Mastering space research

UNSW has teamed up with a major space industry partner, Thales, to establish an innovative new postgraduate program.

Thales Alenia Space and Thales Australia, key players in the aerospace and defence markets, have sponsored a new, two-year masters degree in satellite systems engineering at UNSW's Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research.

Elias Aboutanios, of the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunication, will develop the program, which will give students a deep understanding of satellite systems and their many applications, while being tailored to Australia's strategic and commercial interests.

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said the course sponsorship added to the momentum of space industry growth in Australia.

"It is vital to have the right infrastructure in place to support the industry, and programs such as this will ensure we develop the skills necessary to capitalise on future public and private investments in space," Mr Jenkins said.

Professor Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research, said the new program filled an educational gap between early-stage researchers and their higher level counterparts.

For more information, see Thales Australia's website.

Media contact: Alexander Symonds, UNSW Media Office| 02 9385 1933