The Australian space industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with the emergence of satellite builders, launch companies, and spaceports. In a recent interview with MySecTV, Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research, UNSW Sydney, and a prominent figure in the Australian space sector, shared his views on the CubeSatPlus 2023 Workshop Program and the current state of the Australian CubeSat industry.
Dempster highlighted the industry’s progress, the significance of the government’s funding announcement, and the challenges they face in engaging with the government. Additionally, he discussed the growing opportunities for students and the future workforce in the field of space technology.
A Protest Turned Progress
Reflecting on the early days of the CubeSatPlus event, Dempster described it as a “protest sort of event.” In its inception, the Australian government had a policy against satellite development and launches. However, the landscape has drastically changed over the years.
“Now we’re talking 10 years down the track, we’ve got people who have already launched satellites into space… It’s really quite a significant transformation in a relatively short time,” said Dempster.
Government Funding & Engagement
MySecTV brought up the recent surprising funding announcement from the Australian government, prompting Dempster’s reflection on the event’s significance. He emphasized that while the industry has become less focused on political protest over time, it is crucial to educate the government and engage with policymakers. He noted the challenges faced under different political administrations, mentioning that the liberals seemed more receptive to the space sector, while the current labour government may require more effort in understanding its importance.
“Our ability as a group like this, to engage with government to get them back on track because it’s the government that’s off track,” said Dempster. “It’s not us. We can treat it like an opportunity.”
Despite setbacks, Dempster remains optimistic, highlighting the progress made in recent years and the stronger foundation upon which the industry can build.
A Promising Future for the Workforce
The discussion shifted to the perspective of students and the future workforce. He acknowledged the significant transformation in the past decade:
“We’re having a setback now. It’s not as bad as some of the setbacks we’ve had in the past, and we’ve now got a much stronger base to build on,” he commented.
Dempster reflected on the challenges of attracting students to space-focused master’s courses in the past, as there was limited visibility of career opportunities in the industry. However, he noted a positive shift, with more students now engaging in space-related activities and competitions. He cited an example of an Australian student team achieving second place in an international competition on lunar regolith manipulation. While the industry’s governance may not always inspire confidence, Dempster expressed hope that the increasing engagement and opportunities for students would contribute to a robust future workforce.
Evolution of the Sector
The CubeSatPlus 2023 Workshop Program serves as a testament to the tremendous growth of the Australian CubeSat industry. Andrew Dempster’s insights shed light on the evolution of the sector, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with the government to align their understanding of the industry’s potential. Despite current setbacks, Dempster remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the expanding opportunities for students and the growing interest in space technology. As Australia’s space industry continues to gain momentum, it holds immense potential for innovation, research, and economic growth in the years to come.
SOURCE: MySecTV
Featured image: ‘CubeSatPlus 2023 – celebrating 10 years of Australian space industry development.’ Credit: MySecTV
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