Lockheed Martin Australia signs education, R&D MoU with UNSW Canberra Space

Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra Space to contribute to a comprehensive space education program with research and development (R&D) and industry engagement pathways.

The landmark agreement will underpin deep collaboration between LMA and UNSW Canberra Space and help develop the capabilities, training and educational opportunities Australia needs to strengthen and diversify its future space workforce.

“Lockheed Martin Australia has a long and enduring history in space,” said David Ball, LMA’s Regional Director for Space. “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. Through this collaboration with UNSW Canberra Space, we look forward to paving the way for future space professionals and supporting a robust, sustainable and resilient industry,” he added.

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

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

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

“With Lockheed Martin Australia’s support, we will take this program beyond the textbook and create an environment where students can pursue R&D projects and gain real-world industry experience that will best prepare them to enter the space workforce,” Prof. Boyce added.

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 Program. Most recently, Lockheed Martin Australia announced the commencement of its 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.