Getting closer to Space at UWA

Research

The ISC develops UWA's space research capacity and furthers blue sky thinking.

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Educate

UWA opens u learning opportunities in an increidble breadth of space specialities.

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Inspire

We use the inspirational properties of space to advance engagement.

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International Space Centre

About the Centre

Our fascination with the space beyond our reach is a defining human trait, which we celebrate at UWA. From the launch of the first artificial satellite to our first steps on the moon just a decade later, exploring space has now become an integral part of our economy. The UWA International Space Centre combines 21 speciality areas of research in space to strengthen and grow space capabilities for Western Australia.

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Contact the ISC
Centre (Phone)

+61 (8)-6488-1135

Get in touch

isc@uwa.edu.au


Through the International Space Centre, UWA harnesses our world-leading space research capability to build partnerships that will contribute to the ongoing growth of Australia’s space industry. Through our 21 specialty areas of research we cover a massive breadth of the technical and humanist knowledge needed to pursue space exploration, and amplify its translations and benefits for Earth.

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Nodes of space research at the ISC.

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Researchers working in space at UWA.

The Space Economy

Global

The global space economy has undergone a deep and lasting transformation from public enterprise to private venture. Today nearly 80% of the $400B annual turnover in the space sector is achieved by private companies. NASA, though frequently perceived as the symbol of space exploration, accounts for just 5% of global space activities. The international space economy has set itself on a path to triple over the next 15 years.Through the creation of the Australian Space Agency (ASA) in 2018, the Australian Government aims to mirror international growth by tripling the size of Australia’s space sector from the current AUD $3-4 billion industry to AUD $10-12 billion by 2030.

Collaborations

Coalitions with UWA and our Australian industry and academic partners.

ISC International Partnerships

Global partnerships with our UWA researchers.

Government Relations

UWA works closely with State and Federal government departments in strategic planning and project steering.

Space in Western Australia

Western Australia’s remote geographic location, low population density outside Perth, dry environmental conditions and high air quality have made WA an attractive setting for major space projects since the 1960s. This setting is ever more important today, as national and international space enterprises are searching for developmental and operational sites.

UWA has existing capabilities across a broad range of critical space capabilities in engineering, physics, life sciences, social sciences and the arts. UWA works closely with the Australian Space Agency, especially on optical communications and remote operations, and with other space agencies and related international entities such as the ESA, NASA, JAXA, and CNES.

Our fascination with the space beyond our reach is a defining human trait. From the launch of the first artificial satellite to our first steps on the moon just a decade later, exploring space has now become an integral part of our economy. The space sector stands out as a prime example of the innovation and human benefit that global teamwork in science and technology creates

From the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Space and Innovation, WA's priority focus areas are:

Remote operations, robotics and automation - WA is the world-leader in remote operations, with expertise in remote asset management, autonomous operations, robotics, AI, remote sensing and systems integration.

Space communications and situational awareness - WA, with its clear skies and large arid areas with minimal radio interference is particularly well placed for space communication; space situational awareness; positioning, navigation and timing; and facilities that contribute to global coverage of space assets.

Satellites - WA has emerging capabilities in the design, manufacture and operation of satellites.

Space data analytics, supercomputing and cybersecurity - WA has significant computing infrastructure and capability in data science, analytics and cybersecurity.

Research, training and education - WA has significant capability in space research, training and education especially in secondary and tertiary sectors.

Launch - WA has significant advantages and opportunities for the establishment of new launch facilities for equatorial, polar and sun synchronous orbits