Mani Thiru Headshot

Mani Thiru

Director, DeepTech Ventures and Strategic Advisor, Pramatra Space and Director, HYREA

Mani started off studying medicine but fell in love with technology, and she now works at the intersection of technology, education and space bringing value to major space missions.

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Associate Professor Marta Yebra Headshot

Marta Yebra

Director, Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, The Australian National University

Marta decided early in her career that she wanted to so something to preserve the environment, and by using space technology her work now helps prevent catastrophic bushfires.

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Crystal Forrester Headshot

Crystal Forrester

Deputy Program Lead, Space Innovation, Defence Science and Technology Group

Inspired by a semester exchange which involved visiting NASA, Crystal’s career has focused on researching the future of cutting-edge space technologies in the defence sector.

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Samuel Forbes Headshot

Samuel Forbes

Director of the Australian Space Automation and AI Robotics Control Complex, Fugro

Applying his knowledge of robotics and subsea operations to a space environment saw Samuel’s career evolve to working with technology on Earth and in space.

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Associate Professor Kirk McKenzie

Kirk McKenzie

Professor, Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics, The Australian National University

Kirk’s work in the pioneering field of gravitational waves will see three spacecraft launched in the 2030s, where they will orbit the sun and collect vital data on the Earth’s climate.

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Erin Madden Headshot

Erin Madden

Systems Engineer and Trial Manager, Nova Systems

Working with rockets was something Erin always aspired to, so her career pathway found her working in defence, where she is building her space skills as a systems engineer.

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Professor Phil Bland in the desert

Phil Bland

Director of Space Science and Technology Centre, Curtin University

Professor Phil Bland has always seen asteroids as unlocking the secrets of the universe, and ensuring they don’t collide with satellites is at the core of his career journey as a planetary scientist.

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Dr Andrew Thomas AO

Andrew Thomas AO

NASA Astronaut (retired)

As a retired NASA Astronaut, Dr. Andrew Thomas's career journey is the stuff of every child’s dreams – to be an astronaut and see Earth from space while working on the International Space Station.

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Dr. Cassandra Steer Head Shot

Cassandra Steer

Chair and Founder, Australian Centre for Space Governance

Ask Dr Cassandra Steer and she’ll tell you space law isn’t about making treaties with aliens - it’s about keeping space secure and peaceful and is fast becoming an area of keen interest among practicing lawyers.

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a view of Earth from space

This program will accelerate the growth of Australia’s space industry and showcase our best ideas and technologies to world.

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Our department recognises the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities.

We Acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.