I am delighted to introduce SmartSat’s 2020/2021 Annual Report. This has been a year unlike any other, and I would like to commend our entire community for continuing to deliver quality outcomes as we navigate the ongoing challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite travel restrictions and limited face to face interactions, we have still managed to rapidly accelerate our strategic R&D activities which will put us on a path to success to shape the future of the space industry.

We have recently pivoted our research strategy to focus on conducting mission-oriented R&D that will develop and integrate technologies, subsystems and systems to demonstrate the utility and impact of these technologies. Three Capability Demonstrators (CDs) have been initiated to build capability and address Australia’s national challenges. These CDs are: AquaWatch Australia (water quality monitoring), I-in-the-Sky (disaster management/climate change resilience) and the Indo-Pacific Connector (Defence & National Security).

The establishment of the SmartSat state nodes is ongoing. The NSW node has formally commenced operations and planning for the QLD, ACT, WA and VIC nodes is well underway. Our Education & Training program continues to grow, with a cohort of over 24 PhD students, and more in the pipeline. Having published Phase 1 of the Australian Space Industry Skills Gap Analysis we are now looking to commence Phase 2 to support the future needs of the Australian space sector. Our other significant achievements for the year are outlined throughout this report. Of course, none of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our fantastic partner network. I would also like to thank the SmartSat Board of Directors and our team of dedicated staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure that we deliver on the SmartSat vision.

Professor Andy Koronios
SmartSat CEO & Managing Director