ABSTRACT. FedSat was an Australian scientific satellite developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems (CRCSS) and launched into an 800 km altitude orbit in December 2002. The CRCSS brought together a variety of university, civilian and industry partners to grow national space capability by locally developing and operating a complex small satellite. Despite numerous challenges, FedSat operated successfully in orbit for 4.5 years, exceeding its 3 year design life and achieving many technical and scientific firsts. Overall, however, the CRCSS program was not a success, since it failed to create a self-sustaining space industry sector. This presentation briefly outlines some of the key technical, operational and strategic lessons learnt.

ABSTRACT. This presentation reviews some of the lessons learnt in connection with development and operations of the CUAVA-2 and Waratah Seed-1 satellites. Topics include: ground stations, with multiple backups and systems needed to develop confidence and the ability to establish communications with the satellite and so progress through commissioning to operation; the potential false savings involved, either way, in developing satellite bus systems in-house versus buying commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS); repeated testing, corresponding to a comprehensive set of tests on the Flat-Sat, Engineering Model (both before flight and to debug the payloads once in flight) and Flight Model, Fit-tests for the satellite in the deployer, vibration and thermal vacuum tests, end-to-end tests, and remote coming-alive tests; having a process for the project’s development and management, including going through an external Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and a Critical Design Review, with incorporation of comments and suggestions as needed; developing a community of people in multiple cascading teams, ranging from the whole project to individual payload or bus subsystem or software teams; and finally some comments on project management, meetings, personnel autonomy, and teamwork to solve problems and progress the project. Above all, what one desires is to find problems on the ground and not in space and be prepared for the problems one does find in space.

ABSTRACT. The SpIRIT mission - the first satellite in orbit funded by the Australian Space Agency - is a complex multi-stakeholder project that offers valuable lessons learned from its three years of development and two years of in-orbit operations. In this talk, I will reflect both on key strengths/achievements and on those elements that represent a learning opportunity to deliver future Australian space missions with greater efficiency and reduced risk.

ABSTRACT. How do we train future leaders for an industry that is still in its infancy? The answer is to bring space to them. Through real, hands-on experiences Swinburne University of Technology is launching the next generation of space leaders through a program that spans secondary school through higher degree learning. By delivering an interconnected education experience, we provide access to space for secondary students while enabling university students to mentor and apply their knowledge to real space missions. This approach is anchored by our Space Technology education suite and space heritage enabled through the Space technology and Industry Institute. After successfully launching and returning six missions (with #7&8 set for 2026), our student led payloads are providing critical space knowledge and results, driving impact to grow research, entrepreneurship and outreach for Australia's growing role in space. Our graduates are going on to take part in Australia's first lunar rover mission, establish their own companies, and represent our space expertise on the international stage.

ABSTRACT. As the boundaries between space research, education, and industry blur, space education stands at a crossroads. Governments frequently cite the need for a “space-ready” workforce, yet long-term investment in education and outreach remains uncertain. This presentation examines how priorities are set — and who ultimately funds the pipeline that connects curiosity to capability.

Drawing on my experience as former Director of the Space Education Office at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Chair of the International Space Education Board (ISEB) in 2023, I explore the transition from agency-driven programs to multi-stakeholder ecosystems involving universities, startups, and private sponsors. These evolving structures reveal an urgent need to position space education as a strategic investment in human capital and innovation, not merely as outreach.

In response to this challenge, the Aussie Space Rocks initiative was launched on 1 October 2025 during the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. Targeting advanced-level graduate students and researchers aspiring to join the global space community, it unites educators, scientists, and industry mentors across Australia, Japan, and beyond. Its hybrid funding model — supported by industry partners and emerging research laboratories — highlights how industry recognition can sustain the educational infrastructure of a growing space sector.

The talk invites discussion on redefining “urgency” in space education and aligning international partnerships, funding mechanisms, and institutional priorities to prepare not only astronauts but citizens and innovators for a truly spacefaring century.

ABSTRACT. UNSW Canberra is advancing an industry-engaged education model that empowers the current generation of students through practical, authentic learning experiences. Since 2020, the Space Education Seminar Series has connected students with industry professionals, researchers, and government partners. Through the Industry–Academic Program, students gain exposure to real engineering practice, and contemporary tools. In addition, organised industry tours and facility visits provide first-hand insight into workplace environments and current technologies. Together, these activities build job-ready capability, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the Australian space sector, supporting immediate workforce needs and long-term national growth.

ABSTRACT. Astronomers represent less than 1% of the world’s scientists (Gokus et al., 2024), yet their professional activities generate disproportionately high carbon emissions, estimated at 1.5 to 3.4 times greater than those of academics in other fields (Arsenault et al., 2019; Dalgleish, 2020). In Australia, astronomers emit approximately 40% more carbon than the national average (Stevens et al., 2020). As a community with deep knowledge of planetary systems, astronomers bear a particular responsibility to reduce their environmental footprint and to champion sustainable practices. One promising avenue is the promotion of Dark Sky Tourism (DST). Unlike broader astrotourism, DST is a niche form of tourism that relies directly on the quality of natural night skies and weather conditions. This research explores how Dark Sky Tourism not only advances the preservation of pristine skies but also aligns with 12 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Dalgleish et al., 2020; Dalgleish & Bjelajac, 2021). By highlighting these intersections, Dark Sky Tourism can serve as a pathway for astronomers to integrate sustainability into both their research culture and public engagement.

