Australia’s emerging space sector is set to receive a major boost, with some of the nation’s leading space companies, researchers, and engineers joining forces to share the practical knowledge required to transform promising technologies into successful missions.
Hosted by the NSW Space Research Network (SRN), the upcoming event From Payload to Mission: Engineering Successful Space Missions will bring together experts from across Australia’s growing space ecosystem to provide researchers, start-ups, and emerging companies with real-world insights into designing, integrating, and operating space systems.
The event will focus on the critical disciplines that determine whether a space mission succeeds – including mission engineering, systems integration, operational readiness, engineering standards, regulatory compliance, and mission assurance.
Organisers said these areas are often overlooked during the early stages of technology development, despite being essential to moving innovations from the laboratory into orbit.
Designed for organisations developing payloads, satellites, and enabling space technologies, the event aims to help Australia’s next generation of space entrepreneurs better understand the complex pathway from concept development through to launch and mission operations.
Representatives from leading Australian space organisations, including Starbound Space Solutions, Engineers Australia, SpaceCyt Institute, Saber Astronautics, and Deneb Space, will share practical lessons drawn from their experience designing, building, and supporting real-world missions.
The event will also feature insights from major Australian research initiatives, including the University of Sydney-led Waratah.Space mission and the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at the UNSW.
Maurice Borer, business development manager – industry engagement at the NSW Space Research Network, said Australia’s space sector had developed world-class research capability, but converting innovation into successful missions required a broader understanding of the engineering and operational challenges involved.
“Australia has exceptional research capability and is developing world-class space technologies,” Borer said.
“But developing a payload is only the first step. Successful missions depend on robust mission engineering, systems integration, operational readiness, regulatory compliance and mission assurance.
“Our goal is to share the practical knowledge and real-world experience that help transform innovative ideas into mission-ready capability.”
Shaun Kenyon, chief technology officer and co-founder of Starbound Space Solutions, said the event would provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the increasingly competitive global space market.
“The path from concept to orbit is far more than a technical challenge,” Kenyon said.
“Understanding how missions are engineered, integrated and delivered is fundamental to long-term success. This event provides an opportunity to learn directly from people who have faced those challenges and delivered real missions.”
The program will conclude with an interactive panel discussion, Lessons Learned: Building More Successful Space Missions, bringing together industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities involved in developing reliable space capability.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend optional afternoon technical workshops and system demonstrations, providing deeper insight into the practical processes behind modern space missions.
The event comes as Australia’s space industry continues to mature, with growing investment in sovereign capability, commercial satellite development, space-enabled services, and advanced engineering.
By connecting established industry leaders with emerging innovators, organisers hope to accelerate the development of a more capable, resilient, and globally competitive Australian space sector.
Event details:
Event: From Payload to Mission – Engineering Successful Space Missions
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time: 8:30am–12:30pm
Optional technical workshop: 1:30pm–3:30 pm
Venue: Cicada Innovations, 4 Cornwallis Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015
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