RMIT, Japan unite on global nav satellite systems

RMIT University has signed an agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to collaborate on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

The exercise is known as the Multi-GNSS Joint Experiment in the Asia-Oceania Multi-GNSS Demonstration Campaign.

It consists of a series of activities over five years, from 2010, that will evaluate the potential use of Multi-GNSS, including the JAXA Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

The QZSS will consist of multiple satellites in orbits with zenith paths over Japan.

Australia is one of the few countries in the world that will be able to receive the QZSS signals.

The deployment of QZSS is expected to have a marked impact for GNSS users in Australia, as it will enhance the integrity of existing satellite systems and also increase the number of visible satellites in dense urban areas.

Project research leader Dr Suelynn Choy, from the School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences and RMIT SPACE Research Centre, said: "The agreement is to participate in the Multi-GNSS Joint Experiment to promote new uses and applications of Multi-GNSS, including QZSS in the Asia-Oceania region.

"We will be demonstrating the benefits and impacts of having more satellite signals and more accurate satellite positioning, navigation and timing services."

Under the agreement, JAXA will loan two GNSS receivers to RMIT to conduct the Multi-GNSS Joint Experiment.

They will be located at the Bundoora campus, at a permanent GNSS tracking station being built by the School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences.

Project manager Professor Kefei Zhang, Director of RMIT SPACE Research Centre, said: "The SPACE Research Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art GNSS research facilities.

"It is known for developing theories, algorithms and innovative applications for GNSS technologies which will enable next-generation GNSS to meet the critical demands of high accuracy, high reliability and increased efficiency of tomorrow's space industry.

"The agreement between JAXA and the SPACE Research Centre will enhance the research capabilities of the SPACE Research Centre and will position RMIT strongly as a key player within the international GNSS community."

The final results of the experiment will be reported at the 4th Asia-Oceania Regional Workshop on GNSS to be held in December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

JAXA is an independent administrative institution focusing on aviation research and development.

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