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UNSW Canberra Space engineer

Harnessing space to address global problems

UNSW Canberra Space research focuses on providing tangible solutions to our needs on Earth. Space mission development, combined with our research into Space Situational Awareness and Artificial Intelligence, enables us to lead in these fields.

Our research priorities

Space-based technologies have an ever-growing presence in our daily lives. UNSW Canberra Space research is aimed at evolving these technologies that are essential in areas such as national security, environmental monitoring, emergency management and secure communications. We're also researching the ethical challenges that global advances in space might create and how we could solve these potential problems.

AI and Cyber Resiliency

UNSW Canberra Space experts are pioneering a state-of-the-art AI system to strengthen the resilience and defensive capabilities of satellite networks against evolving cyber threats.

Satellite Operations and Formation Flying

UNSW Canberra Space has designed, manufactured, flown, and operated five satellites across four missions. These highly complex spacecraft demonstrated several Australian firsts (including the first image of the Earth by an Australian satellite) and even a world first in propellant-less formation flying.

Plasma Thrusters

UNSW Canberra Space is performing fundamental and applied research investigating a range of novel propellants and new innovative space propulsion concepts to address some of these needs. We are also investigating the modification of some of these space technologies for dual-use ground-based applications.

Space Weather

UNSW Canberra Space undertakes research to better understand these changes, developing advanced computational models and using state-of-the-art satellite observations. We have done innovative work investigating the impacts of geomagnetic storms and rockets on the upper atmosphere.

Featured project

Australian-Owned Satellite Database

This study presents an analysis of historical data on all Australia-owned satellites launched since 1967, starting with the inaugural Australian satellite, "WRESAT."

Data was collected from various space catalogs and databases, including some based on orbital software data files and others referenced by satellite operators.

Study with us

When the next generation of space professionals are educated at UNSW Canberra, they learn in the context of real space missions and from leaders in the Australian space industry. From short courses to masters degrees and PhD research projects, find out how you can launch your career in this rapidly growing industry.

Postgraduate coursework & professional education

Our postgraduate courses help put you on the right path for a rewarding career in space. We offer the following programs:

We can also tailor aspects of these programs to deliver professional short courses that suit your organisation's needs.
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Postgraduate research & PhD openings

Our postgraduate research degrees provide the opportunity to work with leading academics in your chosen field. There are a number of exciting PhD opportunities in the fields of science and technology that underpin space operations and the application of AI to space. You'll work with the UNSW Canberra Space team and help contribute to Australia’s growing space industry.
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