ABSTRACT. Recent developments in the study of acoustic waves in active regions highlight the importance of magnetic fields in wave propagation. The seismic response of solar flares in the solar interior, commonly known as sunquakes, propagates downward and refracts back to the surface, producing expanding ripples on the photosphere. In shallow subphotospheric layers, magnetic fields suppress wave amplitudes and shift their phase, a distortion known as the showerglass effect, which complicates their detection through acoustic holography. In this study, we introduce an improved approach for correcting the showerglass effect to account for magnetic field distortions in helioseismic observations. Using line-of-sight Doppler measurements and vector magnetic field data from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the method quantifies magnetic influences and develops a proxy by analyzing correlations between the Doppler signal and both the ingression and egression of waves in the Solar Standard Model. In addition, we perform an anisotropic analysis of the seismic emission to resolve the directional properties of the sources. This analysis helps discriminate the spatial and temporal complexity of seismic sources in complex delta-type active regions. We apply this methodology to several seismically active solar flares. Our results demonstrate that combining showerglass corrections with anisotropic analysis yields more accurate representations of seismic sources, enhancing the detection and characterization of flare-driven seismicity, including flares previously considered seismically inactive. This approach improves our understanding of wave phenomena associated with solar flares and contributes to the development of more realistic models of solar interior dynamics.

ABSTRACT. Current understanding of Martian regolith has advanced due to various rover explorations. Due to this, there are now several variants of Martian regolith that are either chemically known, or that are commercially available. These simulants are vital for panspermia models that suggest a transfer of simple life throughout the solar system via ejecta containing life from Mars when its surface was more favourable to host life. Bacteria that produce endospores are suitable candidates for these models as they have adequate protection from the harsh conditions of space, particularly against solar radiation. To assess this, the simple endospore former, Bacillus subtilis, was assessed for growth on several Martian regolith that represented different locations and epochs of Mars. This consisted of a conventional Martian regolith, a sulphur rich regolith, and a simulant of the Jezero crater which was thought to have once been flooded with water. We found that the sulphur rich regolith inhibited endospore formation, likely due to the toxicity it had on B. subtilis vegetative cells, while the other two variants favoured endospore production. In addition to this, we also find that exposure to UVC radiation showed no difference on these regolith variants for endospore viability than on conventional nutrient growth agar, suggesting no toxicity to endospore production. Interestingly, we also identified that pulsing of UVC in a simulation of endospores on rotational ejecta show that endospores break down faster with lower rotational frequency despite receiving the same UVC dose. Moreover, and most strikingly is that viable endospores after surviving UVC dosage displayed elevated expression of the DNA damage SOS response gene, RecA. Importantly, this study suggests that astrobiological approaches that utilise endospore viability as a benchmark for survival require reassessment as the genomic health may be compromised.

ABSTRACT. Across Africa, countless people, especially the young, students, educators, STEM enthusiasts, etc., look up at the night sky, wondering about the universe, yet they often lack access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to explore these big questions. While some African academic institutions offer astronomy and space science courses, these are often heavily focused on theory, leaving students without the practical, hands-on experience that fosters true scientific engagement. This gap can lead to doubt, skepticism, or the sense that astronomy is a distant, unattainable field. The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PACS e-Lab) was created to change this perception, and its online platform is inclusive and continent-wide, designed to bridge the gap in astronomy practice across Africa. Through strong collaborations with international partners like NASA, International Astronomical Search Collaboration, Las Cumbres Observatory, Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InStAR), MicroObservatory, Slooh, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. Etc, and the use of digital tools, PACS e-Lab empowers African students, educators, and STEM enthusiasts to engage directly in cutting-edge projects involving astronomy and space science, from asteroid hunting, astrophotography, stellar and exoplanet observations, to communicating with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, and more. As a result, many of the participants have made significant discoveries, conducted observations using state-of-the-art robotic telescopes, published research papers in peer-reviewed journals, and presented their work at both regional and global scientific conferences. Their achievements have been celebrated in local, regional, and international media, showcasing the talent, passion, and potential of Africa’s growing community of amateur astronomers. At PACS e-Lab, the slogan is “Bringing the Stars to your Doorsteps”, because we believe science belongs to everyone. During the Conference, I will elaborate on these efforts and our achievements.

ABSTRACT. While traditional student-industry partnerships often position students as passive observers and learners, Knowledge Angels presents a fundamentally unique model. This global mentoring initiative engages students, especially international and early career participants, in high-impact, real-world projects in space exploration and extreme environments.

The innovation lies in a threefold, cross-generational co-learning environment that connects students, academic mentors and industry partners. The students are co-creators, not standard interns. The industry partners learn from the mentors’ expertise, while the mentors learn from the partners’ market needs and applied constraints; all acting as collaborators, not supervisors or employers. The trend-savvy students also bring up-to-date digital skills that complement the knowledge of the experienced professionals, enabling reverse mentoring.

The Knowledge Angels model breaks with traditional mentoring by reimagining it as an active, innovation-driven partnership. In this study we explore how such an approach supports student development, engages local businesses and contributes to a more inclusive, future-ready space workforce. We utilise a design-based research methodology that includes case studies and participant reflections. The study documents the mentoring process, the development of applied prototypes, and the impact on student learning, identity formation, and business engagement.

Our initial findings show that student-led and mentor-supported projects increase ownership, motivation and real-world readiness. The program extends a framework originally applied to digital transformation in less innovative sectors to the innovation ecosystems of extreme engineering and space. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and inclusion by involving local companies and utilising the diverse perspectives of international students.

