The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is part of a major national collaboration to develop a sovereign space-based sensing system capable of detecting hypersonic threats from orbit – a critical capability for Australia’s national security.
The Space-based Sensor for Hypersonic Missile Early Warning project – an iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative – will design and demonstrate an advanced small-satellite system combining infrared detection technology with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Faster and more accurate detection of hypersonic vehicles is a critical capability for Australia’s national security and a key focus under AUKUS Pillar II technology cooperation.
The project brings together expertise from UniSQ, ANU, Adelaide University, Spiral Blue, and Northrop Grumman Australia – uniting the nation’s best research and industry expertise to develop sovereign space-based early warning technologies.
Each partner brings specialist strengths to the challenge.
• ANU: design of the satellite-based sensor system
• UniSQ: modelling of the aerothermal emissions and flight dynamics of hypersonic vehicles
• Adelaide University: application of AI and ML techniques for signature recognition
• Spiral Blue: on-board space-edge computing hardware
• Northrop Grumman Australia: mission engineering and validation of operational concepts in a synthetic testbed
Associate Professor Fabian Zander from the UniSQ Hypersonics team said the University’s expertise in high-speed flight aerothermodynamics would help shape how hypersonic vehicles are detected from orbit.
“Our role focuses on understanding the aerothermodynamics of hypersonic vehicles to better inform detection from orbit,” Associate Professor Zander said.
“This is a unique opportunity to combine UniSQ’s hypersonics knowledge with national efforts in space-based defence technology.”
Northrop Grumman Australia Country Executive Rob Denney said the project demonstrated the value of strong national partnerships in developing sovereign space-based defence capabilities.
“The iLAuNCH Trailblazer is a powerful example of how Australian industry and academia can come together to deliver sovereign capability in space-based sensing and hypersonic threat detection,” he said.
Learn more about the iLAuNCH Trailblazer project.
