Space Skills: Advice for the Future Workforce
In this session, Trish Tatel from Optus Satellite & Space Systems joins Jon McLean and Olivia Heaton from Space Machines Company to discuss the practical skills and mindsets students need to enter the Australian space industry. From soldering and wiring to mastering advanced orbital algorithms, these professionals highlight that passion and practical experience are just as important as formal education. They share their insights on the technical skills, mindsets, and practical experiences that help students launch a career in space.
[00:00:10] Trish Tatel’s main advice for students is to never limit themselves. Many believe that being “bad at math” or “bad at English” in school disqualifies them from a space career. Trish argues that you should follow what you enjoy first; skills like soldering, wiring, and technical writing can be developed later through practice and specialized courses.
The Power of “Just Doing Stuff”
[00:01:21] Olivia (Liv) Heaton, an electronics intern who recently wired the Optimus satellite, emphasizes the importance of practical action. “My advice would just be to do it,” she says. You may not get it right the first or even second time, but the experience gained from starting is what makes you a useful candidate for internships and jobs.
[00:05:00] Liv gained her technical edge by joining the Motorsport Electric team at UTS during her first year of university. By building and wiring an electric car for international competitions, she developed the hands-on skills that allowed her to contribute to a real satellite build during her second year.
Building Scenarios for Space
[00:02:00] Jon McLean, an undergraduate engineer, transitioned from software to space robotics by participating in competitions to build mock lunar and Martian rovers. He now works on advanced vision algorithms that allow spacecraft to identify and track objects in orbit. This work requires creating massive data sets of “star fields” to test every possible scenario, ensuring the satellite can find its position accurately.
Understanding Satellite Anatomy
[00:03:23] To work in the control room, you need to understand the “acronym soup” of satellite parts. The speakers highlighted several critical systems:
- ACS (Attitude Control System): One of the hardest systems to master, ACS manages the satellite’s “pitch, roll, and yaw” to keep it pointing correctly at Earth or its target.
- EPS (Electrical Power System): The most critical part; without power from solar panels or batteries, no other payload or communication system will work.
- RF (Radio Frequency): The system used to “uplink” commands from the ground and “downlink” data from the satellite.
- Propulsion: Unlike small CubeSats that use passive reaction wheels, larger satellites like Optimus have thrusters and RCS (Reaction Control Systems) that eject gas to change their orbit significantly.
Teamwork is a Non-Negotiable
[00:16:49] While technical expertise is vital, space is a “team sport” similar to soccer or netball. Success depends on every team member playing their part and communicating effectively. As Jon notes, many students who weren’t the “top of the class” in high school math find success by getting involved in university student projects and seeing where their curiosity takes them.
Home » Articles »