Knowledge Angels addresses several critical gaps, including limited access to applied experience for international and underprivileged students, lack of integration between education and emerging space industries, and traditional mentorship models not yet aligned with co-creative, applied learning. It provides a scalable, replicable learning ecosystem that strengthens local innovation, diversifies the talent pipeline, and prepares students to meaningfully participate in the future of space and extreme environment research.

ABSTRACT. BACKGROUND: From 2022, the four-year University of Melbourne MD includes a linearly integrated ‘Discovery Subject’ stream alongside the core subjects and clinical school placements. “Human Health in the Space Environment” was selected as one of seven initial flagship topics for MD1, and launched in March 2022. As Topic Coordinator, the author curated the content and worked closely with learning designers to develop an engaging and interactive online learning experience using the ‘flipped classroom’ approach. The new course is now in its fourth year, and has been well-received by both students and faculty. DESCRIPTION: The course is presented as a seven-month mission, with a mission patch and ID badge. The 24-week curriculum is divided into systems-based blocks paralleling the MD1 core biomedical science subject: Foundation, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Metabolism and Immunity, Musculoskeletal and Renal, Neuroscience, and Reproduction. Students learn though exploring ‘spacewalks’ (EVAs), which draw on websites, videos, and publications from international space agencies and experts, and interactive tutorial activities. External engagement occurs through virtual ‘Meet an Expert’ sessions. The incorporated LEGO “Build to Launch” (Artemis I) program educates students about the teamwork and collaboration essential for successful space missions. Translational space health is introduced through learning about spinoffs. The assessment tasks are designed to build the skills of the students in accessible public science communication, including group and individual presentations and videos, and a written article about space health. DISCUSSION: This innovative and unique new course provides an opportunity to introduce students to human physiology in extreme environments and aerospace medicine as a discipline. It also functions as a stepping-stone in training and building a future space-enabled workforce. This introductory subject could be leveraged to build a four-year pathway in space health for MD students. For instance, further subjects might include the challenges around clinical medicine and surgery in space, and translational space health. As an online subject, it also provides a reproducible template that could be adapted and adopted for use elsewhere to help satisfy the unmet international need for broader access to aerospace medicine education and training.

ABSTRACT. The Australian Rover Challenge (ARCh) is an international robotics competition where university students design and build rovers to compete in full-scale simulated lunar missions. Founded and run by the University of Adelaide (UoA), and held at a dedicated facility at the Roseworthy campus in South Australia, participation in ARCh involves written deliverables which assess each teams’ systems engineering practices, rover design and team management, and four tasks taking place on two 40 x 40m pitches; Post-Landing, Excavation & Construction, Space Resources and Mapping & Autonomy. Originally taking place on the city campus of UoA, the dedicated Roseworthy facility hosts over 500+ students and spectators each year and includes the newly-built Covered Regolith Analogue Terrain for Experimental Research (CRATER). CRATER will provide high-fidelity, indoor, low-illumination conditions with geotechnical-grade regolith simulant, providing students the chance to validate their rovers and qualify for international challenges . The purpose of ARCh was to address the challenge set by the Australian Space Agency to inspire the next generation workforce. Having run for five years, influencing hundreds of Australian students and creating a direct pipeline between industry sponsors and graduate students, ARCh continues to provide unparalleled opportunities for Australian, and international, students to showcase their talent and passion for the burgeoning space industry. This work summarises the program’s growth since 2021, its impact on student outcomes, and performance metrics from competition scores, highlighting how undergraduate teams are undertaking research-grade engineering and scientific activities comparable to those of professional research groups.

ABSTRACT. The rapid growth of the global and Australian space sectors highlights the urgent need for a skilled, industry-ready workforce. Yet traditional curricula often struggle to keep pace with evolving industry demands, particularly in emerging areas such as space law and sustainability in space missions. The Xolvit platform addresses this challenge by embedding real-world industry problems directly into university learning. Through Xolvit, students engage with authentic challenges sourced from companies and societal organisations, applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. This challenge-based learning fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills while building subject-specific expertise. Students also present their solutions to industry leaders, gaining exposure to professional networks and career pathways. The platform is highly adaptable, functioning as group projects, seminar activities or assessments across diverse disciplines such as engineering, business and law. By linking academic learning with real-world application, Xolvit provides universities with a scalable and inclusive model for preparing graduates. This presentation will demonstrate how Xolvit can connect the space and education sectors, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and cultivating a diverse, career-ready workforce to drive Australia’s future in space.

ABSTRACT. Australia’s relationship with space has been characterised by a ‘boom and bust’ pattern that, lacking a national space policy to provide a framework, or, prior to the establishment of the Australian Space Agency, a national space agency to co-ordinate activities, proved incapable of providing for the long term planning and development of a space program. Despite this “handicap”, Australia has been a significant contributor to international space projects, including the European Launcher Development Organisation’s Europa launch vehicle program, the UK’s Black Arrow launcher program, and space tracking on behalf of both NASA and the European Space Agency. There have also been important local achievements, from the Weapons Research Establishment’s sounding rocket programs and the launch of Australia’s first satellite, to Australia’s innovation in space applications, particularly in the field of remote sensing, and the space qualification flights of the Endeavour Space Telescope and the FedSat technology demonstrator satellite. But what if history had taken a different turn at various points in time, and proposals and programs now forgotten, or regarded as curiosities, had instead been funded and developed to become reality? This paper will explore the history of Australian space projects that never were: ideas that were perhaps too ambitious, too expensive, too technically difficult to achieve at the time or not politically acceptable. From the UK’s 1946 project Megaroc, to put a human into space from Australia, to the commercial spaceport proposals of the 1990s, this paper will examine a selection of unrealised Australian, or Australian-based, space projects and consider the different outcomes for Australia’s place in space activities had they come to fruition

