Research Facilities

The centrepiece of UNSW Canberra Space is Australia’s first space mission concurrent engineering design facility.

Our thermal vacuum chamber laboratory replicates space environments and is used to test how objects and materials will behave in those conditions. It features two chambers and solar simulation capability.

A tiny speck of dust has the potential to cause major issues for spacecraft. Our Class 10,000 cleanroom provides a pristine environment for the development, integration and build of our satellites and various subsystems.

The Advanced Composite Research Unit (ACRU) Composites Laboratory houses a hot press, which is used for manufacturing of thermoplastic composite parts and specimens.

UNSW Canberra Space is equipped with two satellite ground stations that enable us to communicate with our spacecraft. One is located on campus, while a larger industrial-grade satellite is positioned just outside the ACT border in Yass, hosted by our ground station partner Cingulan Space.

The Advanced Composite Research Unit (ACRU) Composites Laboratory houses an American Autoclave, which is used for manufacturing of high-quality polymer matrix composite components.

We play a vital role in the US Air Force Academy’s world-wide Falcon Telescope Network, housing one of the 12 telescopes. Working in collaboration with institutions from across the globe, the University provides the infrastructure needed to support the Canberra node. 

The Advanced Composite Research Unit (ACRU) Composites Laboratory houses a reusable vacuum bagging system, including Heatcon composite bonders for thermosetting resin curing.