars, and thus contribute to improving national security.Read moreRead less
High-cadence near-infrared imaging. This project aims to deploy a cryogenic camera system to improve the outputs of astronomical telescopes. The system is equipped with an emerging detector technology, a near-infrared Avalanche Photo-Diode array, capable of high cadence imaging with frame rates of 10 - 1,000 Hz at a wavelength of around 2.2 microns. This new technology is a key component to the future of adaptive optics systems for astronomical telescopes as it allows the rapid measurements nece ....High-cadence near-infrared imaging. This project aims to deploy a cryogenic camera system to improve the outputs of astronomical telescopes. The system is equipped with an emerging detector technology, a near-infrared Avalanche Photo-Diode array, capable of high cadence imaging with frame rates of 10 - 1,000 Hz at a wavelength of around 2.2 microns. This new technology is a key component to the future of adaptive optics systems for astronomical telescopes as it allows the rapid measurements necessary to correct the image blurring introduced by the Earth's atmosphere. No expertise currently exists in Australia with this new technology. Capitalising on previous investment, the camera system is intended to fill a capability gap in local expertise and to ensure the potential of the next generation of telescopes is realised and strengthen our competitive edge for frontier instrumentation across the wider Australian imaging community.Read moreRead less
International partnership in robotic astronomy and gravitational wave data analysis using a supercomputer. The project is aimed at providing student participation in frontier research using robotic astronomy and novel data analysis methods. It will focus on the study of the most violent explosions in the Universe - cosmological gamma ray bursts. These cataclysmic events possibly herald the formation of the most exotic objects in the Universe - black holes. It provides an exciting opportunity for ....International partnership in robotic astronomy and gravitational wave data analysis using a supercomputer. The project is aimed at providing student participation in frontier research using robotic astronomy and novel data analysis methods. It will focus on the study of the most violent explosions in the Universe - cosmological gamma ray bursts. These cataclysmic events possibly herald the formation of the most exotic objects in the Universe - black holes. It provides an exciting opportunity for students to be trained in robotic astronomy, supercomputing, image analysis and signal processing.Read moreRead less
Mapping the dark matter with early type galaxies. Unidentified dark matter outweighs luminous matter (stars, gas, and galaxies) by several times and is detected by its gravitational effects in the Universe. The Six Degree Field Galaxy Survey is now complete and this project will prepare a larger survey, which will put the team clearly in the lead in understanding the distribution of dark matter.
Geomagnetic induced currents in the Australian electricity supply network. This project will develop measures to protect the Australian electricity supply network from adverse effects of enhanced solar activity. This is essential for risk assessment and long term asset management of the Australian electricity network.
Development of large scale expansion tubes. The aim of this proposal is to develop a high Mach number scramjet simulation capability by modifying the X3 superorbital expansion tube at UQ for high suborbital operation at very high total pressures. This will enable Australia to do true Mach number simulation at higher speeds than is possible anywhere else, and mantain an international advantage in the development of scramjet flight propulsion. It will also put Australian researchers in a strong p ....Development of large scale expansion tubes. The aim of this proposal is to develop a high Mach number scramjet simulation capability by modifying the X3 superorbital expansion tube at UQ for high suborbital operation at very high total pressures. This will enable Australia to do true Mach number simulation at higher speeds than is possible anywhere else, and mantain an international advantage in the development of scramjet flight propulsion. It will also put Australian researchers in a strong position to participate in the next generation of US ground testing facilities, foreshadowed by the recent NASA purchase of a large shock tunnel driver. It will enable Australia to maintain a position of leadership in the development of new space travel concepts.Read moreRead less