Consortium members:

• University of Toronto’s Space Flight Laboratory (Canada)
• Australian National University (ACT)
• EM Solutions Pty Ltd (QLD)
• Environmental Systems and Services Pty Ltd (VIC)
• The Tauri Group LLC (USA)
• Joseph Mark Pty Ltd (QLD)

Project contact:

Mr Michael Brett
Email: michael.brett@antarcticbroadband.com

This fact sheet is avaliable to download [PDF 60KB]

Antarctica is set to receive a high-quality broadband communications service thanks to efforts from a consortium being led by Australian-based firm, Aerospace Concepts Pty Ltd.

The Antarctic Broadband – Definition and Capability Development project will use small-satellite technology to meet the data-transfer needs of the research community operating in the Antarctic area. It is intended that the project will provide the world’s most isolated continent with a dedicated communication link to the rest of the world.

Though in its initial phases, successful completion of the Antarctic Broadband project is expected to vastly improve Australia’s communication capability in the region for years to come – with tremendous benefits for researchers studying astronomy, ecosystems, meteorology and the effects of climate change.

Along with the creation of new employment opportunities, the project will further benefit Australia through skills creation, an enhanced international reputation for nano and small satellite communications systems and an increased capacity for science and research to be conducted in the Antarctic region. The Antarctic Broadband project will also help to strengthen the national space science industry by forging new relationships between high-technology companies.

To date the project has been very successful in meeting its early stage goals, with the establishment of a small-satellite groundstation facility and a test facility for small-satellite payloads at the Australian National University’s Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre. In addition, the project has completed the design of a Demonstrator System and developed a Ka-Band prototype communications payload. For more information please visit the Antarctic Broadband project website.