SmartSat CRC has launched a new research program, Maya Nula, to develop Australian satellite Earth observation (EO) capability with space sensor technology to advance Australia’s agriculture sector.
The SmartSat-led initiative will facilitate research efforts to address the growing need for Australian farmers to reduce risk and boost agricultural productivity through environmentally friendly processes. Plus, it will support implementing and reporting on improved climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.
The name Maya Nula translates to “eyes here, there, everywhere” in the Dharug language. Dharug elders were consulted about the mission, including its name and the desired outcomes of any emerging technologies.
SmartSat will develop a series of projects to deliver a measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) tool for communicating sustainable farming practices on soil health, crop conditions, biosecurity, and the environment.
The projects will be co-funded by research organisations, government, and industry.
According to SmartSat CEO, Professor Andy Koronios, space assets combined with on-ground sensor technology can assist in monitoring crops and developing more sophisticated prediction models to better guide commercial outcomes and protect our environment.
“With the world’s population predicted to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, sustainable farming practices are essential to meet the increasing demand for high-quality food,” he said.
“Through enhanced agricultural intelligence using terrestrial and space technologies, Maya Nula will enable our farmers to deliver higher yields of healthy food, meeting our needs and increasing exports of our agricultural products.”
“SmartSat is committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources alongside First Nations people, who have a deep understanding of Australia’s land and conservation practices,” Professor Koronios added.
“By integrating climate resilience and supply provenance practices into farming, Maya Nula can help Australian farmers adapt to changing weather conditions, minimise crop failures, ensure a stable food supply, higher efficiency and maintenance of profits and maintain market access.
Maya Nula Research Program Lead and SmartSat Principal Scientist in Earth Observation, Dr Jasmine Muir, says the program will be an investment in ensuring the security and prosperity of Australian farming’s future under changing climate scenarios.
“As we look to safeguard and enhance Australia’s agriculture sector for the coming years, sovereign space-based monitoring capability is critical,” Dr Muir said.
“It is essential we start to plant the seeds of technology development now to ensure Australian agriculture is at the cutting edge in the decades ahead.”
Using SmartSat Maya Nula Capability Demonstrator funding, SmartSat will develop a comprehensive work program partnering with R&D centres, government, universities, and industry to develop the Maya Nula research program.
