WA-made satellite to enter orbit

A homegrown satellite designed and built by Curtin University is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida this weekend.

The satellite, titled Binar-1 CubeSat, was put together by Curtin’s space and technology centre with support from industry consortium Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth.

After its launch on Saturday, the satellite is set to travel to the International Space Station over the course of a day, where it will then be deployed into low earth orbit.

Harlene Hayne, Curtin’s vice chancellor, said the space science technology centre’s work has put Curtin in the driver’s seat to deliver outcomes for Australia’s space industries.

“The team has also developed an outstanding school outreach program to put space technology in the hands of students, giving them hands-on experience and real-world inspiration to generate the space workforce of the future right here in WA,” she said.

“It will also further advance Curtin’s goal of enriching WA’s economy and workforce, by linking the Binar Program with local industries and connecting them with a real pathway to the burgeoning space sector.”

Premier Mark McGowan said WA was about to make history with the state’s first space mission.

“I am immensely proud of the students and engineers who have developed this amazing technology which opens so many doors for future missions and collaboration with the public and private sectors,” he said.

“The Western Australian government invested $500,000 into the Binar program and this launch demonstrates the importance of science, research and technology to the State economy and our role in the global space sector to create jobs of the future.”