WELLINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australian researchers will jointly conduct Earth observation from high altitude and space to help unlock information about the environment and climate.
A trans-Tasman research agreement allows four New Zealand research teams to work alongside their Australian counterparts to test space science research projects using Earth observation tools and techniques, a statement from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said on Thursday.
The Earth observation projects will monitor soil moisture and improve satellite imaging for agricultural monitoring, among others, said Iain Cossar, head of the New Zealand Space Agency, part of the MBIE.
The collaborative research approach stems from an agreement signed earlier this year between New Zealand's MBIE and Australia's SmartSat Cooperative Research Center, and aligns with the 2017 bilateral science and innovation agreement on bolstering trans-Tasman research and innovation connections.
The partnership is a great opportunity for the researchers to advance space science, technology and cooperation, as well as draw on their connections with research and industry partners, Cossar said, adding it will benefit both New Zealanders and Australians.
Joining the trans-Tasman projects are New Zealand's University of Canterbury, the University of Auckland, Scion, and the Landcare Research, as well as Australia's University of Newcastle, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, and the Australian National University and its Fenner School of Environment and Society.
New Zealand researchers will receive funding for six-month feasibility studies, which will be considered for second-stage funding once completed, according to the MBIE. ■