The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a public research university whose Master of Mechanical Engineering offers a formal Aerospace specialisation in advanced fluid mechanics, propulsion, aeroelasticity, and aerospace dynamics and control. The Melbourne Space Laboratory develops small-satellite instruments and systems. It led SpIRIT, a 6U Australia–Italy mission launched on 1 December 2023, which carried an Italian Space Agency high-energy sensor and demonstrated thermal-management, communications and autonomous-operation technologies. The laboratory reports that SpIRIT completed mission operations in January 2026 and reentered in August 2026. Its further research includes the SkyHopper infrared-telescope mission concept and other miniature spacecraft-imaging systems.