Explore the cosmos: Swinburne partners with NCM to launch space exhibition, Artificial Sky

Budding space explorers will be able to travel the cosmos from the comfort of Earth at a brand-new museum in the heart of Hawthorn.  

Presented in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. Artificial Sky is the leading exhibition at the National Communication Museum (NCM).

Opening adjacent to Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus in September 2024, visitors can dive into the fascinating world of human-made constellations and satellite innovations that are transforming global communication and expanding space frontiers.

Artificial Sky highlights everything from Starlink to NASA's Deep Space Network, showcasing how these innovations enable communication and information sharing across vast distances, even into the far reaches of space. Visitors can see the cutting-edge satellite prototype Optimus in person, designed to repair, refuel and upgrade other vehicles in orbit – ushering in a new era of space sustainability and infrastructure.

Our night sky: sparkling with stars and nine thousand satellites 

NCM’s grand opening will feature a talk by Swinburne Astrophysicist and Mission Director Dr Sara Webb, titled ‘Space Debris, A Barrier to the Future?’. Dr Webb will discuss the issue of space debris and explore the expansion of solar system communication technology.

Dr Webb explains how in the last 50 years, the night sky has changed immeasurably thanks to our use of satellites.  

“Today, we have over nine thousand satellites and each is helping us do vital activities on Earth, including communication, navigation and observation. It was such a great experience working with our astrophysics staff and students to design this exhibition, to share the wonder of our new sky, our artificial sky,” she said.

“It is just one of the eye-opening exhibitions in the NCM and I can't wait for people to enjoy it,” said Dr Webb.

Dr Emily Siddons, Artistic Director at NCM, says Artificial Sky is not just about satellites, it’s about understanding the vast infrastructure that makes contemporary communication possible.

“As we continue to push the boundaries of human connectivity, this exhibition invites visitors to see how satellite technology is fundamentally altering the way we interact with the world around us,” she said. 

The exhibition will continue to inspire visitors until 30 April 2025.