UNSW Canberra Space Education Seminars

Exploring Innovation and Expertise in Space Engineering

Welcome to the UNSW Canberra Space Education Seminars

Our Space Education Seminars have become one of the cornerstones of the academic experience at UNSW Canberra, uniquely designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in space engineering and operations. These enriching sessions are a part of our commitment to integrating hands-on, practical insights into our curriculum.

Overview:

Each semester, we are privileged to host leading experts from the global space industry. Our speakers include prominent figures from Australian projects as well as international missions, offering students a firsthand look at the challenges and innovations in space mission design. These seminars, initiated by Dr. Lily Qiao in 2020 as part of the ZEIT8008 Space Systems Design course, have since expanded to all courses in the program due to their positive reception from students. Accordingly, more academics are now involved in coordinating the seminars, including Dr. Melrose Brown, Dr. Trevor Lafour, Dr. Rabbia Saleem, and Dr George Bowden. Now these seminars play a critical role in broadening students' learning beyond traditional classroom settings. Students consistently report that these sessions are instrumental in deepening their understanding of the space sector, providing perspectives that textbooks alone cannot offer.

Student Testimonials:

  • "The guest lectures gave industry insights into different aspects of space systems design."
  • "It was such a privilege to hear from the industry's best during the guest lectures."
  • "The guest lectures provided a unique view into the space industry that textbooks alone do not provide."

 

2024 Speakers and Topics:

  • System Engineering after University and Space at CSIRO - Mr. Sander Voss, Space Technologies Development Engineer at CSIRO.
  • Space Jobs in the Digital Age - Johann Bell from Defence Digital Group.
  • Engineering is a Team Sport – Space System Engineering is Pro Sport – An Experiential Overview - Roger Franzen, HonFIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus), AFAIAA.
  • Space Businesses That Work - Dr. Craig Benson, Co-founder, Director, and Chief Innovation Officer at Skykraft.
  • Space Engineering & Propulsion - Dr. Javier Martinez Martinez, Former Product Manager and Thermal & Fluid Dynamics Team Lead at ThrustMe.
  • IT Challenges for Space Domain Awareness - Keith Anderson from Bluestaq P/L.
  • From the Whiteboard to L2: A Personal Journey on ESA’s Euclid Mission - Dr. Jason Rhodes from NASA JPL.
  • HEO’s Mission to Image Anything in the Solar System on Demand - Dr. William Coowe, CEO of HEO.
  • Australia’s Space Industry and Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific Region - Ms. Isobel Haddow, Leader of Membership, Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA).

On behalf of the UNSW Canberra Space community, we extend our deepest gratitude to these distinguished speakers who have contributed to our Space Education Seminars. Your expert insights and personal experiences have profoundly enriched our curriculum and inspired our students.

We encourage all students participating in the UNSW Canberra Master Education Program and the Space Final Year Project to attend these seminars. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the expertise and experiences of our distinguished speakers.

Join us as we delve into the depths of space and enhance your educational journey!