Page 33 - Australian Defence Mag Jul-Aug 2020

Plan Jericho Spacefest 2019 – a joint dem- onstration managed by Defence Science and Technology Group designed to assess the current and future-state of space situational awareness capabilities for Defence.”
As ADM was going to press, the company also announced that has been selected to lead a $1.5 million project partnering with Western Sydney University for the develop- ment of an international multi-sensor Space Observatory in remote South Australia.
The observatory will be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will provide critical data for Australian and international space users to help them more effectively de- tect, track, and monitor space objects from low earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit.
“South Australia is the ideal location for an observatory of this kind, uniquely posi- tioned on the cusp of one of the world’s few dark-sky reserves,” Dr Palmer said.
“As the number of objects in low-earth-or- bit continues to increase and space becomes more congested and contested, the need for continuous detection and tracking is critical to help keep space users and assets safe.
“To be able to provide that capability from Australia for the international space com- munity, using local skills and local technol- ogy is an exciting step in defining our na- tion’s role in the fast-growing industry.”
Works are due to commence on the ob- servatory by September 2020 with a target date for completion, operation, and data collection beginning in July 2021.
PART OF THE SENSOR NET
Passive radar has not destroyed the utility of stealth technology for a range of reasons. First, just detecting something unknown in an area does not mean that the target can be accurately classified or engaged. Second, in most cases, passive radar does not provide engagement quality telemetry for which to employ weapons as it’s not a targeting quality radar by any stretch. It is an awareness tool largely used for cueing other, more traditional sensors that can be deployed such as a UAS or a pointer for a closer look with a more power- ful, targeted sensor and subsequent response.
“Defence knows that decision superiority relies upon having superior information,” Dr Palmer said. “So we want to make sure that our systems are enabling Defence with the best quality information in real time.”
ADM understands that both companies are also looking at potential export op- portunities pending approval under De- fence Export Controls. ■
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• Tactical Air Defence, Air Traffic and Ranges Control Systems
• Transportable C4I Shelter Design and Fitout
• Tracking and Display Systems for Surveillance and C3
• Maritime Communications Direction Finding Systems
• Passive Radar and CUAS
• Link 16 Testing and Training
• Award winning excellence in project delivery
• Responsive and accountable
• Supporting Veterans through the Operation K9 program
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