The HENSOLDT Optical Telescope Mount plaque has been unveiled at the Greenhill Observatory north of Hobart.
The new mount signifies HENSOLDT’s continued collaboration with the University of Tasmania in further developing Australia’s Space Domain Awareness capability and building national capacity in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) by expanding the infrastructure to support these careers.
The mount was unveiled by the Honourable Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Science and Technology. It was donated by HENSOLDT Australia to upgrade the 50 cm Optical Telescope, which is part of an array of space infrastructure that is owned and managed by the University of Tasmania.
This Australia-wide network includes six radio telescopes and radars capable of observing near-Earth orbiting objects, satellites, and space debris and further afield objects including the tracking of distant space missions and asteroids.
The HENSOLDT mount allows for more flexible and faster movement of the telescope, therefore significantly supporting and improving the space-tracking abilities of the system.
Professor Simon Ellingsen, Dean of School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania said the upgrade to the 50cm optical telescope provided an exciting opportunity to test and demonstrate a range of new space domain awareness approaches. “Combining data from different sensors is very much the way of the future and will help keep us at the leading edge of developments in this area.”
Scott Reeman, Managing Director of HENSOLDT Australia, said the optical mount system would further strengthen capabilities in Australia’s Space Domain Awareness and in space research by the University of Tasmania. “It symbolises HENSOLDT’s continued commitment to building national capability through cooperation with the University and the Tasmanian State Government. This is one more step by the Southern Guardian Team to develop and secure Australia’s critical national space capability,” he said.
Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the upgrade to the Optical Telescope would enable Tasmania to continue its leadership in space observation, strengthen the State’s role as a leader of Space Domain Awareness and build excitement for careers in the sciences. “Tasmania’s space sector is ascending to new heights, and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the partnerships that make its continued growth possible.”
HENSOLDT is also committed to growing the career pathways for Tasmanian STEAM students who want to continue living and working within the state. Growing the state’s infrastructure and space-related business ecosystem will secure more jobs in trades, business support and tertiary education.
HENSOLDT and the University of Tasmania formed the Southern Guardian Partnership in 2021. The Partnership combines the capabilities of HENSOLDT, a leading provider of platform-independent technology solutions in the space sector, with the Australia-wide network of space sensors owned by the University.