Innovating Satellite Terminals: Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle's Team Drives Australian Industry Partnership
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle and his team have unveiled an innovative flat-panel antenna terminal designed to revolutionise satellite connectivity. Partnering with Australian SMEs Innovations for Humanity Pty Ltd and Benelec Pty Ltd, along with global satellite operator OneWeb-Eutelsat (UK) and New South Wales (NSW) Telco Authority, this initiative received a substantial $1.1 million funding in two grants from the NSW Small Business Innovation & Research program. Building upon this success, an additional $1.15 million in funding from the Federal Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) Program matched by $1.15 million funding from Benelec will further enhance the terminal's capabilities to ensure resilient telecommunications, particularly during natural disasters.
The innovation, set to be manufactured by Australian SME Benelec, is a significant stride towards advancing Australia's technological prowess on the global stage. With a focus on providing robust connectivity to emergency service personnel and remote communities, the energy-efficient terminal boasts the ability to operate solely on renewable energy sources, a feature unparalleled in the industry. Its rapid deployment capabilities ensure swift connectivity restoration, even in the aftermath of catastrophic events, positioning it as a game-changer in disaster response efforts.
Furthermore, the project aims to bridge the digital divide by extending high-throughput connectivity to Regional, Rural & Remote Australia, including underserved First Nations communities. Endorsed by two Aboriginal organisations, the terminal's efficacy will be put to the rest in telecommunications black spots across various regions, including Torres Strait, Northern Territory, Northern Queensland Cape, and NSW.
Named LEO-SAT CONNECT, the team has been selected as a finalist in the Academic Research Team category at the upcoming 2024 Australian Space Awards. Notably, the team made history at the end of last year by successfully receiving transmissions from commercial LEO communication satellites using a fully Australian user terminal for the first time, establishing itself as a trailblazer in the field.
Moreover, the terminal's remarkable energy efficiency sets a new standard in sustainability, boasting peak power consumption significantly lower than its counterparts developed by industry giants. With a peak consumption under 60W, the terminal's eco-friendly operation holds immense appeal, particularly in disaster scenarios where traditional power sources may be unavailable.
Distinguished Professor Esselle's team exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving Australian innovation, showcasing the impact of academia-industry partnerships in addressing global challenges. Their pioneering work not only propels Australia to the forefront of satellite technology but also underscores the nation's commitment to leveraging innovation for societal benefit on a global scale.
