Scientists part of resource mission to the Moon

University of Adelaide researchers are part of a consortium which is sending nanosatellites and exploration sensors to the Moon to search for abundant, accessible water and resources.

SEVEN SISTERS is the Australian Lunar Exploration Mission which will go to the Moon in 2023, supporting NASA’s Artemis Program.

Unveiled today by satellite startup Fleet Space Technologies and led by a world-class consortium of space, industry and research leaders including scientists from the University of Adelaide, SEVEN SISTERS is a purpose-driven mission of discovery.

“Our research will help Australia achieve its aims in the nascent space industry, as well as supporting the existing domestic mining sector.”Professor Michael Goodsite

Fleet Space Technologies, OZ Minerals, UNSW, Unearthed, Tyvak Australia and Fugro as well as University of Adelaide, are already developing advanced technologies that will transform space exploration. The founding members pledged their support in 2019 and have spent 2020 adapting proven technologies for this ground-breaking mission.

The University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources (IMER) operates at the international forefront of the mineral, energy and resource sectors, showcasing the University’s finest talent in large-scale research and innovation outcomes, with the capacity to pursue higher-risk, cutting-edge projects.

“The University of Adelaide is delighted to be part of this exciting project,” said Professor Michael Goodsite who is Director of the Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources.

“We are developing technology across the value chain that can help us succeed in colonising space by translating and applying our expertise in terrestrial exploration, construction and engineering to off-Earth environments.

“Our research will help Australia achieve its aims in the nascent space industry, as well as supporting the existing domestic mining sector.”

The University will also use its expertise in the sustainable use of resources in the project. Scientists from the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources and the Mawson Geo Centre are addressing the challenges faced by long-term planetary exploration, while ensuring the near-term application of solutions here on Earth.

Professor Graham Heinson, Director of the Mawson Geo Centre and Deputy Director of IMER and his team will work with Fleet Space Technologies on a proof of concept project for large arrays of wireless sensors for remote mapping of heat flow.

With Fleet Space’s Centauri constellation already operating in Low Earth Orbit and the first generation of prototype probes being deployed and tested this summer, the mission is already proving hardware and space systems for future use on the Moon and Mars.

“We are thrilled to launch our mission utilising the best of Australia’s capabilities,” Fleet Space CEO, Flavia Tata Nardini says. “It is critical that Australia supports NASA’s Artemis Program with high-maturity systems.

Our satellites are already in space and our consortium members have proven capabilities in the most demanding environments on Earth. We are ready!”

A key goal of the SEVEN SISTERS Program is to secure Australia’s place as a specialist leader in space exploration by 2030. This inspirational, high-impact Australian mission will leverage the existing private investment in Australian space technology, as well as Australia’s core strengths in remote operations, communications and exploration.

Developing an exceptionally strong Australian space sector will create thousands of high-technology jobs along the way. “This is the space race Australia can win. Ultimately we are seeking footholds on these new worlds,” says SEVEN SISTERS Mission Director Matt Pearson. “In-situ resource utilisation is key to having permanent bases on the Moon, Mars and beyond.”

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the program was a fantastic example of the capability of South Australia’s space industry to collaborate on the kind of major space exploration projects that will secure the state’s place in the global space race.

“Fleet Space Technologies has reached tremendous heights since it was established here in Adelaide, well and truly cementing itself as a major player in our state’s booming space industry,” Premier Marshall said.

“This program shows how vital collaboration within the industry is to our national success in this emerging sector. We are fortunate to have some of the brightest minds in space living and working here in South Australia and it is fantastic to see what can be achieved when these minds come together.”

“Together, we have the potential to unlock the infinite possibilities of the space sector – we are clever, we are innovative, and we have the resources to do it.”

The SEVEN SISTERS name is inspired by the star cluster known as the Seven Sisters or the Pleiades, which represents an important story of seven sisters in both Aboriginal star dreaming stories and in Ancient Greek mythology. The Seven Sisters were the companions of Artemis, and this name was chosen as Australia embarks on a companion mission to NASA’s Artemis Program: to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024.

SEVEN SISTERS is developing new resource exploration techniques for Earth, the Moon and Mars. These tools will help NASA identify viable deposits of water and other resources more efficiently. Ultimately, this work will underpin further exploration throughout our solar system. Using massive arrays of sensors on the lunar surface to generate rich images of subsurface water and mineralisation, Artemis will be equipped with the data it needs to make prudent decisions ahead of robotic and human exploration.

“Australia is a world leader in mining engineering research and automation. It has the largest resources companies and it makes a lot of sense for our young space industry to concentrate on an area of Australian strength. The SEVEN SISTERS mission offers a real opportunity to leverage strong Australian technology to promote human endeavours on the moon,” says Professor Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER).

Back on Earth, cutting-edge space technology developed through the SEVEN SISTERS Mission will be utilised for terrestrial exploration, renewing our resource industry on Earth with new opportunities. These new techniques are already being trialled in South Australia as part of the Accelerated Discovery Initiative.

“Australia has a unique combination of geography, environment and demographics that make pioneering automation and robotics a necessary part of our DNA. We partner with the space industry to stream oceans of data through satellites.” says Gavin Gillett of the Pioneer Lab at Rio Tinto. “The next phase of that partnership starts now, and it will help us reach our climate aspiration on Earth and revolutionise the exploration of space. I’ve never been more excited about the road ahead and what we can achieve together.” says Gillett, Mission Advisor to SEVEN SISTERS.

With the paramount importance of STEM to this future industry in Australia, The SEVEN SISTERS Explorers Program was also announced, a chance for Australian students and graduates interested in geoscience, engineering, computer science and robotics to join this mission to the moon. Explorers will gain access to new roles, take part in terrestrial geoscience missions, cutting-edge analysis and inspirational space engineering programs. Applications can now be made through the SEVEN SISTERS website: 7sisters.com.au