Space industry celebrates launch of Australia’s SpIRIT nanosatellite
Some of Australia’s most prominent space industry leaders convened on Thursday 30 November to celebrate the launch of Australia’s first nanosatellite mission to host a foreign scientific instrument, and take part in a thought-provoking discussion on Australia’s role as a space-ready nation.
Left to right: Consul-General of Italy Hanna Pappalardo, Leonardo Australia Space Business Development Manager George Coulloupas, Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo, Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins, SpIRIT Principal Investigator Professor Michele Trenti, Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell, and Dean of Science Professor Moira O'Bryan.
Hosted by the Dean of Science, Professor Moira O’Bryan, the event took place just two days before the Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal nanosatellite (SpIRIT for short) lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Professor O’Bryan welcomed an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers who spoke on the significance of launching SpIRIT – Australia’s first scientific satellite mission in decades.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell spoke on the University’s commitment to space research and collaboration, Victoria’s Minister for Jobs and Industry, The Honourable Natalie Hutchins praised the strength of the state’s growing space industry, Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo spoke on SpIRITs full development lifecycle, Italy’s Consul-General, Hanna Pappalardo spoke on the history of Italy’s commitment to space research and the strong Australian-Italian bond in the sector. Lastly, SpIRIT’s Principal Investigator, Professor Michele Trenti provided an overview of the local and international partners involved in the SpIRIT mission and the importance of collaboration to achieve new heights in space.
The event then moved into a panel discussion on Australian’s space industry where science communicator and former ABC Catalyst host Dr Graham Phillips moderated a discussion between Professor Trenti, Mr Palermo, space plant scientist Professor Michelle Watt, and Leonardo Australia Space Business Development Manager George Coulloupas.
Left to right: Panel moderator Dr Graham Phillips, SpIRIT Principal Investigator Professor Michele Trenti, Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo, Space Plant Scientist Professor Michelle Watt, and Leonardo Australia Space Business Development Manager George Coulloupas.
Dr Phillips started the discussion by asking panellists if they thought a big space future was emerging for Australia.
“Not just looming – we’re in it now, and it’s growing,” said Mr Palermo.
“When the Australian Space Agency was established [in 2018], Space 2.0 was already forming, and I think the nation realised the sector could offer a lot more than just geography,” said Mr Palermo.
Professor Watt said space was forcing scientists to fast track the creation of plants that provide complete nutrition to humans.
“Space is going to turbocharge our focus on food security and sustainability,” she said.
Professor Trenti and Mr Palermo agreed there was a unique interplay between fundamental and applied research in space.
“What we can achieve by pushing the boundaries in space can improve life on Earth,” Professor Trenti said.
“Google Maps would not be possible without the development of technology to put the GPS satellites up in space. Astronomers drove the development of the first digital photography sensors in the ‘80s, which are now in our phones – they’ve transformed society,” he said.
Mr Palermo said space stations recycle 90 per cent of their water, showing an innovation mindset that could be used to improve life on Earth.
“When you innovate for space, you’re innovating for a harsh environment, and typically for a scarcity of resources… We can bring that mind shift back to improve how we look after our planet,” he said.
The panel discussed Australia's role as a space-ready nation.
Mr Coulloupas said the SpIRIT satellite launch demonstrated capacity of Australia’s space industry.
“The demonstration of the thermal management system will provide a lot of confidence in how we can look at the translation of a research system into a commercial market,” he said.
For Professor Trenti, the spirit of cooperation was the most important element of the project.
“It’s incredibly powerful to build an ecosystem and capabilities, to cross-pollinate innovation in the university sector, in industry, and with the government,” Professor Trenti said.
Professor Watt put forward that if you’re involved in space, it’s not enough to be an expert in one field.
“As plant scientists, we have had to quickly collaborate with engineers, psychologists, food scientists, and lawyers. This multidisciplinary approach is what will lead to amazing innovation,” she said.
The University thanks all guests who attended the space industry event including Consul-Generals of Japan and England, representatives for Victoria’s Chief Scientist, SpIRIT mission partners and friends.
Read the University’s media release on SpIRIT’s launch into orbit: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2023/december/lift-off!-spirit-nanosatellite-launches-aboard-spacex-rocket