The CSIRO has secured access to a new high-performance satellite to provide better images and data over Australia.
The $10.45 million deal, revealed at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide on Tuesday, will allow the research organisation to direct the path of the NovaSAR satellite for 10 per cent of its tasking time.
The satellite is due for launch later this year and can take images day and night and through cloud cover, representing a significant advance on current civilian satellites.
The CSIRO will download and process the data for its own use and can provide it to the wider research community.
This will allow the organisation to better conduct a range of activities including the monitoring and assessment of bushfires and other natural disasters.
It will also offer better checks on crops and soil moisture, detect illegal deforestation and monitor shipping lanes to detect illegal activity.
CSIRO spokesman Dave Williams said the deal represented a significant investment in Australia's space capability.
"Because we'll be able to direct the satellite's activity, it provides significant opportunities to support a wide range of existing research, further develop Australia's earth observation data analytics expertise and create new opportunities in the field of remote sensing," he said.
Federal Industry and Science Minister Arthur Sinodinos said the agreement would allow the CSIRO to strengthen Australia's delivery of excellence in science and innovation.
"This will also lead to better and more informed support for policy and decision-making and, ultimately, our economic development as a nation," the minister said in a statement.
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