Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s bid to launch miniature spacecraft for deep space missions is one step closer after a $500,000 investment by the Western Australian State Government.<\/p>\n
Curtin\u2019s Space Science Technology Centre (SSTC) has been awarded the funding to support its Binar Space Program (\u2018Binar\u2019 being the Nyungar word for fireball or shooting star). The spacecraft technology, conceived in WA by Curtin\u2019s SSTC is an innovative highly integrated unit, with all spacecraft systems on a single circuit board, making it significantly more cost effective solution than that offered by other manufacturers.<\/p>\n
WA Minister for Science, the Hon Dave Kelly MLA made the grant announcement this morning, as part of the State Government\u2019s commitment to maximising benefits for the State through research, job creation, diversification of the economy and innovation.<\/p>\n
Funding will be used to employ engineers to support the scheduled launch of five Binar CubeSats to space in 2021-2022. If all five launches are successful, they will be Australia\u2019s first home grown constellation of satellites in space.<\/p>\n
SSTC Director, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Phil Bland, said the funding will help the Binar Program achieve its true potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy access to space isn\u2019t just about lower launch costs. It\u2019s great that you can now put a satellite into orbit for $100k. But that\u2019s not much help if even the smallest spacecraft costs millions. It is our goal to remove that hurdle,\u201d Professor Bland said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUniversities are the crucibles of innovation. They\u2019re training the next generation of scientists and engineers for a future space workforce. We want to help them innovate and train those students by providing them with a cost-effective platform, allowing for an agile fast-fail approach to payload development. Researchers will be able to rapidly iterate technologies in orbit, developing solutions that can help Australians, and Australian industry, whether that\u2019s fighting bushfires or tracking groundwater.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, we\u2019re also planetary scientists and every success in Earth\u2019s orbit allows us to iterate our technology, getting us closer to our goal of a WA mission to the Moon, and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Binar space technology platform has the potential to be Australia\u2019s sovereign cubesat solution, said Samuel Forbes from Fugro Australia, Director of the Australian Space Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC<\/em>).<\/p>\n \u201cWith four Binar spacecraft contracted to launch in the next year, including Australia\u2019s first satellite constellation, Fugro is excited to partner with Â鶹ֱ²¥ to support operations of the Binar Space Program through its SpAARC facility. We see the Binar technology platform delivering a game changing capability for Australia,\u201d Mr Forbes said.<\/p>\n Curtin\u2019s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Chris Moran said the funding boost to the Binar Program includes a valuable outreach component to inspire young people in WA.<\/p>\n \u201cThe research and practical capabilities of this outstanding SSTC program are powerful, but it also has the real potential to inspire students to consider a career in space science through STEM engagement activities, using these miniature satellites as evidence of what science innovation can look like in WA,\u201d Professor Moran said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis funding advances Curtin\u2019s mission to see WA spacecraft delivering value for WA industry, WA students helping to build them, and on graduating, those students finding jobs in a thriving WA space industry. By working with local industries, the Binar Space Program will connect WA with a pathway to space, advancing the State\u2019s economy and shining a light on possible futures for students in the space sector.\u201d<\/p>\n As part of the funding agreement, the WA State Government coat of arms will be included on the SSTC spacecraft when they are launched over the next two years.<\/p>\n Further information on the Binar Program can be found online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n