AROSE warmly welcomes new consortium member the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), with its powerhouse of cutting-edge research, teaching and innovation focussed on the issues of today and areas critical to the future – including Australia’s role in Space.  Like AROSE, UNSW Sydney recognises the opportunity Australia has to capitalise on its world-leading resource industry expertise for applications in Space.

For nearly a decade UNSW Sydney has been developing its capabilities in mission development and Space Resource Utilisation (SRU) research in conjunction with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and other industrial partners through programs run across multiple schools and faculties, particularly the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, and the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER).

On joining AROSE, Professor Andrew Dempster, from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, and Director of ACSER, said:

“UNSW Sydney brings ambition, a “big picture” outlook, and a mining engineering approach to space resources problems.  We want Australia, with its immense experience in terrestrial resource infrastructure and extraction, to take a leading role in Space resource extraction and processing.”

Among the research projects being conducted by UNSW Sydney is Project Wilde, which is determining how to process water from the craters at the Moon’s poles.

With NASA planning a permanent base on the Moon in the near future, a viable means to process water from the Moon will be a significant factor in its success.  Water can be used as a source for oxygen, which could extend the time humans can spend in Space.  Hydrogen, combined with oxygen, could also be used for rocket fuel, which could expand our capacity for longer or deeper space expeditions and discovery missions from the Moon.

Project Wilde is led by Professor Serkan Saydam of the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, and Deputy Director of ACSER, who says:

“With multiple national agencies and private firms planning missions to the Moon and beyond, Australia can have a niche role in Space, utilising our large mining companies, strong mining engineering research, and leading mine automation.”

AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold, welcomed the university to AROSE saying:

“As AROSE progresses our vision with a desire to see an Australian flag on the Moon, UNSW Sydney will be a valuable member given the well-established research and Space projects they have already accomplished.”

“Together, we can secure Australia’s position as the trusted leader in Remote Operations science, technology and services, both on Earth and in Space.”

An Australian rover for use on the Moon is one step closer to reality after the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium received a funding boost from the federal government’s Moon to Mars Initiative Demonstrator Feasibility grants, administered through the Australian Space Agency.

AROSE will use the funding to develop a pilot concept for a remotely operated Construction Rover that could be used by NASA as part of its Artemis Mission to return to the Moon by 2024 and establish a sustained and safe presence there. 

Project Lead, Sarah Cannard, from AROSE member organisation Nova Systems, described how the rover will contribute to Artemis saying:

“Much like building a house,  someone needs to do the groundwork and prepare the foundation first.  This will be the type of basic, but essential foundational service the Construction Rover will provide to establish landing and instrumentation sites on the lunar surface and support lunar infrastructure activities.”

“The Construction Rover will also support modest digging requirements to collect and deliver regolith (loose rocks from the lunar surface) and other in-situ resources, as well as to support certain types of science tasks.”

AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold, noted how AROSE is perfectly placed to tackle such a significant undertaking, saying:

“This project goes to the heart of why AROSE was founded and so strongly supported in its establishment by our members and the WA government.”

“Taking these steps toward an Australian Construction Rover will help further the AROSE mission to build national capability and cement Australia’s role in the international Space sector.”

“We want Australia to have a pivotal role in the Space sector supply chain to generate industry development and job creation, and to inspire what will be The Artemis Generation.”

AROSE consortium members will work on the concept and feasibility for the Construction Rover over the next 12 months, combining Australia’s world leading expertise in Remote Operations, with extensive Space heritage, research and technical experience from across the consortium.

The Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium has opened their head office in Perth, with help from Western Australia’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Science, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA.  Industry leaders and members of Australia’s burgeoning international Space community also joined the celebration, acknowledging this significant milestone for both AROSE and Australia.

AROSE Co-founder, Russell Potapinski got things underway recalling the inspiration behind the founding of AROSE, which only marked its first birthday in February of this year.

Inaugural AROSE CEO, Ms Leanne Cunnold, then spoke about the valuable role played by Australian Remote Operations around the world, as well as its future potential in Space.

“Australia’s expertise in Remote Operations is highly respected and in demand by international Space agencies. AROSE is already being called upon to assist in using this expertise to solve the challenges future missions to the Moon and beyond will face,” Ms Cunnold said.

