Earth Observation from Space

Head of Agency – Introduction

Earth Observations from space

Our reliance on Earth Observation (EO) data and technologies has never been more profound, and they play a vital role in the fabric of our society. For example, insights from EO data are increasingly being used to inform agriculture and resource management practices, so farmers can manage their pastures and livestock over larger areas with greater precision. Natural disaster response and climate science also look to EO to model and mitigate the impacts of catastrophic weather events like bushfires and drought, which have significant economic and social effects on the community. Of note, the economic benefits to Australia attributable to EO data were estimated to be up to $2.5 billion in 2020.

It is within this context that the vision of the EO from Space roadmap is founded. As the second technical roadmap to be delivered in accordance with the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028 (the Strategy), this roadmap explores EO as a National Civil Space Priority Area which can be further developed to advance Australia’s competitiveness and role as a responsible actor in civil space activities. In essence, the roadmap provides the vision, ambition and aspirational capability targets to support the growth of a globally respected and thriving industry in Australia consistent with the Australian Space Agency’s mission to triple the size of the national civil space sector to $12 billion and create an additional 20,000 jobs by 2030.

Future proofing by building sovereign capability

Australia is heavily reliant on EO data from the international community. As such, there exists an urgent, growing need for the Australian EO sector to be better positioned to build sovereign capability, particularly for assured access to EO data for Australia’s national needs. These include measuring and mitigating climate change, providing better insights to growing the economy, and meeting particular sovereign capability requirements for defence and meteorology. Building capability and expertise within the nation to meet those needs in the next decade is critical.

This roadmap identifies broad pathways to achieve these goals, while its implementation will ultimately strengthen our international relationships, build Australian space manufacturing capability, help meet Australia’s sovereign needs, and create skilled jobs.

Partnering for success

The EO from Space Roadmap is a collaborative venture achieved through ongoing cooperation across government, industry and the research sector. Creating a globally responsible and respected space sector that lifts the broader economy and inspires and improves the lives of Australians is a joint mission and one that will be realised through these strong partnerships.

This roadmap is symbolic of a pivotal moment in time for the Australian civil space sector; an opportunity that must be harnessed now to the benefit of our industry and society into the future.

Enrico Palermo
Head, Australian Space Agency
November 2021