Every major industry across Australia and New Zealand, from transport and construction to resources and agriculture, will now be able to reap positioning and navigation benefits from the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network’s (SouthPAN) new satellite service.
What does SouthPAN bring to the region?
Following a contract with Inmarsat Australia for the new service on one of Inmarsat’s three new I-8 satellites, SouthPAN partners Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand are closer to top satellite positioning for the southern hemisphere.
SouthPAN provides accurate, reliable and instant positioning services across all of Australia and New Zealand’s land and maritime zones without the need for mobile phone or internet coverage. It will improve positioning accuracy to as little as 10 centimetres. Early Open Services have been available since September 2022. Signals will begin broadcasting services from the Inmarsat-8 satellite which will cover Asia Pacific (APAC), commencing from 2027.
The satellites will provide redundancy and resilience in SouthPAN to ensure continuous broadcast of signals, enabling the development and use of critical applications relying on its highly accurate positioning. An additional satellite service will also be procured.
These satellites will also be a critical part of a safety-of-life-certified SouthPAN for aviation and other applications, scheduled for 2028. These services will be accessed or used by end users engaged in operations where life could be at risk, like landing an aircraft.
Why is SouthPAN a game-changer for the region?
Commenting on SouthPAN, Todd McDonell, President, Inmarsat Global Government, said “SouthPAN represents extraordinary potential for the Asia Pacific region. It can save lives by enabling precision safety tracking, help farmers improve productivity through automated device tracking, or even support transport management systems of the future.”
“We have a long history providing services for govts in the moments that matter most, and we are delighted that our Inmarsat-8 satellites will continue that legacy well into the 2040’s.”
What is the wider industry context of this partnership?
The State of Satellite Technology in Australia
Australia has a long and proud history in the field of satellite technology. In 1967, Australia launched its first satellite, WRESAT, which was used for weather forecasting and telecommunications. Since then, Australia has continued to be a leader in the development and use of satellite technology, and today, Australian companies are playing a major role in the global space industry.
One of the most important areas of satellite technology in Australia is in the field of telecommunications. Australian satellites are used to provide a wide range of telecommunications services, including voice, data, and television. These services are used by businesses, government agencies, and individuals throughout Australia.
Another important area of satellite technology in Australia is in the field of Earth observation. Australian satellites are used to collect data about the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans. This data is used for a variety of purposes, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource management.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of small satellites in Australia. Small satellites are less expensive to develop and launch than traditional satellites, and they can be used for a variety of applications. Australian companies are at the forefront of the development of small satellites, and they are playing a major role in the global small satellite market.
The Australian government is also supportive of the development of satellite technology. The government has a number of programs that are designed to promote the growth of the Australian space industry. These programs include the Australian Space Agency, the National Space Grant Program, and the Australian Space Industry Growth Plan.
The future of satellite technology in Australia is bright. Australian companies are well-positioned to take advantage of the growing global demand for satellite services. The Australian government is also committed to supporting the growth of the Australian space industry. As a result, Australia is expected to continue to be a leader in the field of satellite technology in the years to come.
In addition to the areas mentioned above, satellite technology is also being used in Australia for a variety of other purposes. For example, satellites are being used to track wildlife, monitor crop health, and provide navigation services. As satellite technology continues to develop, it is likely that even more applications for this technology will be found in Australia.
The growth of satellite technology in Australia is a positive development for the country. Satellites provide a wide range of benefits, and they are becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives. The continued development of satellite technology in Australia will help to ensure that the country remains at the forefront of this field
Gerald Ainomugisha is a business news reporter and freelance B2B marketer with over 10 years of experience in writing high-converting copy and content for businesses of all kinds, especially SaaS providers in the niches of HR, IT, fintech, eCommerce and web3. Since joining Upwork in 2012 (back when it was still eLance), Gerald A. has delivered great results for hundreds of clients, maintaining a 98% Job Success rate as well as 5+ years of Top Rated Plus rating (and Premium Writers Talent Cloud membership). Book a meeting with Gerald A. today to get the powerful SEO content you need!