“We need to grab hold of this opportunity now and cement Australia’s place as the trusted leader and supplier of Remote Operations in Space and on Earth.  If Australia doesn’t seize this moment, others will, and they will be the future disruptors.”

Participation in the Space sector also has down-to-Earth benefits, with Minister Cook acknowledging the incredible opportunity AROSE represents.

“With AROSE headquartered in WA, imagine the possibilities for the growth of our industries and for our young people who aspire to future careers in STEM,” Minister Cook said.

“This is an exciting time for WA. Science sits at the forefront of the WA government’s agenda for jobs, state development and diversification of our economy. We are making strategic investments, like supporting the establishment of AROSE, to harness the energy and talent we have in WA for a strong, resilient future.”

The establishment of AROSE and the new Head Office in Perth, has been made possible with the support of the WA government, through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The AROSE head office, located on St George’s Terrace in Perth, will support the work of the consortium across Australia, establishing a world-leading hub for Australia’s Remote Operations capability, for both Earth and Space applications.

AROSE has appointed Stephen McIntosh, former Rio Tinto Group Executive for Growth and Innovation, to its Board of Directors.

A geophysicist by training, Stephen has led teams working across every part of the mining value chain for more than 30 years.  He also has a long and deep association with academia and research organisations.

AROSE Chair, David Flanagan AM CitWA, announced the Board appointment saying:

“With a successful career spanning more than three decades in the resources sector, Stephen brings to AROSE unique insights into harnessing technology and innovation, and the transformative power of digital and data science.”

“Stephen’s knowledge and insights, combined with a deep understanding of technology development and deployment, will be invaluable reference points for AROSE as we work to transform industries through Remote Operations.”

“As AROSE also works to secure Australia’s place in the international Space sector, Stephen’s expertise will help us translate and transfer our Remote Operations capabilities on Earth, for applications in Space.”

Stephen retired from Rio Tinto at the end of 2020 after more than 33 years with the group.  In his final role as Group Executive for Growth and Innovation, Stephen oversaw staff and operations in more than 30 countries. His remit covered most of Rio Tinto’s global technical functions such as exploration, construction, technical services, Information Technology, data science, robotics and automation, and Research and Development.

The Board and staff of AROSE welcome Stephen and look forward to the contribution he can make toward the AROSE vision of unifying Australia’s remote operations capabilities for Space and Earth applications.

AROSE warmly welcomes new consortium member QUT (Queensland University of Technology); a collaborative Australian research university.

QUT brings to the AROSE consortium world-class expertise in disciplines required to design and build planetary rovers, including robotics, planetary materials and energy sciences.

This expertise is currently in use as part of NASA’s Perseverance Rover mission on Mars, where a group of QUT researchers and students are working with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to guide the rover on its key astrobiology task of seeking signs of ancient life on Mars.

QUT’s Dr David Flannery is a member of the Perseverance science team, a Long-Term Planner for the mission, and a Co-Investigator of a rock chemistry instrument (PIXL) aboard the rover.

“With this mission, there is the opportunity to answer the profound question of whether life existed elsewhere in our solar system,” Dr Flannery said.

QUT hopes to translate its terrestrial and space heritage to new projects with AROSE.

Acting Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics, Professor Michael Milford, said: “Space and robotics are both incredibly exciting, as is the opportunity to combine both together.

“We’re looking forward to working with the AROSE consortium to develop new technologies that benefit both space and terrestrial applications.”

QUT’s robotic solutions have also helped address key global challenges. Rangerbot, for instance, is a multifunction underwater robot used in world-leading research projects to facilitate coral restoration and control marine pests.

AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold, welcomed the university to AROSE saying: “QUT’s research expertise and focus on collaboration to solve challenges faced across the globe and into Space, completely aligns with the AROSE mission.

“Working together, we can harness our collective strengths and use our technologies, systems and models to benefit Earth with real-world remote operations solutions to global problems, while setting our sights on the Moon and beyond, to grow Australia’s space future.”

AROSE is delighted to welcome new member Fleet Space Technologies; a South Australian based nanosatellite manufacturer and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) start-up.

Fleet Space was founded in 2015 with a mission to build Earth’s ‘digital nervous system’ and help power the Industrial IoT revolution using its planned constellation of nanosatellites in Low Earth Orbit.