ABSTRACT. Thermospheric density is an important consideration for operators of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), as atmospheric drag is the largest perturbing force that LEO objects experience. Unexpected and unpredictable changes to atmospheric drag can result in deviations from predicted satellite orbits, which is especially troubling for the more densely populated LEO regime. Some of the most intense fluctuations in thermospheric density are caused by geomagnetic storms, particularly at high latitudes, where intense, localised spikes in density of up to ~700% from quiet-time values have been observed. In this work, one such density spike observed by the Swarm C satellite during the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day geomagnetic storm is used in a numerical experiment to determine its impact on orbit prediction. By comparing two 90-minute orbit propagations, one with and one without the 700% density spike, the along-track difference at the end of the propagation is used to quantify the impact. Along-track differences are presented for ranges of satellite altitudes and ballistic coefficients, which can be easily applied to existing or planned orbits in LEO with any combination of the two. The results reveal that thermospheric density spikes have only a minor impact on orbit predictions for objects between 500 and 550 km altitude, i.e. along-track differences of less than 20 m. For objects orbiting between 700 and 1000 km altitude, the position differences range from 10s of cm for low ballistic coefficient objects to more than 50 m difference for high ballistic coefficient objects. By far the largest impact of thermospheric density spikes on orbits occurs for high ballistic coefficient objects at altitudes below 250 km, with more than 20 km along-track difference at the end of the propagation. These results reveal important and specific insights into the space weather prediction requirements for LEO satellite operators, and for space situational awareness more broadly.

ABSTRACT. The increasing population of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) poses a growing threat to operational satellites, with potential collision cascades leading to the dreaded Kessler Syndrome. A critical challenge in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is the timely identification and classification of debris fragments following breakup events. Linking fragments to their parent bodies not only improves catalogue accuracy but also supports accountability and forensic analysis. This research addresses the limitations of current fragment classification techniques by introducing a supervised learning approach using proper orbital elements—quasi-invariants that serve as dynamic fingerprints. A synthetic dataset was generated using NASA’s EVOLVE 4.0 Standard Breakup Model, simulating a debris cloud from real Starlink satellite ephemerides. Fragment orbits were propagated over 60 days with high-fidelity modelling, and proper elements were extracted using a refined algorithm that mitigates bias from short-frequency oscillations via interval sampling. Two clustering methods were evaluated: Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), which struggled with the unique distribution of synthetic fragments, and a neural network trained on Paired First Order (PFO) features. The latter achieved a precision of 93% and recall of 85%, outperforming unsupervised methods. Upcoming work explores quaternion-based element representations to further enhance classification accuracy. This pipeline offers a robust, scalable solution for debris family reconstruction, significantly advancing SDA capabilities and contributing to safer, more sustainable space operations.

ABSTRACT. The increasing number of space launches, the rapid growth of satellite megaconstellations, and the increasing accessibility of space-based missions have led to a significant rise in debris accumulation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Small debris (<10 cm diameter) contributes disproportionately to the collision risk in LEO yet remains largely unaddressed by traditional capture-based Active Debris Removal (ADR) concepts. As LEO becomes more congested, the need for effective debris mitigation strategies becomes ever more critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of future space operations.

Pulsed laser ablation presents a promising alternative, offering contactless momentum transfer by vaporising a thin surface layer on the object and using the resulting ejecta to impart impulse. This work provides a cost estimation framework for LEO debris removal, comparing the cost of space-based laser ablation with other ADR methods. By linking laser-surface interaction, engagement geometry, and mission-level cost, this framework offers a unique perspective on the economic feasibility of laser-based debris remediation, focusing on maximising performance while minimising operational expenses. It will be demonstrated that this approach helps quantify the potential advantages of laser ablation in reducing conjunction risks and offers valuable insights for mission planning and cost optimisation in LEO debris management.

ABSTRACT. The “South Atlantic Anomaly” (SAA), located near Brazil, is a region of lowered geomagnetic field strength, where the inner Van Allen radiation belt dips closest to the Earth’s surface and causes an increase in ionizing radiation. The SAA has led to incidents ranging from the activation of false solar flare alarms to the loss of a spacecraft. Energetic particles also precipitate into Earth’s atmosphere over the auroral zones and polar caps, due to their magnetic connections to the Earth’s magnetosphere, the solar wind, and the Sun.The CUAVA-2 CubeSat, launched on 16 August 2024 to an altitude near 515 km in a Sun-synchronous orbit with LTDN near 1030 UT, carries a solid-state radiation counter developed at the University of Sydney. Here, we present and analyze CUAVA-2 radiation data in terms of the SAA, auroral and polar cap precipitation, and variations due to space weather events. Maps of the radiation clearly show that the SAA dominates the Earth’s radiation environment near and below 500 km, with much larger (by a factor of 10) counts than space weather events observed thus far, smallest radiation levels near the equator (except near the SAA), and higher levels for the auroral zones (near 60 degrees magnetic latitude) and polar cap. The mapped shape of the SAA corresponds well with J.R.R. Heirtzler’s 1999 predictions of the geomagnetic field for 2025 and shows clear evolution over the last 25 years. For greater public understanding, we have also sonified the data into an audible track where higher frequencies indicate higher magnetic latitude, and larger amplitude greater radiation levels. Currently we are comparing events of increased radiation counts with NASA data on space weather events, as well as converting our data into a cohesive model that maps the current location of the SAA and associated variations in the geomagnetic field.

