Australia to invest in SBAS and NPIC infrastructure

The Australian government is planning to invest more than AUS$ 260 million in satellite infrastructure and technologies such as navigation technology and satellite imagery. AU$ 160.9 million will be spent on a national Satellite-Based Augmentation Technology (SBAS), complemented by an investment of AU$ 64 million in its National Positioning Infrastructure Capability (NPIC) to improve GNSS accuracy up to 3 cm. ZD Net quotes the Australian government’s budget document, stating that “this measure will deliver PNT data with an accuracy of 3 to 5 centimetres for regional and metropolitan areas with mobile phone coverage, and up to 10 centimetres elsewhere.” According to the same document, the measures would enable Australia’s industries through new techniques, including precision farming and improved maritime navigation.

The Turnbull government has furthermore announced the launch of the first Australian Space Agency, aiming to grasp the opportunities of a growing global space economy.

Source: ZD Net.