Uni of Tasmania’s new dish antenna will boost its space role

The University of Tasmania has taken a step forward in the space industry, commissioning a new $2m antenna to communicate with, and track, spacecraft.

Uni of Tas Greenhill Observatory

The University of Tasmania has taken a step forward in the space industry, commissioning a new $2m dish antenna to communicate with spacecraft and improve the ability to track space debris.

The university’s national sciences school dean, Simon Ellingsen, said the new 7.3 metre antenna situated at the Greenhil Observatory, 70km north of Hobart, would provide space-to-earth communications for low-earth-orbit satellites.

For the first time the university, which has long has high level space expertise, will be able to transmit messages to spacecraft as well as receiving data.

It also improves the university’s ability to use radar to track satellites and space debris.

Professor Ellingsen said the growth in the number of objects in earth orbit was exponential.

“To launch safely and to keep the assets safe once they are in orbit, we need to know where the stuff already up there is,” Professor Ellingsen said.

“We are working on innovative techniques and technologies to tackle the challenges this brings, and our new antenna plays an important role in this work.”

The new antenna was developed as a partnership with the Australian Space Agency.

“Australia is deeply experienced in spacecraft tracking and communications, and our geographical advantages provide an added boost to this capability,” said ASA head Enrico Palermo.

“The University of Tasmania’s upgraded facilities will further advance Australia’s expertise in this area and open doors to exciting new research and commercial partnerships.”