The launch of Western Australia’s first home-grown spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida is part of an ambitious plan to return to the Moon by 2025.
The Binar-1 CubeSat, entirely coded and built by staff and students from Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC), will also be the first Western Australian spacecraft launched into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) in about six weeks’ time.
Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, Harlene Hayne was among dignitaries and project members to watch the historic launch live on Yagan Square’s Digital Tower in Perth.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the launch of Binar-1 was a proud moment for the State.
“Binar-1 is going to transform WA’s space sector,” Mr McGowan said.
“It will help to diversify our economy with an exciting new industry and create a new, highly-skilled workforce with capabilities that are easily transferrable between space and our other significant sectors, such as mining and resources,” he said.
Professor Hayne said the Binar Space Program positioned WA as a national leader in the research and development of spacecraft.
“The Binar-1 CubeSat is set to be the most validated and flight-proven Australian spacecraft,” Professor Hayne said.
“Through our world-leading Space Science Technology Centre, Curtin University has developed a new space technology that will revolutionise Australia’s access to space.”
She said the Binar Space Program was not only driving innovation, it also gave students an extraordinary opportunity to get hands-on experience in real space missions and would inspire young people to pursue careers in this and related areas.
Professor Hayne said a further six WA-made CubeSats were scheduled for launch over the next 18 months.
Further information on the Binar Program, including links to watch the launch, can be accessed at this PS News link.
