AUStronauts

With Australia’s space industry growing rapidly, hands‑on experience in real space projects provides a strong advantage for graduates seeking highly competitive roles. Spacecraft engineering is inherently complex and multidisciplinary, requiring expertise in areas such as systems engineering, mission design, electronics, software, and environmental testing under stringent constraints.

Through engaging with these challenges, students develop critical problem‑solving skills, resilience, and the ability to work within tightly coupled systems. This training prepares them to operate effectively in high‑stakes, real‑world environments, and we have already seen our interns progress into senior space industry positions around the globe.

VIP ChallENG research goals

Design and build a satellite/satellites with an ultimate aim of launch.
Develop projects to win international space competitions. Each year, new competitions will be evaluated, and teams developed for the best opportunities.

Research, design & technical issues

Research areas:

Small spacecraft, Space system engineering.

Research, design & technical issues:

This involves a broad range of engineering challenges, including systems engineering considerations. The specific topics may vary depending on the competition. For example, the annual Mission Idea Contest requires teams to address the particular requirements outlined in the problem description year by year.

ChallENG Area

Vertically Integrated Projects

United Nations Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy: SDG7

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: SDG9

Join this team for
Desired skills

Credit

✔ 6 UoC per course

HOW IT WORKS

Professional Development

•   Teamwork
•   Leadership
•   Design
•   Communication
•   Integrity
•   Innovation and excellence
•   Diversity
•   Respect
•   Resilience

Systems Engineer

Anyone interested in life-cycle development of CubeSat

The Systems Engineering Team oversees coordination, scheduling, documentation, and cross‑team communication across all phases of the CubeSat program. The team maintains structured and traceable technical progress, ensures alignment between subsystem groups, and supports the delivery of major development milestones. It also guides the logical progression of each critical subsystem and maintains short- and long-term development timelines.

Embedded Engineer

Computer Engineers and Mechatronics students

The Embedded Team is responsible for the development, verification, and integration of all onboard firmware, microcontroller logic, and sensor interfaces. The team ensures that avionics hardware operates reliably and consistently throughout prototyping, testing, and full‑system integration. As a guide, this team is suitable for Computer Engineers and Mechatronics students.

Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace and Mechanical students

The Mechanical Team oversees the CubeSat structural design, internal layout, thermal considerations, and all mechanical interfaces. The team develops and refines prototypes, validates structural performance, and ensures that the spacecraft meets launch and environmental requirements. As a guide, this team is suitable for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering students.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical students

The Electrical Team manages power systems, harnessing, PCB development, and electrical subsystem integration. The team verifies power distribution, signal integrity, and electrical compatibility across all components to support safe and robust system operation. As a guide, this team is suitable for Electrical Engineering students.

Software & Communications

Computer Science and Telecommunications students

The Software and Communications Team develops the flight software, ground software, communications protocols, and command and telemetry systems. The team ensures reliable data handling, radio link performance, and operational readiness for mission success. As a guide, this team is suitable for Computer Science and Telecommunications students.

Mission Design

Anyone interesting in Python, coding and numerical simulations

The Mission Design Team conducts orbital analysis, numerical simulation, and STK‑based modelling to support system‑level decision making. The team defines mission profiles, evaluates feasibility, and provides analytical guidance that informs spacecraft design and operational planning. As a guide, this team is suitable for any student with a strong interest in Python, coding and numerical simulations.