Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute combines internationally competitive capabilities from advanced manufacturing, space science, artificial intelligence, and resource processing to tackle challenges at the forefront of human understanding and imagination.

The institute contributes and propels innovation and economic growth in a global sector projected to be worth $1 trillion by 2040. It fosters education at every level, from vocational training to PhD. 

Swinburne's space technology capabilities
Swinburne's space technology capabilities

Swinburne's space technology capabilities

Learn more about space technology at Swinburne and how we are paving the way by combining our globally renowned capabilities in astrophysics, aerospace, aviation, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.

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Our research

The Space Technology and Industry Institute collaborates with future-focussed industry partners to identify needs, design solutions and develop technologies in a range of fields central to the space sector.

Our people

Our team comprises experts in aerospace technology, and next-generation design and manufacturing.

Space science and technology courses

School-leavers, current students and professionals can all find courses to propel them into the next generation of space technology innovators. Explore our range of courses today.

  • Space Technology

    When you study space technology at Swinburne, you'll explore the most exciting topics in space science, such as: microgravity science, space environment, and space entrepreneurship.

    Learn more (Space Technology)
  • Robotic arm welding metal.

    Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

    Swinburne's Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering courses equip you with advanced systems design skills spanning mechanical, electronic and software engineering.
    Learn more (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering )

  • Youth Space Innovation Challenge

    Secondary students can design and lead an experiment that blasts off to the International Space Station each year through the Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge.

    Learn more (Youth Space Innovation Challenge)

Work with us

We have a talented group of scientists and engineers with a broad range of expertise across space technology – we can work with you to drive innovation and help solve your complex problems.

  • Get in touch

    Tell us your challenges, ideas or big questions, and we’ll work with you to share our expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 5177 or email spaceinstitute@swinburne.edu.au.

  • Come together

    Relevant experts from our team will work with you to create ideas and identify possible solutions to the challenges we are facing.

  • Resource

    If the project needs funding, that is something we can tackle together with various opportunities to explore.

  • Find the solutions

    We design and implement a research project to address the issues at hand and deliver innovative, achievable solutions.

Fungi experiment blasts off

An experiment spearheaded by Swinburne's astrophysicists Dr Sara Webb and Dr Rebecca Allen has blasted off to space containing three species of fungi - Lion’s Mane, Turkey’s Tail and Cordyceps. Designed, tested, and built with the assistance of high school students from Haileybury College, the project aims to understand how funghi can support astronaut health for long-duration space missions. 

Read the full article

Harvesting metal from the moon 

PhD candidate, Matthew Shaw from the Space Institute took home first place prize and the peoples’ choice award at the 2021 Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Final where his presentation Lunacy on the production of metal on the Moon stood up against 7 other finalists from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. 

Lunacy - 3MT 2021 Competition Winner
Lunacy (3MT Competition winner) Matthew Shaw
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Space junk

Astronomy Professor Alan Duffy discusses how Australia’s helping to fight the snowballing threat of space junk. Swinburne University and partners are engaging in a project called ‘Responsible AI in Space’, a collaboration between space scientists, law and policy experts, the space industry, government and practitioners in the emerging field of AI assurance.

Engagement and highlights

The Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute team and invited guests.

Space Technology and Industry Institute Showcase

Held 2 March 2023, this showcase highlighted the work of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute and the partnerships it has forged with industry leading organisations. The event was hosted by founding Institute Director Professor Alan Duffy, with Swinburne Chief Scientist Professor Virginia Kilborn welcoming delegates and partners.

Featured speakers included Dr Timo Stuffler, Director of Business Development at OHB System AG in Munich, and Ms Lynette Tan, Chief Executive at Singapore Space & Technology Ltd; and panels comprising leading industry professionals shared details of cutting-edge research.

The showcase saw wonderful engagement and feedback from participants, highlighting critical skills and challenges to assist in focusing the institute’s strategy. There was positive interaction between staff, colleagues and industry partners, with networking opportunities for research professionals.

Our latest news

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Contact the Space Technology and Industry Institute

If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 5177 or emailing spaceinstitute@swinburne.edu.au.

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