Announced by Western Australian Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson, the Curtin University-led program will receive continued support through to 2030, enabling the delivery of new satellite missions while strengthening collaboration with industry and providing hands-on STEM opportunities for students from primary school through to postgraduate level.
Based at Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre, the Binar Space Program designs, builds, tests and operates small satellites while providing students and researchers with practical experience in spacecraft engineering, mission operations and space technologies.
Since launching its first CubeSat in 2021, the program has become one of Australia’s leading university-based satellite initiatives.
Curtin University vice-chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the renewed investment would enable the program to broaden its impact across education, research and industry.
“This continued investment will help the Binar Space Program take its next giant leap and expand its reach to create even more opportunities for Western Australia,” Hayne said.
“It will help inspire and equip students from primary school through to postgraduate levels with valuable STEM skills while strengthening our research capability and growing partnerships with WA space companies that are helping to shape the future of the industry.”
The funding will support the program’s next generation of satellite missions while expanding research into advanced small satellite technologies and creating additional opportunities for collaboration with Western Australian industry.
Binar Space Program manager Dr Fergus Downey said the investment would strengthen both workforce development and the state’s broader space capability.
“Thanks to the support of the state government, we’re 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’s space industry,” Downey said.
The program has already launched four CubeSats and is preparing three additional spacecraft, Binar-5, Binar-6 and Binar-7 for launch later this year.
The upcoming missions will carry high school-designed experiments, demonstrate new Earth observation and navigation technologies, and evaluate advanced systems intended for future deep-space missions.
Researchers will also investigate the use of satellite data to support bushfire monitoring and environmental management.
Beyond advancing satellite technology, the Binar Space Program has become a cornerstone of Western Australia’s strategy to build a sovereign space workforce, providing students with end-to-end experience in spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing and mission operations while supporting the growth of local aerospace companies.
The renewed investment forms part of the Western Australian government’s broader $6.5 million commitment to the state’s space sector, which also includes funding for the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth. Together, the initiatives are intended to strengthen Western Australia’s position as a nationally significant centre for space research, advanced manufacturing and commercial space innovation.
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