Since its founding, Fleet Space has launched four commercial nanosatellites, with a fifth and sixth planned for launch in 2021. 

In December 2020, Fleet Space also announced its Seven Sisters Mission to support NASA’s Artemis Program, using their technology to search for accessible water and resources on the Moon.

Fleet Space’s technology is also being applied across a range of projects on Earth, in sectors ranging from energy and utilities to mining.

In welcoming Fleet Space to AROSE, CEO Leanne Cunnold said:

“Like AROSE, the Fleet Space team recognise how space-to-ground and ground-to-space technology can transform industries, making them more efficient and better for our environment.”

“Partnering with Fleet Space, we hope to pioneer solutions for exploring and using resources here on Earth, and into Space, with minimal invasive impact.”

Fleet Space CEO, Flavia Tata Nardini acknowledged the benefits of joining AROSE, saying:

“Remote operations and global communications are natural allies.”

"Together, we have the ability to drive Australia’s greatest strengths to new heights on the Earth, the Moon and Mars.”

Five miniature satellites scheduled for launch in the coming year, will be propelled into Space through the power of collaboration, as the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium, signs an agreement to support Curtin University’s Binar Space Program.

The Binar Space Program (named from the Noongar word for fireball or shooting star) is a major initiative of Curtin’s Space Science Technology Centre (SSTC), with the Western Australian government announcing it will invest $500,000 in the program.

On announcing the state government’s funding, Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly said:

"This new funding will support Curtin University's mission to launch five Binar CubeSats to space, and cement WA's position as the nation's leader in the development and operation of CubeSats in space.”

As part of the Binar Program, researchers and students have designed and built the Binar CubeSat.

This miniature satellite is no bigger than a loaf of bread, and has been engineered to integrate all the satellite’s required systems on a single circuit board, about the size of a sandwich. This satellite bus is a first of its kind in Australia, making the Binar CubeSat an efficient and highly cost-effective solution for sending technology into Space.

AROSE will support the ongoing development of the Binar CubeSat by providing funding and industry-led engineering expertise through its consortium members, as part of the agreement signed with Curtin.

Five Binar CubeSats are scheduled to be launched to Space in 2021-2022, including Australia’s first homegrown satellite constellation, with ongoing experiments and testing of their remote capabilities to be conducted once they are in orbit.

“Being able to demonstrate that these CubeSats can be controlled and used remotely is of particular pertinence to AROSE and our vision for Australia’s remote operations and Space industries,” said AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold.

“Having cost-effective space technology solutions like the Binar CubeSats will open the doors for more businesses, especially small and medium sized businesses, to apply this technology to their own industries and reap the benefits of being able to remotely operate or monitor their day-to-day activities here on Earth.”

“Whether it’s being able to assess and act immediately on wear and tear of machinery parts and equipment operated in remote locations, or being able to track in real-time energy and resource usage data across processes and supply chains, there are many applications where Space technology like this can transform our industries, making them safer, cleaner, more reliable, effective and efficient.” 

Ms Cunnold also noted the long-term importance and significance of the Binar Program, with funding provided by the State government also contributing to a dedicated Binar CubeSat STEM and outreach program, which will provide students with the opportunity to develop technology to be flown and operated in Space.

“The Binar Space Program will not only launch CubeSats to Space, it will also be a launching pad for Australia’s next generation of scientists and our future workforce “ Ms Cunnold said.

“AROSE is proud to collaborate with Curtin on the Binar Space Program and work towards an exciting future for Australia in remote operations and Space.”

To find out more about the Binar Space Program visit https://www.binarspace.com

AROSE welcomes internationally renowned Space and Earth-based robotics and technology company, MDA, as a member of the AROSE consortium.

Founded in 1969, Canadian-based MDA is a world leader in the development, delivery, and remote operations of advanced robotics and sensors systems.  

MDA’s Space flight heritage includes 90 robotic missions on NASA’s Space Shuttle fleet for over 30 years, plus 20 years of International Space Station robotic assembly and maintenance operations.  

In 2020, MDA was also contracted to build Canadarm3, a next-generation smart robotic arm, for NASA’s Artemis (Earth to Moon) program. 

AROSE CEO, Leanne Cunnold, welcomed this new membership and the opportunity to develop a joint AROSE-MDA Space Robotics project.

