SSTL to lead AquaWatch-AUK under UK-Australia space collaboration

AquaWatch-AUK consists of a set of activities designed to enhance water quality monitoring and facilitate better management of vital water resources. This initiative, part of the International Bilateral Programme, leverages CSIRO's ongoing efforts in Australia while allowing the UK to benefit from shared satellite technology and water monitoring resources. The programme is poised to deepen strategic ties through the UK-Australia Space Bridge and tackle significant global water challenges.

The initiative is managed by a core team from SSTL, with contributions from major Australian and UK stakeholders, including CSIRO and SmartSat CRC from Australia, and Assimila, RAL Space, Pixalytics, and Cefas from the UK. Additional UK contributions may come from CEH, University of Stirling, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory pending funding for optional program components.

Clive Oates, Head of Australia for SSTL, commented, "AquaWatch-AUK will expand on our commitment to the UK-Australia Space Bridge, enhancing the potential of innovative space technologies and creating a premier integrated water quality monitoring and prediction system. This collaboration will also advance Australia's expertise in designing, producing, and testing Earth observation capabilities across both academic and industrial sectors."

Alex Held, Mission Lead for AquaWatch Australia at CSIRO, noted, "AquaWatch Australia integrates sensor and satellite data to develop a system tailored for Australia but adaptable globally for real-time water quality monitoring and forecasting. Collaborating with our UK partners amplifies the system's benefits and broadens the impact of Earth observations."