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The State also has significant capability in space exploration; ranging from the use of optical and radio telescopes for astronomy, to the physical exploration of space using spacecraft.
Key infrastructure, research and activities include:
- Fugro’s Australian Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in Perth is a world-class facility for space missions and remote operations in harsh environments such as subsea and space. The multi-user facility operated by Fugro provides infrastructure to support software simulation of space vehicles, space robotic systems, and planetary exploration systems, including orbital mechanics and simulated communication links with time delays. SpAARC supports a number of upcoming national and international space (including lunar) missions.
- The Perth headquartered Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) entity is a not-for-profit, industry-led consortium that transfers technology between the resources and space sectors. AROSE aims to position Australia as the trusted leader of remote operations for terrestrial and space sectors. AROSE is rapidly expanding and members include research organisations Curtin University, UWA, QUT; industry, First Mode, Fugro, Nova Group, Perenti, Raytracer, Rio Tinto, Therapy Focus, Woodside Energy Group; and space companies such as Gilmour Space.
- Woodside Energy Group has partnered with NASA to explore automation, remote operation and the robot-human interface and has a NASA Valkyrie humanoid system for testing.
- Companies such as Harvest Technology Group provide cutting-edge remote operations connectivity utilising ultra-low bandwidth satellite communications.
- Companies such as CADwalk and Sentient provide designs, VR and test labs for space and terrestrial mission control centres and lunar habitats.
- Western Australia also has world-class astronomy capability at CSIRO, Curtin University and The University of Western Australia (UWA); particularly through their involvement in establishing the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory the world's biggest radio-telescope being constructed in the State’s Mid West region and South Africa.
- Curtin University and UWA also have significant experience in supporting ESA, JAXA and NASA space exploration missions. A number of Western Australian organisations including Fugro Australia and Curtin University are also designing hardware for planetary exploration.
- AROSE, Curtin University and ECU are partners in the LifeSprings Mars mission, which aims to collect samples of nodular deposits of hot spring opaline silica in Mars’ Columbia Hills to investigate for signs of past life.
