The top science and space agency of Australia announced a massive $35 million investment into space technology and artificial intelligence, which is anticipated to act as a significant part of the state run science and space agency’s portfolio for the Future Science Platforms, which was initiated by the organization during 2016.
Investment to Develop Solutions for Real-world Problems
A large chunk of the $35 million investment will be spent on developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, to improve understanding and predictions on complex information build upon solutions for global issues of high importance including sustainable energy production, environment protection, and food security among others.
$16 million will be pressed into development of advancements in space technology that will primarily be used for the observation of the earth, efficient utilization of resources in space, manufacturing equipment for Mars and Moon missions, improving life support systems, alongside the accurate tracking of interstellar objects. The activities will also involve the employment of post-doctoral researchers and students, and a number of collaborations within the industry.
Apart from artificial intelligence, machine learning, and new space technology CSIRO’s future science platforms portfolio also includes modules such as environomics, precision health, synthetic biology, active integrated matter, probing bio-systems, digiscape, hydrogen energy systems, and deep earth imaging. For instance, the initiative made automotive hydrogen powered systems work through hydrogen extracted from ammonia.
Australian Space Agency Projected to Triple in Size
The $16 million investment combined with the $26 million from the federal budget earlier this year, will be key to the formation of a dedicated Australian Space Agency. This move is anticipated to grow the size of the Australian space sector by three times to $20 billion by the year 2030. The researchers at CSIRO are also currently researching laser technology that is touted to bring about a revolution in how data is captured from space. The process is anticipated to increase data capture by up to 10 times through the use of optics and light instead of radio waves.
The Future Science Platform is anticipated to utilize the challenging environment of Australia to opportunities for scientific growth that will put the country on center-stage on a global scale, by bringing the best expertise in regards to technology, science, math, and engineering. This will be able to develop innovative solutions for problems for various regions around the world, giving Australia an edge in the market.