Lockheed Martin backs space education programme

Lockheed Martin Australia and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra Space will develop a comprehensive space education programme with research and development (R&D) and industry engagement pathways.

A two-year MoU agreement will underpin collaboration between LMA and the university as part of the US company’s commitment to developing capabilities, training and educational opportunities to strengthen and diversify Australia’s future space workforce.

Curriculum and educational resources from Lockheed Martin’s Space Training Institute will form the backbone of an immersive, hands-on programme designed to share invaluable industry knowledge and experience with students.

This includes the potential for internships, lectures and mentoring from LMA Fellows. It also includes connections to other subject matter experts and opportunities for R&D with access to the company’s facilities and equipment.

Director of UNSW Canberra Space Russell Boyce said: “UNSW is excited to build on its already established relationship with Lockheed Martin Australia to take our space curriculum to the next level.

“With its existing infrastructure, dedicated space capabilities and significant investment in future growth, Lockheed Martin Australia will assist with providing our students with unparalleled learning opportunities.”

Boyce said the programme went beyond the textbook and created an environment where students could pursue R&D projects and gain real-world industry experience that will best prepare them to enter the space workforce.

LMA’s Regional Director for Space David Ball said the company has a long and enduring role in space.

Ball said: “With our expertise and resources, we are uniquely positioned to help students develop essential skills in space and space innovation.

“Building the capability of the nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is an absolute priority for Lockheed Martin Australia.”

In addition to working with UNSW, Lockheed Martin Australia has invested in STEM initiatives with the National Youth Science Forum, Questacon, University of Newcastle and the NSW Government’s STEMStart Programme.

Most recently, the company announced the commencement of a 10-year education initiative with STEM Punks under its proposed JP9102 solution to deliver a next-generation, sovereign military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) capability to the Australian Defence Force.

Picture: UNSW Canberra scientists working on a Cubesat