ABSTRACT. The radiation environment in space is significantly stronger than on Earth due to the combination of Van Allen radiation belts, galactic cosmic radiation, and solar radiation. These sources cause low-level damage to electronic circuits in rovers, satellites, and space transit vehicles, and can degrade communication signals. During solar events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, known as Solar Particle Events (SPEs), the damage rate increases dramatically, potentially leading to the rapid failure of electronics.

Electronic components such as integrated circuits are commonly encapsulated in an epoxy resin composite. This protects the delicate bond wires and the bare silicon die from the environment, while also enabling standardised packaging form factors. This protective epoxy can affect the linear energy transfer (LET) of protons and heavy ions through the core silicon die, which can in turn affect single event upset (SEU) testing of electronics. It is particularly significant when the test setup uses low-energy particles, where the protective epoxy can alter the effective radiation LET from the desired space radiation energy range of interest.

This talk will present Swinburne's in-house surface mount device (SMD) decapping workflow utilising micro-CT for guidance alongside CNC milling and acid etching for decapping. First, the device under test (DUT) is first mounted on a test PCB fabricated in-house so that baseline electrical characteristics can be measured. Following CT scanning, the DUT undergoes CNC milling and acid etching to decapsulate it. Lastly, it is re‑tested to verify that its performance matches the baseline, making it ready for downstream radiation experiments.

ABSTRACT. Hardware testing in analogue environments remains an essential component of validation and verification for deep space missions. This is particularly important where lower-budget missions look to commercial off the shelf (COTS) components to reduce development costs. In this work we tested multispectral and hyperspectral imaging techniques based on COTS CCD sensors in Mars analogue environments situated in Ladakh, India as part of Spaceward Bound 2025. As imagers are ubiquitous to almost every Martian mission with silicon sensor-based technology used for ultraviolet (UV) through to near infra-red (NIR) applications, a multispectral camera was tested to take advantage of the increased UV radiation at high altitudes up to 5.3 km, with imagery captured a Lake Tso Khar, Leh and Taglangla Pass. In addition, a custom hyperspectral sensor was used to develop a machine learning model to discriminate between materials of interest. The hyperspectral sensor used a COTS IMX708 imager, and performance demonstrated its utility to return useful information in a Mars analogue environment. These results supplemented non-ionizing radiation testing conducted at Australian National University Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF). The IMX708 sensors were subjected to increasing radiation doses to monitor performance degradation through increased noise, hot pixels and imaging errors. Despite being subjected to radiation levels 2,000 times the dosage expected of a 12-month Mars mission, the IMX708 imagers continued to operate and produce meaningful information, though with increased noise.

ABSTRACT. Maintaining a breathable atmosphere in confined space environments—such as altitude chambers, spaceships, spacesuits and habitats on the Moon and Mars—requires precise control of temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) concentrations. Human occupants consume O2 while producing CO2 and water vapor, necessitating systems to replenish O2 and remove CO2 and humidity. This presentation evaluates Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Thermal Regeneration for atmospheric management, comparing their efficacy across terrestrial and extraterrestrial scenarios. PSA employs cyclic pressure changes with adsorbents like zeolite or cost-effective activated carbon to remove CO2 and H2O from a compressed air stream, often venting one-third of the feed as waste, which can be repurposed (e.g., for greenhouses) or safely discarded in abundant air environments. PSA also enables O2 concentration adjustment, enhancing flexibility. Thermal Regeneration involves in-chamber adsorption of CO2 and H2O on zeolite, lithium hydroxide, calcium oxide, activated carbon or silica gel until saturation, followed by isolation and heating to desorb captured species. While energy-intensive and prone to adsorbent degradation, thermal systems minimise mass loss, making them ideal for closed systems like spaceships and spacesuits. Industrially available systems are analysed, including PSA devices and Thermal Regeneration Scrubbers, assessing energy inputs (compression for PSA, heat for thermal regeneration), mass efficiency, and scalability. This research provides a framework for selecting optimal atmospheric control strategies for diverse space exploration scenarios, balancing energy, mass and environmental constraints.

ABSTRACT. The Raspberry Pi v3 camera based on the commercial off the shelf (COTS) IMX708 sensor has proven extremely popular for open source, embedded applications. Radiometric performance measures were conducted as part of a systems engineering trade study using ultraviolet, visible and NIR filters. The camera digital number (DN) readouts compared favourably with laboratory spectra, confirming its utility for Mars mineralogy remote sensing applications. Can it be used in deep space? As the Raspberry Pi family of single board computers are being used in aerospace and outer space applications while not being designed for this environment, performance results of radiation testing on related components are of high interest to the community. In this submission, we report on the effects of up to 2000 Gray (Gy) of proton radiation on the camera conducted at the Space Irradiation Beamline at the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility, Australian National University. Two IMX708 sensors, with lenses removed, were directly irradiated with 26 MeV protons (H+) at incremental dosages intended to approximate a 10-year exposure in Martian orbit (10Gy). Increasing dosages characterised performance beyond an expected Mars mission duration to determine point of failure. Sensor hot pixels, noise floor and performance at low, moderate and high exposures were measured through the process, with the camera unpowered during irradiation. The results clearly demonstrated that, while the noise floor increased exponentially with increasing dose, the camera would provide meaningful information with exposures of the equivalent of a 60 day stay on the surface of Jupiter’s incredibly radioactive moon, Io. In addition, attempting to kill one camera by directly imaging the beam during H+ exposure failed, with the device continuing to produce meaningful imagery throughout the test.

