This composite image shows data from neural sensors on the ISS (right) and a view from high-definition conventional sensors on the ISS (left) as the ISS passes the coast of Honduras.
Image: Western Sydney University; NASA; Apple Maps.
Western Sydney University and the US Air Force Academy received polymorphic neural data sent from space after a pair of morphing neural cameras were launched and installed on the International Space Station (ISS) in September. January.
The space-based cameras were developed by the university’s International Center for Nervous Systems (ICNS), as part of a joint initiative between the two organizations called the Falcon Neuro Project.
Sensor cameras are designed to observe the earth and analyze atmospheric events such as sprites, which are large electrical charges caused by thunderstorms.
According to Associate Professor Gregory Cohen, lead researcher at ICNS, the camera acts more like a biological eye than a regular camera.
“These cameras don’t take pictures, but sense changes and just send them as they happen,” he said.
“The Falcon Neuro project is the first application of these sensors to observe the earth from orbit, and the data received is the first polymorphic neural data to be transmitted from space.”
Falcon Neuro collects data as the ISS crosses the coast of Honduras, then transmits it back to Earth and processes it using algorithms developed by ICNS.
“The results we saw from the first resolved data image were amazing. Although it might look like a normal image when we displayed it, the information was collected in a way. completely new and novel,” Cohen said.
Going forward, Cohen is optimistic that cameras will play a larger role in enhancing Australia’s space capabilities.
“This is just the first step,” he said.
“Now that we know the cameras are up and running in space, we can start using them for science experiments and further explore the incredible potential of these sensors and their what they can do from orbit.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) and Ouranos Systems, a start-up company based at the ANSTO innovation hub, are collaborating to develop nuclear power solutions for satellites and space vehicles.
Using ANSO’s infrastructure, Ouranos Systems is developing small heaters that can be installed on satellites and space probes used to probe the Moon.
According to ANSTO, installing heaters on satellites or probes means space probes will last longer and carry less mass than batteries.
Principle Robert Mardus-Hall of Ouranos Systems says: “Heating is critical to maintaining operability in such a harsh environment, such as a crater.
For the project, Ouranos will be responsible for radiation source selection, tablet design using digital radiation transport and heat transfer models, ballistic shell and heat shield design, prototype fabrication, testing. experience and logistics.
Relevant scope
