About
The space industry is a multidisciplinary domain that requires a broad and diverse range of skill sets to help grow the space ecosystem. ASA has identified more than 30 space careers across five broad areas including communications, project management and business support; engineers; IT, data and software specialists; scientists; and technicians.
Western Australia has significant tertiary research, training and education capability in the space sector provided by Curtin University, CSIRO, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and The University of Western Australia (UWA). Joseph Banks Secondary College Space Science Education Centre provides space education opportunities for school students.
- CSIRO in Western Australia undertakes research in satellite design and control, EO, signal processing and radio astronomy. CSIRO has 100 personnel working in space and space-related projects in the State.
- Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC) is home to the largest planetary research group in the Southern Hemisphere. Key strengths include SSA, space engineering (CubeSats) and machine learning in planetary geology. Curtin University’s Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group undertakes research related to calibration and validation of satellite remote sensing observations. Curtin University’s GNSS Satellite Positioning and Navigation Group develops future GNSSs and novel satellite constellation navigation systems. Curtin University annually graduates dozens of science and engineering students in spacecraft design, space missions, EO and GNSS. SSTC also runs the BinarX outreach program for high school students to design and prototype satellite payloads.
- ECU is currently establishing new space research and training capability with an emphasis on space exploration, satellite technology and SSA.
- UWA’s International Space Centre (ISC) is a multi-disciplinary team that includes more than 12 research nodes and 150 researchers. ISC specialises in (space) optical communications, SSA, batteries, propulsion systems, health, agriculture, engineering, information technology, and social studies. UWA graduates dozens of science and engineering students trained in these space sectors. UWA also runs a Space Boot Camp for Year 9 and 10 students. UWA also hosts the Defence and Security Institute with expertise in space, AI, automation and quantum technologies.
- The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is a joint venture between Curtin University and UWA. ICRAR is an internationally renowned, multi-disciplinary research centre for science, engineering and data intensive astronomy which has played an integral role in the development of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and translation of radio astronomy technologies and expertise to other industry sectors. Curtin University’s Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, a world-class radio astronomy institute supports ICRAR and a number of international projects. Both groups undertake training of dozens of students annually.
- The Western Australian Government also supports Joseph Banks Secondary College Space Science Education Centre. The Centre provides students with a simulated lunar surface, specialist facilities for space science experiments and technology for remote operation and mission control experience.
- STEM and space outreach programs, with Western Australian Government support, are also undertaken by AROSE, ASDAF, Gravity Discovery Centre, ICRAR, Pawsey, Perth Observatory, Scitech and the Western Australian Museum.
