Curtin University and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company will work together to evaluate and potentially extend the Desert Fireball Network’s meteorite tracking capability.
Curtin University Professor of Planetary Science and Director of the DFN, Phil Bland said the proposed technology upgrade could allow researchers to potentially further develop Australia’s niche capabilities.
“This research project will evaluate the existing network, potentially adapt or modify the sensors and software that we use on the existing Desert Fireball Network to extend the current Network’s capabilities, and hopefully, deliver new capabilities,” Professor Bland said.
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development Professor Chris Moran explained the partnership with Lockheed Martin was an example of Curtin’s University’s commitment to working with the corporate sector to further enhance capabilities for research.
“Curtin has a strong history of industry engaged research and the natural progression of this engagement, especially within the planetary science domain, is into the space industry sector,” Professor Moran said.
Speaking in Adelaide at the 68th International Astronautical Congress, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Managing Director Rod Drury welcomed the new partnership with Curtin University.
“This agreement with Curtin demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Australian researchers and industry to develop advanced technologies for the space domain,” Mr Drury said.
“The work done by Professor Phil Bland and the Curtin team on the Desert Fireball Network is proven and has established a technology foundation that we believe could be utilised to deliver other applications and underpin the delivery of new capabilities.”
