![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Binar-satellite-RESIZED-1000x500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBinar Space Program Manager Dr Fergus Downey said the new funding would support the further development of WA\u2019s space industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks to the support of the State Government, we\u2019re going to continue training the next generation of the space workforce right here in WA, expand our research capabilities to develop more advanced engineering systems for small satellites and open our doors to industry to diversify their businesses and expand the State\u2019s space industry,\u201d Dr Downey said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrevious missions have taught us that space is relentless, and we\u2019ve learnt a lot of valuable lessons about how to test and prepare our satellites for orbit, as well as how to train the next generation of satellite engineers to design systems to work in these environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur upcoming future missions will enable us to identify how we can support the WA industry to compete on the global stage and expand our research focus to bushfire prediction using satellite data.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curtin PhD student Mr Alex Conduit, aged 27, who has worked at the Binar Space Program as an undergraduate mechatronic engineering student and now as a postgraduate candidate, said it had been a dream come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a high school student interested in STEM, I would stare at the glow-in-the-dark stars on my bedroom ceiling and wonder how I might be able to help take humanity into space one day,\u201d Mr Conduit said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEver since working at the Binar Spare Program as an undergraduate student to now in my PhD, I have to pinch myself that I\u2019m lucky enough to work with such a brilliant and talented team building WA\u2019s space industry right here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n