2 OCTOBER 2024 | OUR SCIENCE
DST Sensing and Intelligence’s Programme is collaborating with the University of Auckland (UoA) and GeoINT NZ (GNZ) to understand whether low cost, low tech, passive RADAR reflectors can improve the probability of detection of very small marine craft in distress, by space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.
Currently, weather conditions, vessel size, and the vastness of the ocean can make it challenging to find small vessels. It is envisaged RADAR reflectors, deployed by small vessels when in distress, could be detectable by space-based SAR systems, enhancing maritime search and rescue operations and the outcomes for South Pacific fishers lost on the high seas.
SAR technology fitted to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can “see” the Earth’s surface in night and day, through cloud (or the smoke of wildfires), to provide an unobscured view of our planet, and show changes on the Earth’s surface in detail.
Last month, personnel from UoA and DST installed six COTS and two novel RADAR reflectors, developed by UoA at the UoA Field Station near Ardmore (South Auckland) for the SAR4SAR phase 1 land trial. The installation involved placing the reflectors at fixed surveyed locations, while space-based SAR systems collect the data over a period of two to three weeks. The trial will evaluate the RADAR returns of each reflector and which SAR satellite constellations and collection modes are the most viable. The purpose is to de-risk the sea trial (Phase 2) set to occur in early 2025.
The novel RADAR reflectors are designed to maximise the RADAR return while being lightweight, compact, and affordable, floating effortlessly on the sea’s surface. They will be easy to store, quick to deploy, and poised to make a real impact. This innovative technology will be a first for the South Pacific region.
In other news this week, NZ played host to the 9th South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM).
'SPDMM is a crucial forum where Pacific nations confront the dual challenges of increasing strategic competition and the ever-present threat of natural disasters.
‘With Defence Minister Judith Collins at the helm, New Zealand is leading the charge to strengthen regional security while addressing humanitarian needs.’
Learn more about NZ’s role at the SPDMM here and about the establishment of a Pacific Response Group (PRG) here.
Part of the SPDMM included a special Exhibitors Showcase where NZ’s finest tech and science companies showed off some of their high tech kit.
DST was invited to the Showcase and along with the University of Auckland, showed off what SAR4SAR is all about.