ABSTRACT. This paper proposes a sovereign multi-orbit satellite system that focuses on an advanced space segment while seamlessly integrating with existing and planned ground and user segments. The architecture ensures backward compatibility with current infrastructure and future-proofing for evolving space-based services in communications, navigation, and Earth observation. A geostationary (GEO) satellite serves as a central intelligent node – functioning as a software-defined networking (SDN) controller and flexible relay – overseeing a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. The LEO satellites carry multi-mission payloads, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), high-resolution optical imagers, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) units, alongside 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) transceivers for broadband connectivity. Each satellite is equipped with high-performance, energy-efficient onboard computing (featuring advanced electronic and prospective quantum processors) to enable in-orbit data processing and AI-driven decision-making. This software-defined, reconfigurable platform replaces many traditional hardware-fixed functions with flexible software operations, providing greater configurability, scalability, and agility while maintaining strict power efficiency.

An AI-enabled inter-satellite mesh network links the GEO and LEO segments, supporting dynamic resource orchestration and intelligent data routing across RF, optical, and emerging quantum communication links. Power-aware communication modules remain in a low-energy sleep mode until activated on-demand by users (whether on the move, at sea, or in the air), ensuring efficient spectrum and power utilization. Borrowing from advanced 5G/6G concepts, the space network supports service slicing and prioritization to meet diverse mission requirements – from ultra-reliable low-latency control links for emergency response, to high-throughput broadband for remote communities, and massive IoT data collection for environmental monitoring. AI-driven scheduling and network slicing allow the system to adapt in real time to changing needs, minimizing latency and optimizing throughput for every service scenario.

The ground segment comprises multiple sovereign control stations enabling telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) as well as secure cloud-based data storage and processing. Ground facilities host AI-powered data analytics pipelines that ingest and fuse multi-sensor data (EO imagery, SAR data, PNT signals, etc.) into GIS platforms, providing real-time situational awareness to users. The user segment spans defence and civilian domains – including border security, disaster management, precision agriculture, mining, maritime safety, transportation and tourism – all benefiting from unified space-based services delivered to existing user equipment with minimal adaptation. By combining the continuous coverage and communications persistence of GEO with the low-latency, high-detail sensing of LEO, the system enables persistent monitoring and rapid response for challenges like bushfires, floods, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental protection. Onboard and cloud-based AI integration further enhances autonomy through real-time anomaly detection, predictive alerting, and adaptive mission re-tasking (for example, redirecting a imaging satellite on-the-fly to a wildfire hotspot).

This fully sovereign solution is designed and developed with minimal dependence on external stakeholders, leveraging the expertise of local academia, government agencies, defense forces, industry partners (SMEs, telcos), and startups. Such an approach ensures national ownership of critical space infrastructure and secures Australian data and communications. The result is a resilient, adaptive satellite infrastructure that unifies communications, navigation, and Earth observation into one platform, providing Australia with a flexible dual-use (civilian and defense) capability to address current and future needs.

ABSTRACT. There is an evident gap between the space industry and the public, reflected by limited public awareness of space activities. Much of the rhetoric surrounding space exploration centres on an idea that it is "for all of humanity", yet that is challenged when much of the population is not consulted in this process. Public perspectives are rarely sought or considered within the space industry. This is concerning as space practices perpetuate imperialist and colonial practices and become increasingly militarised, causing harmful impacts on populations and Earth.

To reduce the gap and foster greater dialogue between sector and public, communities must be empowered and connected to space. To do so, accessible educational initiatives are required for community members. To address this, (Un)Common Cosmos, an emerging collective based in Australia, works to build education practices and events that centre community involvement and awareness of the space industry.

(Un)Common Cosmos has been developing innovative approaches to community engagement and education at the intersection of space, culture, and creativity. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, the collective facilitates workshops and public events that both demystify the space sector and foster participants’ own connections to space. Program themes have included:

- Socio-cultural relationships to space and technology - Space futurisms and ethics - Creative practices such as clay-based “space worlds” - Dark and quiet skies and Indigenous connections to space - Immersive night walks exploring darkness and sky cultures

This paper examines the pedagogical processes through which (Un)Common Cosmos designs educational practices grounded in decolonial theory, community agency, and cultural connection. It argues for the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in cultivating critical perspectives on the space industry, while also strengthening public awareness, responsibility, and care in relation to space practices.

It is increasingly vital to foster public awareness of space activities and to create meaningful opportunities for community participation in the sector. At present, space exploration largely reflects Western colonial ideologies and practices, often marginalising or erasing other cultural relationships with space. A more diverse range of voices and perspectives is essential if space is to be genuinely “for all of humanity.” By empowering communities and ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes, the space sector can become more responsive to collective needs, values, and visions for the future.

