Computational Modelling Group

Virtual Earth

For queries about this topic, contact Steven Johnston.

Projects

Cloud Computing for Planetary Defense

Hugh Lewis, Kenji Takeda (Investigators), Steven Johnston

We demonstrate how a cloud-based computing architecture can be used for planetary defense and space situational awareness (SSA). We show how utility compute can facilitate both a financially economical and highly scalable solution for space debris and near-earth object impact analysis. As we improve our ability to track smaller space objects, and satellite collisions occur, the volume of objects being tracked vastly increases, increasing computational demands. Propagating trajectories and calculating conjunctions becomes increasingly time critical, thus requiring an architecture which can scale with demand. The extension of this to tackle the problem of a future near-earth object impact is discussed, and how cloud computing can play a key role in this civilisation-threatening scenario.

People

Andrew Collins
Professor, Medicine (FM)
Hugh Lewis
Lecturer, Engineering Sciences (FEE)
Reno Choi
Senior Research Fellow, Geography (FSHS)
Petros Bogiatzis
Research Fellow, Ocean & Earth Science (FNES)
Steven Johnston
Research Fellow, Engineering Sciences (FEE)
Petrina Butler
Administrative Staff, Research and Innovation Services
Kenji Takeda
Alumnus, Engineering Sciences (FEE)