Space

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Exploring and defining new frontiers

The space industry plays a critical role in shaping and advancing multiple, diverse industries feeding the Australian economy. From weather forecasting to emergency management planning, satellite communications to internet solutions, robotics to sensors and automation, the space value chain creates opportunities for collaboration and future workforce growth.

The broad nature of the space industry means that wider societal and economic changes such as increases in global competition, new satellite and geospatial technologies and landmark exploration missions all present an opportunity for Australia to lead new capabilities and regulation efforts.

At Adelaide University, we connect industry partners with research expertise from multidisciplinary areas including engineering, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, AI and autonomous systems, business, human-machine interactions, position, navigation and timing (PNT), and cybersecurity, with a focus on novel ways to achieve sustained sector growth.


What we do and how we partner

At Adelaide University, we work closely and collaboratively with industry partners to enhance space capability for end-users leveraging advanced technologies to deliver socital benefit and economic growth on the ground. We provide access to cutting-edge infrastructure, deliver collaborative research and development, integrate students and graduates through placements and internships, and tailor space training programs to meet workforce needs.

We support industry to extend their expertise through programs like the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP), or Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space), or grow their ideas through the Venture Catalyst Space startup acceleration program or the Growth Ramp space pathway

Inspiring young talent through project-based PhD opportunities is another way that we work with industry to support thought leadership and address the complex problems of our partners. Our researchers and students work with industry on a variety of projects, including:

  • Developing wearable sensors that provide real-time information about the health of astronauts
  • Improving satellite-based search and rescue systems
  • Freeform optics for small satellites that enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity and capability of space satellites
  • Hybrid RF-Optical communication.

Surveillance and space intelligence

AI and interoperability, data analytics, cybersecurity, telecommunications, signal processing and sensor systems, and photonics

Psychology and human factors

Augmented reality, virtual reality and user interface, human-machine interactions, confined habitats study, cognitive neurosciences and high-altitude shuttle system (HASS)

Advanced manufacturing and monitoring

Nanofabrication, additive manufacturing, digital twins, remote operations, autonomous systems and material testing.


Explore our capability and impact in space

Our ambition is to be world leading and world referenced, achieving recognition for driving positive change through education, research, and collaboration. We measure our success by the societal benefit we deliver; shaping knowledge, improving lives and strengthening communities through what we do and who we partner with. Together, we can create real-world impact.

Our aspirations include:

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Australia's most connected university

Building on our 7,000 strong partnerships with industry and collaborators

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Top in Australia for student employment

Aims to be ranked as the best university nationally for student employment outcomes

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Top 1% of universities worldwide

Aims to be sustainbly ranked in the top 1% of universities globally

Our research centres work closely with industry, drawing on expertise in areas like autonomous systems, laser physics, artificial intelligence and more, to support production areas in the Australian space sector.

Plants for Space ARC Centre of Excellence

Re-imagining plant design and bioresource production, through the lens of space. 

Australian Institute for Machine Learning

Applying machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotic vision to the next generation of autonomous and remote operations.

Industrial AI Research Centre

Bringing together experts from across computer sciences to develop solutions for autonomous and augmented intelligence systems.

Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources

Developing new technologies supporting energy production, deep mining and mineral processing.

Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing

Where future generations of high precision, high sensitivity optical sensors are created.

Centre for Energy Technology

Developing renewable, sustainable and future energy technologies.

Centre for Materials in Energy and Catalysis

Creating new materials and catalysts.

Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments

Positively influencing the world by changing people’s realities.

Future Industries Institute

Solution-focused research that is responsive to the needs of industry and the community.

Adelaide University offers bachelor, master, PhD, and executive programs across STEM, business and law that are aligned to sector needs, helping partners develop skills, build capability, and grow the workforce.

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Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP)

Together with the International Space University, SHSSP offers access to expert-led lectures, workshops and team projects about the current research and challenges impacting the space industry. Follow on with a Graduate Certificate in Space Studies. 

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Find a research project: explore PhD and industry collaboration opportunities

Browse the range of current research projects led by our PhD students.

An international defence and space MBA

Adelaide University’s Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space) is a highly customised program designed for experienced leaders in the defence and space sector, or those from adjacent industries. A unique collaboration with international experts, the 18-month program is delivered across three countries: Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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Contact us

Get in touch to explore how Adelaide University can support your business goals. Make an enquiry online or call us to discuss partnership opportunities.

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Enquire

Please contact our partner enquiries team via the enquiry form.

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Call

You can also contact the partner enquiries team by phone on +61 8 8302 3482