Australia Celebrates Milestone with Successful Deployment of WA Satellites in Space
Image: Curtin University
Australia recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful deployment of three Western Australian satellites from the International Space Station. This momentous event marked the culmination of Curtin University's ambitious Binar 2, 3, and 4 satellite project, propelling the nation's contribution to the global space industry to new heights.
The launch of the satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida, was followed by their docking at the International Space Station. Subsequently, the Binar team from Curtin University's Space Science Technology Centre in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences oversaw the satellites' release, known as CubeSats, in a special viewing event attended by Curtin staff, representatives from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, and Australia's first female astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
Speaking of the accomplishment, Ms. Bennell-Pegg expressed her excitement about being in Western Australia and engaging with the local space industry during this remarkable feat. She offered her congratulations to the Binar team, praising their hard work and highlighting the significance of this achievement for Australia's growing presence in the space sector.
The CubeSats are currently orbiting the Earth at a staggering speed of 28,000km/h, completing one orbit every 90 minutes. They are set to embark on a mission that will last 9-12 months before ending in a fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Prior to their eventual demise, the satellites will transmit valuable data to the CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, to assess the effectiveness of radiation shields, and the Western Australia-based company AVI will test its spacecraft communications system while the satellites are in orbit.
Notably, the Binar principal investigator, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Phil Bland, emphasized the significance of the deployment as a major milestone for the team and for Western Australia's contribution to the global space industry. Describing the CubeSats as among the most advanced in the world in their class, Professor Bland highlighted the fact that they were entirely designed and built in WA, carrying a payload from the WA industry.
Looking ahead, the Binar team has outlined plans for a new project involving larger spacecraft and a world-leading, WA-designed propulsion system in the next 12 months. This new mission holds the potential to provide daily updates for bushfire prediction and urban heat islands, showcasing the university's commitment to driving innovation and driving a thriving space ecosystem in Western Australia.
The successful deployment of the WA satellites represents a significant leap forward for Australia's presence in space exploration and satellite technology, underlining the nation's growing influence in the global space industry.
This groundbreaking achievement not only testifies to the expertise and dedication of the Binar team and Curtin University but also sets the stage for further advancements in space science and technology. As Australia continues to make strides in space exploration, this accomplishment cements the nation's position as a key player in the ever-evolving world of space technology and innovation.
This momentous deployment of Western Australian satellites serves as a testament to the country's capability and commitment to advancing space technology and exploration, heralding a new era of opportunity and progress in the Australian space industry.
Original article: https://www.curtin.edu.au/news/media-release/australias-first-astronaut-over-the-moon-about-wa-satellites-deployment/
