Curtin University signs international agreement in search for life on Mars
According to Curtin University, WA is out of this world for planetary exploration.
Following the signing of two new international agreements, it hopes to unlock the secrets of life on Mars and develop a new generation of robotic and autonomous systems.
Curtin signed a Statement of Strategic Intent and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India-based technology company Uncharted AI to formalize the LifeSpringsMars Working Group at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney last month.
The LifeSpringsMars Working Group brings together scientists and industry experts from Curtin, ECU, Arizona State University, University of Auckland and international robotics partner companies.
It will work on mission design studies, demonstrate new technologies for mining, defense and remote operations, and develop education and workforce pathways in space science.
Curtin University vice-chancellor research professor Melinda Fitzgerald said WA’s unique geology made it a natural leader in planetary research.
“Through our partnership with the LifeSpringsMars Working Group and Uncharted AI, Curtin addresses the question ‘are we alone?’ It helps answer the question. it also provides technologies that are vital to WA’s future,” Professor Fitzgerald said.
The MoU with Uncharted AI will expand the LifeSpringsMars working group’s activities into India, supporting collaborative research, pilot projects in Western Australia and India, and workforce initiatives connecting the two regions.
Uncharted AI Co-Founder and CEO Pradyumna Vyshnav said the collaboration will push the boundaries of exploration on Earth and beyond.
“Partnering with Curtin allows us to bring our autonomous technologies to a world-leading planetary science center,” said Mr. Vyshnav.
“Together we can advance astrobiology and lunar research, as well as transform the way we discover critical minerals and explore extreme environments in Western Australia, on the Moon or beyond.”
Curtin is offering two new Space and Planetary Sciences departments.