“Working with an iconic company like MDA and being able to tap into their wealth of knowledge and expertise has immeasurable value for AROSE as we foster and develop Australian Space industry talent, technology and capabilities,” she said.

MDA Vice President for Robotics and Space Operations, Tim Kopra, also recognised the importance of this collaboration with AROSE and Australia’s industrial leaders, saying:

“We are honoured to join AROSE in this important partnership that couples MDA’s space robotics capabilities with Australia’s recognised leadership in remote industrial operations.”

"As the opportunities within the space sector continue to expand, the AROSE consortium will be perfectly positioned to leverage our combined technology, operations, and industry expertise."

"We look forward to working with this incredible team. "

AROSE, is proud to announce the appointment of Ms Leanne Cunnold to the position of Chief Executive Officer; a significant milestone as the consortium forges ahead with its vision for Australian firms to be the leading global providers of on and off Earth remote operations.

Ms Cunnold joins AROSE following an international career spanning 25 years delivering highly complex and reliable technology solutions across industry, universities and government. 

Before joining AROSE, Ms Cunnold held executive leadership positions with APC and Schneider Electric in Japan, Singapore, Boston and Hong Kong. Her diverse experience over this period included commercial operations, product marketing, strategy, M&A, and digital and strategic transformations.

In announcing Ms Cunnold’s appointment, AROSE Chair, David Flanagan AM said:

“We are excited to have Leanne join AROSE and lead us in the next strategic stages of our development.”

“This experience means Leanne is uniquely placed to sustain cross industry technology benefits for all participants, which will be key to increasing the value AROSE is able to deliver to our members and industry.”

In accepting her appointment, Ms Cunnold said:

"I’ve always had a passion for creating and developing new business opportunities, and I don’t think they come more exciting than this one with AROSE. I’m thrilled to be joining AROSE at this pivotal moment for Australia’s remote operations and Space sectors, where there is immense potential for Australian business, especially in diversifying our regional areas and industries."

Ms Cunnold went on to say that Australia’s remote operations capabilities are already respected and recognised globally for their potential to provide solutions for Space exploration and missions.

"I’m also very optimistic about the possibilities for our future generations. Through AROSE we have the chance to deliver projects that will not only inspire our children to engage in STEM and dream big, but also offer practical solutions for our communities and the next generation workforce through the creation of new jobs and opportunities in a respected and active Australian Space industry."

Ms Cunnold will be based in AROSE’s Perth head office.

AROSE continues to establish its core leadership team with the appointment of Communications Director, Honor Iosif, and Finance and Governance Officer, Guy Marchesani. 

Honor Iosif joins AROSE with over 14 years’ Public Relations experience, working across  government agencies, education institutions and numerous not-for-profit organisations, in both Australia and the USA. 

Guy Marchesani is a Chartered Accountant and experienced senior Finance Manager with over 27 years’ experience in the Oil and Gas industry. 

Both Honor and Guy will be based at the AROSE head office in Perth, where they were welcomed on behalf of the AROSE Board by Chair, David Flanagan AM. 

As part of his welcome, David said: 

“These leadership appointments are another key step in the development of AROSE, with everyone on the Board very excited to see our Perth office growing and taking shape.” 

“We look forward to working with Honor and Guy to further our mission to build Australian Remote Operations capability around the world and into space.” 

Honor and Guy join Collaboration Systems Lead, Zac Stafford, whose role is contributed in-kind by AROSE member Woodside. 

“Congratulations to AROSE on your formal opening.

Let me commend everyone who has been associated with this effort of bringing together industry with researchers with such an exciting vision. 

Robotics and automation on earth and in space is one of the Australia Civil Space Priorities. I really look forward to hearing some of the exciting developments that will come from AROSE and wish you well in your future endeavours.”

To view and share the video message please visit AROSE on LinkedIn.

Held in Adelaide, South Australia on Wednesday 19 February 2020 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, AROSE will be located in the Exhibition Hall at the Australian Space Agency Expo Booth. 

Supported by the Australian Space Agency and SmartSat CRC, this biannual event provides the perfect opportunity to stimulate ideas, share information about emerging technologies and discuss industry trends.

AROSE welcomes the occasion to connect and advance Australia’s Remote Operations Industry with the space sector.