Earth observation from space roadmap 2021–2030

Reece Biddiscombe – Director Earth Observation, Australian Space Agency

HEADING: What is EO, and why does it matter to Australia?

Earth observation (EO) encompasses a broad suite of activities, expertise and supporting technology that gathers observations and produces measurements of our Earth that allows us to examine and monitor our planet, its environments, climate, human activities, and the infrastructure we build.

Every time you look at the weather, you’re getting the benefit of 30 EO satellite data feeds, and Google Earth’s images of our planet are another really familiar form of EO. As the sixth largest country on Earth, Australia really relies on Earth observation to understand and manage our vast territory.

HEADING: What is the purpose of the Roadmap?

The Roadmap provides a strategic direction for the Earth observation industry. It does this by outlining the value of Earth observation, the vision and ambition for the sector, along with focus segments – such as Australian Earth observation missions and payloads, and access to international data and missions.

The targets for these and the other focus segments will contribute to the Australian Space Agency’s mission to create an additional 20,000 jobs by 2030, and triple the size of the national civil space sector to $12 billion.

HEADING: Who worked with the Agency on the Roadmap?

Collaboration was a primary focus for the roadmap, as Earth observation is a broad church. We worked closely with other Federal government agencies, universities, and peak industry organisations to ensure that this Roadmap reflects the needs of Earth Observation community, and is achievable for our industry. We also consulted with State and Territory agencies, and lastly, a number of international space agencies.