WSU scientists revolutionise space imaging
A revolutionary and world-first approach to space imaging led by Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) — The Astrosite™ — is set to have an enormous impact on several fields, including defence.
Using biologically-inspired event-based cameras – i.e. cameras that function like the eye and brain to overcome limitations of cameras exposure times and saturation – the Astrosite™ can capture objects in space with an unprecedented temporal resolution, and during the day in real-time.
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) Ambassador at Western Sydney University (WSU) and the project research lead Associate Professor Greg Cohen, said the potential of this technology is game-changing.
“The potential uses of this technology are endless. For example, the Astrosite™ can observe high-speed phenomena such as satellites and provide early warnings of potential collisions; allow the daytime recording of objects in low earth orbit; facilitate imaging in low-visibility environments; monitor space debris and allow the high-speed tracking of objects,” said Associate Professor Cohen.
Professor André van Schaik, Director of ICNS, said this innovative technique could be the key to making space a safer place.
“With tens of thousands of man-made objects currently orbiting in space, the risk of collision between debris, satellites and spacecraft is real. This has become a serious concern not only for organisations with a commercial interest in space but also for national and international defence agencies.
“By using technology inspired by nature and biology, we have developed a dynamic imaging system that runs faster, computes more efficiently, uses far less power and produces less data than anything currently on the market,” said Professor van Schaik.
Western Sydney University is a member of the NSSN’s consortium of nine leading universities across NSW & ACT. The NSSN exists to bring together expertise in academia, industry and government to develop innovative smart sensing solutions to economic, societal and environmental challenges.
Home to over two million people and boasting a broad array of major infrastructure projects over the coming decade, western Sydney is a significant driver of the NSW economy and is making tremendous contributions to innovation and prosperity in the state. Projects like the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Western Parkland City, Central River City, Westmead and Liverpool Health precincts and the Western Sydney multiversity are generating enormous opportunity, many of which will rely heavily on next-generation sensing technology.
Whether it’s sensors that will help accurately position cube satellites in space, the sensors in automated vehicles that will improve traffic flow more smoothly or chemical sensing for human health, the NSSN is partnering with industry and government to bring research in smart sensing to life. WSU brings unique strengths to the NSSN across areas such as smart cities, agtech, environmental monitoring, advanced manufacturing, space and aviation.
The Astrosite™ research team is based at the Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS). ICNS is a new research centre and part of the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development. The Centre is explicitly interdisciplinary, by combining electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing, and neuroscience. ICNS’s focus is on developing Neuromorphic Engineering solutions to existing problems. The Centre has strong international partnerships within the Neuromorphic engineering community.