The Smart Mission Design Lab at UNSW Canberra is dedicated to advancing research and education in space systems engineering, with a particular focus on intelligent and data-driven mission design.
The lab integrates modelling, simulation, and system-level analysis to support the design, optimisation, and operation of next-generation space missions. Key focus areas include tradespace exploration, digital twin technologies, and data-driven mission analysis, enabling informed decision-making across complex mission architectures.
A central research theme of the lab is Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), navigation, and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), including applications in precise positioning, resilient navigation, and GNSS-based remote sensing (e.g., GNSS reflectometry).
The lab provides a platform for students to engage with real-world technologies and develop practical skills aligned with industry needs, particularly through hands-on experience with GNSS instrumentation and mission-level analysis tools.
Through collaborations with academic partners and industry, and with the generous support of equipment donations, the lab continues to expand its capabilities across space systems design, GNSS, PNT, and remote sensing.
The Smart Mission Design Lab gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following organisations and individuals, whose contributions enable our research, education, and outreach activities.
Skykraft – Desktop computing equipment supporting GNSS research