ABSTRACT. The underrepresentation of women in STEM calls for meaningful interventions and initiatives that raise awareness and build a supportive culture within the industry as well as robust evaluation to capture impact of progressive work. Globally STEM fields remain a male-dominated sector, despite decades of research supporting the value of more diversity in critical thinking and problem solving careers. This lack of diversity in the space industry inhibits innovation, perpetuates inequality and fails to reflect the global nature of space exploration. Monash Nova Rover (MNR) is a university student engineering team that designs and builds analogue planetary rovers and has performed at a high level at international competitions. The team elected to paint their rover pink in 2023 to spark conversations about women in STEM, which has led to broader nuanced conversations about identity in STEM and the space industry. Through the Pink Rover Initiative, MNR aims to support diverse identities and self-expression in STEM. As the only Australian team to compete internationally, we use the global stage to showcase Australian talent in robotics, science and engineering and to voice the importance of meaningful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. The Pink Rover Initiative has empowered MNR members to thrive, cultivating a culture of inclusion and increased sense of belonging. The Pink Rover Initiative has demonstrated that it can provide a safe platform to discuss deep rooted issues.This platform has created a communal shared responsibility for upholding a culture where everyone is accepted, valued and belongs; this has ultimately brought the team closer together. Beyond the team, the initiative sparks curiosity and engagement in STEM, guiding young students through hands-on mini-rainbow rover building workshops that emphasise technical skills and inclusive values in STEM. In 2024, MNR engaged with over 24 schools, 2,000 students, and 16 outreach partners. We present the key insights of our Pink Rover Initiative, derived from a comprehensive evaluation of its impact within our team and the wider engineering student team community in Australia. This evaluation includes both quantitative and qualitative findings, with triangulation of the two approaches implemented to enhance the validity of findings and ensure that both measurable outcomes and human experiences are considered in this evaluation of social impact. With the space industry experiencing rapid expansion in 2025, there is a need to cultivate a workforce that is as diverse as the challenges it seeks to solve. A diverse and inclusive workplace not only advances equity but also enhances research outcomes, driving innovation that benefits both individuals and society. The Pink Rover Initiative serves as an exemplary model for how meaningful change and provided platforms for conversation can be successfully implemented to drive innovation.

ABSTRACT. Technological developments, notably ubiquitous AI, are combining with rapid developments in neuroscience and the science of learning (pedagogy), to present challenges and opportunities to educators across the world; the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) is not exempt. VSSEC’s dynamic approach to program design and implementation is part of our success as an Education Centre. Our approach to iteration, has made a Mission to Mars Surface a robust educational centrepiece about which VSSEC’s signature programs are organised. The ‘landscape’ has changed over time in response to three main factors: 1. changes to the State and National Curriculum, 2. advancements in our understanding of pedagogy, and 3. Science’s increasing comprehension of the composition of the surface of the planet Mars. VSSEC has gifted its signature Mars programs to schools in SA, WA and Connecticut in the USA, with an analogous developing program in Pakistan. These engagements have taught VSSEC valuable lessons regarding application of intentional use and consideration of the nuances of both the underpinning science and pedagogy being applied. The impact of our programs on our Student Educators as well as on the students and teachers who participate in VSSEC's programs is also examined in detail; we are involved in several research projects that seek to develop quantitative and qualitative measures of impact that go well beyond the coarse input measures such as funding and quantity of program participants in use today. The Victorian Space Science Education Centre will celebrate its 20th Anniversary next year. We are taking this opportunity to reflect on our past and, drawing on that experience, to think about the next 20 years.

ABSTRACT. The JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, launched by the European Space Agency in April 2023, represents one of the most ambitious deep space exploration endeavours targeting Jupiter's icy moons. This paper presents results from the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio telescope tracking conducted by the University of Tasmania during the first two years of JUICE’s cruise phase operations. Since launch, we have conducted over 100 tracking sessions capturing the spacecraft across different orbital regimes as JUICE progresses through its complex cruise trajectory towards Jupiter. The observations provide enhanced spacecraft position determination, mission performance indicators and space environment effects that are complimentary to conventional Deep Space Network tracking. Our analysis focuses on three key areas: Doppler residual characterisation, mission performance indicator extraction, and solar wind scintillation pattern analysis (including space weather forecasting). Doppler residuals reveal deviations from predicted trajectories, providing data into spacecraft manoeuvre accuracy during the cruise phase. These analyses included tracking during the lunar and Earth fly-bys in August 2024 and the Venus fly-by in August 2025. Key performance indicators extracted from our observations include navigation accuracy assessments, and communication system stability metrics. These measurements demonstrate the enhanced capabilities that VLBI networks provide for deep space mission support, particularly for precision orbit determination and spacecraft health monitoring. The scintillation patterns observed in the received signals offer unique opportunities to study solar wind plasma density fluctuations along the Earth-JUICE line of sight, contributing to space weather research and interplanetary medium diagnostics. While the spacecraft trajectory has remained near-Earth with minimal solar wind effects, these provide the baseline for the next phase of the journey towards Jupiter. The results showcase the University of Tasmania's VLBI array as a valuable complement to traditional tracking infrastructure, offering Southern Hemisphere coverage and enhanced geometric diversity for deep space missions.

ABSTRACT. Alcohol is currently prohibited on the International Space Station due to water safety concerns, gas sensor disruption, and public opposition to astronauts consuming alcohol. However, its use should be reconsidered for future space travel, particularly as an indulgent option on commercial flights and long-term missions. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory perception of Australian Shiraz wine in immersive simulated conditions of Earth and space. The session was conducted with 10 trained panellists who tasted six Shiraz samples in two different simulated conditions using immersive rooms. These simulated environments consisted of (i) a Space-like setting featuring an ISS porthole view of the Earth and a simulated microgravity seating position, and (ii) Earth conditions with an outdoor vineyard dining scene; each room included matching ambient audio and used the BioSensory© application to present the sensory questionnaire and record participant video for biometric analysis (emotional and physiological responses). Multivariate analyses showed clear separation of samples by condition, with cluster analysis correctly grouping wines according to the simulated environment. Wines tasted in the Space simulation were associated with increased aroma, taste, and mouthfeel intensities, while those tasted in the Earth environment showed relationships with blood pressure and emotional responses. These findings show that the simulated Space conditions markedly change the sensory perception and suggest that offering wine could be favourable for Space tourism and long-term missions. However, further research is required to evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption in microgravity.

