South Australia’s pioneering satellite, Kanyini, has delivered its first images from space, marking a significant milestone for the mission.
Deployed on SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission last August, Kanyini has spent 194 days in Low Earth Orbit, closely monitored by the mission control team at Inovor Technologies, based at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation district.
Since it was launched, the team has been working through commissioning of the satellite’s systems, confirming that the solar panels and batteries are functional and X-band radio communications are all operational.
A number of preliminary images have been collected during Kanyini’s on-orbit commissioning phase, demonstrating the incredible depth of data the satellite will be able to provide once fully operational.
The first processed images released today, capture high resolution views of South Australian regions, including Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide.
The vast amount of data behind each image allows them to be processed to reveal infrared details normally invisible to the human eye, that can be used in monitoring crop health, vegetation density and changes in inland and coastal water conditions.
The HyperScout 2 hyperspectral imager capturing the views, is a three-in-one instrument that combines hyperspectral and thermal imaging with high-level data processing and Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
The satellite also features an Internet of Things (IoT) payload developed and manufactured in South Australia by Myriota, enabling Kanyini to capture both imagery and IoT data – such as groundwater levels and pipeline condition – from a single satellite.
The Kanyini mission is Australia’s first state-owned satellite and is a joint initiative between the South Australian Government, SmartSat CRC, Inovor Technologies and Myriota.
“The release of Kanyini’s first images is an exciting moment for the mission team and the South Australian space community, reinforcing our position as a national leader in space technology,” said Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan.
“The commissioning of the satellite’s ongoing operations will ensure Kanyini can deliver critical real-world benefits once fully operational.
“From monitoring environmental changes, to supporting emergency services, Kanyini’s data will provide vital insights that will help improve lives and drive innovation across multiple industries.”
Over the coming months, the mission team will continue to progress the commissioning and calibration process of the satellite’s systems, ensuring its functions and data output meet the highest scientific standards.
“Putting anything into space is an extraordinary feat, however the work does not stop at successfully delivering your spacecraft into orbit,” said SmartSat CRC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Andy Koronios.
“These first images are the result of years of hard work and dedication from our talented team of engineers as they work through the onboard commissioning of the spacecraft.
“SmartSat is proud to be funding a suite of projects in artificial intelligence, onboard processing and machine learning aimed at using the data gathered by Kanyini to address challenges in agriculture, water management and the environment.
“Having access to the wealth of information-dense data gathered from our own sovereign satellite opens up a world of opportunities for industry, academia and government departments.”
Once fully operational, Kanyini will deliver critical space data to support future research projects by government and research institutions, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts.
Kanyini fast facts:
- Revolutions around the Earth: 2788
- Average speed: 27,386 km/hr
- Distance travelled: 9,034,937 km
- Orbit height: 516km
Click here to see the images captured by Kanyini.
