The Australian Space Research Program Project - Platform Technologies for Space Atmosphere and Climate

In this paper, the multi-million-dollar Australian Space Research Program Project - 'Platform Technologies for Space Atmosphere and Climate' recently awarded to a consortium led by RMIT University is introduced. This project is part of the Australian Government's recent space-related initiatives to support national strategic, economic and social objectives. The research consortium consists of RMIT University, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Curtin University of Technology, the University of New South Wales, Electro Optic Systems Space System, GPSat Systems Australia and National Central University of Taiwan in conjunction with National Space Organisation Taiwan and NOAA¿s World Data Centre for Meteorology. The main research of the project is focused on developing new algorithms, new approaches, and process optimisation to enhance Australia¿s capability in space-related research and to promote innovative applications of spacerelated cutting-edge technologies in Australia. The aims and objectives, primary research tasks and work packages of this project and anticipated outcomes will be outlined. Key issues related to the research work and challenges confronting Australian space research and space industry will be discussed, particularly those research tasks in the context of next generation GNSS and its innovative applications in the areas of space weather, space tracking, climate and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) will be emphasised. Progresses made to date, selected major findings and preliminary results in the areas of PNT, space geodesy-based atmosphere sounding, climate change, space weather and environment will be presented. Finally, our view on the future of space research related to GNSS and space geodesy, which is a key component of the ever-expanding future Earth observation systems, will be given.