UQ selected to research first phase of $100 million European Space Agency project
Subsystems for the next generation of global multimedia communications will be developed at the University of Queensland as part of the first phase of a $100 million European Space Agency project.
Department lecturer Dr Mikhail Cherniakov said the University's selection for the five-year project beginning next year reflected its world-wide reputation as a centre for excellence in the field of wireless multimedia communication.
Using the Department's research experience in wireless systems and state-of-the-art microwave laboratory, the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering team will develop experimental terminals capable of sending and receiving information 10,000 times faster than present-day telephone lines.
"A complete system is expected to cost US$1000-$2000 to install in each home or car with an antenna just 10cm in diameter," Dr Cherniakov said.
"Installed on house or car roofs, the terminals will enable operators to access global communications networks for uses such as onboard vehicle navigational systems, home computers or even interactive, real-time video at any point on Earth."
The European Space Agency project led by the Italian Space Agency seeks to develop a new band for communications using the Carnet Sky Internet system. Located somewhere between light frequency and radio frequency, the new band would provide enough room for unlimited numbers of world-wide users, Dr Cherniakov said.
Carnet Sky Internet is operated by Microsoft, Motorola and Boeing and consists of 1000 satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes of between 600kms and 700kms.
Dr Cherniakov, formerly a professor of communications at Moscow University, and his postgraduate students conduct intensive research in systems aspects of wireless broadband communication. The group has a strong track record of achievement and innovation in the Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEOS) communication system field with breakthroughs including mobile environment investigation, system architecture, signal modulation and processing.
In March 1997, Dr Cherniakov negotiated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department and the Russian Space Agency to secure access to six LEOS. This access would greatly assist research including the current European Space Agency project, he said.
For more information, contact Dr Mikhail Cherniakov (telephone 07 3365 4139, email mc@elec.uq.edu.au).