ABSTRACT. Australia and Japan share a rich history of collaboration in space exploration, marked by decades of joint scientific and technological achievements. Key milestones include the Japanese Automatic Landing Flight Experiment trials at Woomera in 1996, the launch of Australia’s FedSat satellite in 2002, and the NEXST-1 supersonic flight experiments conducted at Woomera in 2002 and 2005. The return of Hayabusa1 in 2010 further underscored the strength of this partnership. This enduring cooperation was formalised through the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Space Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes between the Australian Space Agency and JAXA. In 2020, the two agencies collaborated on the Hayabusa2 Return mission, which successfully delivered a sample from asteroid Ryugu to Woomera, South Australia. Australian research institutions played a pivotal role in analysing and characterising the returned sample, showcasing national expertise in planetary science and mission support. Looking ahead, JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, scheduled for launch in 2026, represents a pioneering effort to retrieve a sample not only from the Martian system, but specifically from one of Mars’ moons—Phobos. The mission plans to return to earth in 2031 and is expected to shed light on the origins of Phobos and its sister moon, Deimos, contributing critical insights into their formation and the broader Martian environment. This presentation will provide a high-level overview of the breadth and depth of Australian scientific and technical capabilities across government, academia and industry that supported Hayabusa2, and explore how Australian capabilities could continue to contribute meaningfully to the MMX mission.

ABSTRACT. In this presentation, we share the development of a Djaara-led Sky Country tour, co-designed through a long-term partnership between the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and a non-Aboriginal cultural astronomer. Together, we have worked to ensure that the process is grounded in Djaara leadership and guided by cultural authority, while also drawing on complementary scientific perspectives. We’ll reflect on the lessons learned, offer insights into the collaborative journey, and showcase what we’ve built together as a model for future partnerships. For the first time, the results of this blended partnership between Western science and Djaara Knowledge of Sky Country will be shared publicly. This includes the unveiling of stories, teachings, and elements of Traditional language that reveal the depth and richness of Dja Dja Wurrung cosmology. The presentation will highlight not only the cultural significance of these knowledges, but also how they have been carefully and respectfully translated into an immersive experience designed to connect visitors with Country and sky through a Djaara lens

ABSTRACT. Samoan and Tongan astronomy is an area that has often been overlooked in discussions around Pacific Islander astronomical practice, culture and history. Primary sources are scarce and the few that exist are written almost exclusively from foreign perspectives, while secondary research is often peripheral and speaks indirectly to these topics. This work seeks to review the current literature available on Samoan and Tongan astronomical practices and the history of observation within these cultures. It will specifically focus on a comparative analysis of Reverend John Stair’s article “The Names and Movements of the Heavenly Bodies, as Looked at From a Samoan Point of View.” Journal of Polynesian Society 7, no. 1 (1898): 48 - 49. This research seeks to verify claims of Stairs in regards to terms and practices of the Samoan people, and an exploration of specific events cited by Stair. It will then expand upon this research in a comparative study of Samoan practices with those of the Tongan people, their language and terms, to seek to create as clear a picture of the historical practices of these two closely related cultures and their astronomy. This cross disciplinary research will utilise a historical perspective to analyse the claims of Stair and others, as well as modern planetarium technology such as Stellarium to recreate the skies discussed and discover discrepancies between observations and recordings.

ABSTRACT. FOSTERING INCREMENTAL INNOVATION WITHIN THE SPACE SECTOR By utilizing advancements in First Nations science fused with western science and medicine and technologies the Native Academy of Space, Science and Innovation and Illuminate FNQ is cultivating innovative space medicine and spaced farming hubs for transforming lives and empowering communities.

Living in a new era where our traditional practices and rituals can be revolutionized through the power of technology is nothing short of exciting. Virtual and augmented indigenous reality technologies are creating a new avenue to revitalize traditional practices, solidifying the inclusivity of Indigenous societies and leading them into synchronous growth and modernization. We examine how intercultural-biodiversity is challenging societies to rethink human interactions/biological diversity. Specifically showcasing our projects in space medicine as they interconnect and weave in Dr Toby's Indigenous Vitality Technology - ranging across space exploration disciplines from Indigenous astronomy, space nutrition, space omics and longevity, precision medicine, plant medicines, space psychology and space habitats. Through understanding our unique First Nations space exploration and scientific framework of the four directions interwoven with western science methodologies. Case study examples of our current projects range from water quality using First Nations science, plant medicines and longevity and space habitats, marine organism space medicine projects and STEM education.

ABSTRACT. Celestial navigation reveals the deep connections between human movement and the night sky, yet much of the existing record has been shaped by colonial and imperial encounters that extracted, fragmented, and reframed Indigenous knowledge. This work surveys celestial navigation across land, sea, with particular attention to the Austronesian world. Sidereal compasses emerge as key tools of wayfinding, where the rising and setting of specific stars guide direction, while wind compasses—often correlated to stellar positions—anchor seasonal patterns of travel. Star paths and zenith stars appear throughout the sources, but many are incomplete or only partially documented, reflecting both historical disruptions and the limits of past recording practices. A reconstruction of the Crux-based star path from Erub to Mer in the Torres Strait has been attempted, illustrating both the richness and the challenges of working with fragmentary data. By highlighting these diverse practices and the histories of their documentation, this work underscores the need to approach celestial navigation as a living, culturally embedded knowledge system, rather than a static set of techniques.