Lockheed Martin backs Melbourne Space Program

Lockheed Martin Australia today announced a 12-month sponsorship of the Melbourne Space Program (MSP), a not-for-profit dedicated to developing Australia’s future space leaders.

Lockheed Martin Space Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand David Ball said in a statement that the partnership was part of a commitment to nurture and empower the next generation of engineers, researchers and scientists.

Ball said: “As a steward of Australia’s space industry and the preferred tenderer for (defence satellite communications programme) JP9102, this is one of many investments we have made in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as we focus on building a skilled workforce capable of meeting Australia’s future economic and national security needs.”

MSP identifies and collaborates with exceptional tertiary students from various disciplines, including engineering, business, and law, to provide them with educational experiences in complex technology projects.

The goal of the programme is to engage students in every phase of a space project where they build real-world experience, and develop innovative solutions aligned with industry trends.

The CEO of Melbourne Space Program Maxwell Jones said: “Lockheed Martin’s) generous sponsorship will help enable us to grow our programme and ensure more students can make valuable contributions to space. In turn, Lockheed Martin Australia will establish invaluable relationships with future industry leaders.

“By offering our members challenges beyond the scope of a typical university curriculum, we aim to develop individuals who will drive significant positive change in technology sectors around the globe.”

Lockheed Martin Australia has committed to working with the state government to establish Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for the company’s proposed JP9102 solution.

Further reading:
Lockheed Martin selects Victoria for satellite system development

Picture: Lockheed Martin/(Left to right) David Ball, Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand; Maxwell Jones, CEO, Melbourne Space Program; Joe Rickers, Vice President for Protected Communications, Lockheed Martin; and, Chris Jewell, JP9102 Program Director.