AITC Update
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue46 1–30 November 2023
The quest for astronomical progress has led to the development of cutting-edge technology that has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives through broader applications, including personal computers, communication satellites, and Global Positioning Systems, among others. The potential for applying this technological advancement in astronomy to Earth observation opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. At AITC we are engaging with industries and government organisations in translating some of the key detector and electronics technology developed for astronomy for a number of space applications, including the OzFuel bushfire mitigation mission.
OzFuel is a multi-spectral Earth observation payload specifically designed to monitor the fuel flammability of Eucalyptus trees, which comprise 77% of Australian forested areas. It aims to address the challenges of pre-fire fuel flammability monitoring and bushfire hazard mapping; which will help predict when and where bushfires are likely to occur, increasing the preparedness of fire management and emergency services, thereby enhancing the resilience of communities.
We have developed a shortwave infrared (SWIR) mission concept for tracking fuel load and moisture content in the Australian bush, in close collaboration with A/Prof. Marta Yebra’s team from the Fenner School of Environment and Society whose investigation has pinpointed four specific SWIR bands as the most suitable for monitoring flammability [1]. At AITC we are leveraging the world-leading expertise in optical and infrared instrumentation to design and build the challenging OzFuel optical payload and we have delivered the Phase A study of the mission in collaboration with academia, government organizations, and industries across Australia [2]. The baseline design of the OzFuel payload and associated subsystems is shown in Figure 1.
OzFuel is built around the Leonardo SAPHIRA avalanche photodiode detector and the in-house developed Rosella electronics control system [3]. The baseline technical concept for the OzFuel instrument is derived from the Emu infrared astronomical sky survey mission [4]. The core technology of the Emu mission (SAPHIRA detector and Rosella control electronics) has allowed us to pursue space-based remote sensing applications. The creative technological development like Rosella through the non-traditional space astronomy program will position us to contribute to large space astronomy missions in the long run.
The early development of SAPHIRA Avalanche Photo Diode arrays was used in high-speed adaptive optics and interferometry instruments for ground-based astronomy. The SAPHIRA’s ability to amplify signals before the injection of readout noise effectively reduces the readout noise contribution to zero, providing an unprecedented level of sensitivity. Furthermore, this extra sensitivity can be used to reduce exposure times. This opens a swathe of previously impossible use cases, and while these are being explored for a growing number of applications on Earth, AITC is leading the way in demonstrating their applications in space.
We are also closely working with ANU InSpace on various Earth observation technical programs and they have played a vital role in facilitating our connections with the relevant industry partners and have also assisted us in identifying funding opportunities. This includes the recent announcement of the 1.3 million dollar joint funding by the ACT government and SmartSat CRC to advance the OzFuel science and instrument development. The next stage of development of the OzFuel mission includes the design and manufacturing of the infrared optical unit which will be tested with a unique low-noise infrared detector assembly, under space-like conditions. Currently, we are finalising the OzFuel optical system requirements and the optical elements will be manufactured via the Electro Optical Systems (EOS) owned KiwiStar company. EOS will also benefit from any technology transfer given the multiple applications across defence, Earth observation and even astronomy.
The novelty of the Ozfuel mission was recently cited by a member of the parliament who expressed the need for the government to invest in such innovative technology for bush fire monitoring and mitigation (more details here:)
The OzFuel team at AITC includes Rob, Israel, Hana, Annino, Alexey and Joice. Please come and chat with us if you're interested in learning more about the project or if you have any ideas to share, whether they pertain to instrumentation or observations.
References:
[1] Younes, N, Yebra, M. 2023. Pre-launch OzFuel CAL/VAL report. Australian National University, Canberra, ACT. Australian National University. Doi:10.25911/3JN5-MG88
[2] OzFuel Phase A Study Space-based Australian Forest Fuel Flammability Monitoring, UNSW Canberra Space, November 2022. Available here:
[3] Mathew, Gilbert, Sharp, et al., 2022,
[4] Mathew, J., Gilbert J., Sharp R., et al., 8(2), 024002, JATIS, 2022
Joice Mathew
Figure 1: Baseline design of OzFuel payload and major subsystems (Ref: OzFuel Phase A study [2])
