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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.

Space situational awareness

Space Situational Awareness is the understanding of the very large number of objects in orbit around the Earth, the complex and dynamic environment they orbit in and their interactions with that environment.

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Space ethics

New advances in space technology and science potentially open up whole new worlds for humans to explore. However, not all innovation is positive, and even the development of ‘good’ technologies can have negative outcomes.

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Artificial intelligence for space

The application of artificial intelligence to space systems is a growing research strength for UNSW Canberra Space. We focus on the development of miniaturised satellites as edge devices, capable of performing complex tasks and analysis of data on orbit.

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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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