IRANZ welcomes Centre for Space Science Technology

A satellite's view of New Zealand. Image: CSST/NASA.

IRANZ is pleased to welcome the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) as a member. CSST is the first of the new Regional Research Institutes to get off the ground. Based in Alexandra, the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) was established in June this year. They plan to build an agile company that can handle the entire Earth observation data life-cycle, from system design, data capture, data management, dissemination, through to training and support. CSST is owned by the Space Science Technology Trust and governed by an independent Board of Directors.

Steve Cotter, the CSST Chief Executive, met with IRANZ members at our meeting in November, where CSST was welcomed as a new IRANZ member.

Steve explained that CSST has now moved from business start-up phase to operational.  He described how CSST will use satellite, aerial, drone and in-situ data in its three work programme streams to:

    • Provide a publicly available digital platform that facilitates the discovery and processing of raw Earth observation data, delivering usable, actionable information to drive smart, data-driven decision-making;
    • Build a portfolio of products and services developed from Earth observation data that directly benefits regional industries and supports improved decision-making by policymakers and actors in key sectors of New Zealand’s economy; and
    • Create a world-class research capability in using Earth observation data that is relevant and beneficial to the regional industries, and aligned with Vision Matauranga. 

CSST is also assisting others get access to affordable satellite imagery, having received their first purchase order from Northern Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) to assist with repairs to earthquake-damaged roads.

CSST is a limited liability company owned by a charitable trust. The trust’s mandate is to benefit regional industries across New Zealand and to educate those industries about the benefits of using Earth observation data in their operations and R&D activities.  An Advisory Committee, made up of members from industry and the research community, will support and assist CSST with its research agenda.

Centre for Space Science Technology

Date posted: 5 December 2017

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