Australian research has soared to new heights, with a locally designed and built satellite launched into space on board a SpaceX rocket at Cape Canaveral in the US.
The mission is a key project of the Australian Research Council Training Centre for CubeSats, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, and their Applications (CUAVA), partly funded by the Morrison Government.
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge congratulated all those involved in the project.
"What a great display of Australian research on the world stage - and beyond," Minister Tudge said.
"It is another example of the power of research commercialisation, with the Government's $4.8 million in funding laying the foundation for researchers to partner with local and global businesses.
"This project is significant for the Australian space sector and will grow our research capability in the cutting-edge industry of commercial space and unmanned aerial vehicles.
"The centre is also helping to train a new generation of researchers and workers in this critical industry."
Senator for New South Wales, Andrew Bragg said this was one of many missions helping to develop a sustained commercial and scientific space industry in NSW and Australia.
"The University of Sydney is at the forefront of developing new instruments, technology and products to solve crucial problems, and develop a world-class Australian industry in CubeSats," Senator Bragg said.
"Their exciting work will help create local jobs in New South Wales and benefit the state and Australian economy."
Cubesats are small light weight rectangular boxes packed-full of high-tech equipment that provide an easier way to access near-Earth orbit for scientific and commercial purposes.
The SpaceX rocket will deliver the CubeSat, CUAVA-1, to the International Space Station for deployment, expected later this year or early 2022.
