UNSW launches CubeSat satellites

The University of New South Wales’ Canberra Space campus M2 CubeSat satellites were launched with Rocket Lab’s ‘They Go Up So Fast’ mission from New Zealand, representing a step forward in Australia’s sovereign space capabilities.

The M2 mission, a collaboration between UNSW Canberra Space and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), brings together emerging technologies to deliver advanced capabilities in earth observation, maritime surveillance and satellite communications. Supporting Australia’s space situational awareness, the data captured by M2 can inform maritime surveillance, weather observations and low-orbit satellite traffic.

“As we depend on space infrastructure for resource management, secure communications and data collection during extreme weather events and bushfires, building our sovereign space capabilities is critical for Australian security,” UNSW Canberra Space Director Professor Russell Boyce said.

UNSW Canberra Space’s Spacecraft Project Lead Andrin Tomaschett said the M2 mission was almost entirely designed and built in Australia. The mission is supported by a domestic supply chain of some 30 companies.

Image credit: Sgt. Oliver Carter.