Reach for the stars – from right here in SA

SA is officially Australia’s space state – and you don’t need a spacesuit to get involved. Here’s how four locals landed stellar jobs in this growing industry. 

Space: it’s mysterious, immense, and beautiful. But it’s also a career destination – and you don’t have to leave South Australia to get there.

With more than 100 space-related companies, Australia’s first two licensed launch facilities, the Australian Mission Control Centre, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and the Australian Space Agency headquarters right here, SA is officially Australia’s space state.

From climate-tracking satellite technology to life-saving innovations, the opportunities in SA’s space sector are astronomical – and they’re open to everyone, not just astronauts or rocket scientists.

We spoke to four South Australians who are already shaping the future of this diverse and dynamic industry – proving that no matter your background, the path to a space career begins right here at home.

Why South Australia?

South Australia’s unique geography gives it a natural advantage in space exploration. Vast, open landscapes offer ideal rocket launch and re-entry sites, and clear skies provide perfect conditions for satellite tracking.

Campbell Pegg, Director, Space at the South Australian Space Industry Centre, says these features “position us uniquely within the global space community.”

Take Kanyini, Australia’s first state-government-funded satellite, launched in 2024. Kanyini was a defining moment for Australia’s sovereign space capability with the small satellite developed and built entirely in Adelaide.

Campbell says the kind of state government backing exemplified by the Kanyini project “helps attract international talent and attention, firmly placing Adelaide on the global space map.”

For young South Australians dreaming of a space career, that global spotlight means endless opportunities right here at home.

An illustration of the Kanyini satellite over Australia. Picture: Defence SA

Why space matters

Space tech is now such a fundamental part of daily life that we hardly notice it. However, Campbell points out that without it, even simple day-to-day activities – such as using our car’s navigation system or paying for our morning coffee – would “not be possible.”

He says satellite technology isn’t only crucial for obvious sectors like communications, banking and weather forecasting – even much of Australia’s agriculture relies on satellite data to operate effectively.

“Space isn’t just a luxury or something fun for engineers,” Campbell explains. “It’s essential to how society functions. We literally couldn’t live the way we do without it.”

Importantly, working in space isn’t just about astronauts and rocket scientists. It involves diverse roles: communication specialists, entrepreneurs, educators, designers – even lawyers.

“Almost any job you can imagine on Earth also exists in space,” says Campbell. “That’s what makes the industry so exciting – it truly has room for everyone.”

Here’s how four young South Australians have already found their place among the stars.

Edward Robinson, founder and CEO of Robinson Aerospace Systems.

Edward Robinson: Launching rockets and dreaming big

At just 21, Edward Robinson is already the founder and CEO of Robinson Aerospace Systems, an education-focused company that provides flatpack satellite kits to inspire students in STEM and space exploration.

He’s the winner of SA’s 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Industries Award and recipient of Young Innovator and Best Presenter honours at Avalon Airshow 2025.

It all started in Year 10, when Edward watched a SpaceX rocket land – an event so spectacular he initially thought it was CGI. From that moment, he was hooked and began teaching himself rocket science.

His first rocket launch from his Barossa school oval didn’t exactly go as planned, but Edward wasn’t fazed.

“You have to mess up sometimes, then keep doing it until it actually works,” he explains.

Straight out of high school at 18, Edward founded Robinson Aerospace Systems, initially operating out of his dad’s shed.

He took on design, software, marketing, and manufacturing himself, driven by ambitious dreams of building a fully-fledged aerospace company.

Crucially, South Australia’s supportive space community provided vital early momentum.

“I could email CEOs asking to catch up – most would say yes,” Edward says. “It’s crazy how generous people are because they’re so passionate about space and understand the importance and opportunity here in South Australia”.

Robinson Aerospace Systems produces the RASCube.

Today, Robinson Aerospace Systems produces RASCube, an innovative flatpack satellite kit enabling students around the world to experience building real space technology.

Recently, Edward and his team celebrated a major milestone when one of their RASCubes successfully launched into space, carrying student-designed experiments from Australia and around the globe.

“Working with kids as young as 11 and seeing their experiments go into orbit – it’s incredible,” Edward says.

His advice to young people starting in the space sector is to “figure out your passion, then just start building, researching, talking to people. You’ve got nothing to lose and the opportunities here are limitless.”

His fearless approach has propelled Robinson Aerospace Systems past its third birthday and beyond a $1 million revenue milestone – an achievement only four per cent of startups reach.

Kavindi De Silva is Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Officer at Inovor Technologies.

Kavindi De Silva: Advocating accessibility and diversity

Kavindi De Silva is determined to make space a place for everyone.

Born in Sri Lanka, her fascination with space began early, sparked by the discovery of space magazines during her childhood.

Quickly realising she wasn’t alone in her dreams of becoming an astronaut, she founded a school astronomy club – her first step towards breaking down barriers so that people from all backgrounds can see themselves among the stars.

Today, as Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Officer at Adelaide-based Inovor Technologies, Kavindi is at the forefront of South Australia’s booming space sector.

At just 32, her career already spans multiple continents, from astrophysics research in the US to gaining her Master’s in Space Studies in France and participating in programs across Spain, Germany and Australia.

But what makes Kavindi truly stand out is her commitment to opening up the space industry to the next generation.

Her goal is to provide the guidance and mentorship she wished she’d had when starting out.

“If you’re from a developing country, it’s hard to convince your support system that space is a viable career,” Kavindi explains.

She encourages young people to embrace bold ambitions, saying: “Dreaming big is good, but also dream loud. Tell people what your dreams are. There are a lot of crazy people in the world, and they’re doing amazing things”.

At Inovor Technologies, she plays a critical role in communicating the company’s pioneering work – from building sovereign satellite systems for Australia’s Defence and Space Agencies to fostering international collaborations.

She also works to promote STEM education and outreach, particularly focusing on inspiring young women and students from regional areas.

Her efforts earned her a finalist position for the 2025 Rising Star of the Year – SME at the Australian Space Awards.

Kavindi remains dedicated to her ultimate dream: becoming an astronaut.

She advocates for greater diversity in astronaut training, noting the shift towards more inclusive and shorter, commercially-led astronaut programs.

“I want to go to space to show people who look like me that they can do it too,” she says.

Asked why she loves working in South Australia’s space sector, Kavindi highlights the supportive community and the state’s ambitious vision.

“We have incredible talent here, and it’s time to shout about it,” she says.

Shaghaf Abumustafa works as a Space Communicator at the Australian Space Discovery Centre while studying Mechanical Engineering specialising in aerospace. Picture: Morgan Sette

Shaghaf Abumustafa: Inspiring future generations

Shaghaf Abumustafa moved to Adelaide from overseas at the age of nine, little knowing it would become the launchpad for her space dreams.

Now a Mechanical Engineering student specialising in aerospace at the University of Adelaide, her passion for space ignited during high school physics lessons.

“I surprisingly ended up really, really enjoying it, particularly special relativity. That’s probably where my passion for space truly started,” she says.

Today, Shaghaf channels that passion into her role as a Space Communicator at the Australian Space Discovery Centre, based at Lot Fourteen.

She delivers presentations, runs interactive workshops, and helps to create exhibits designed to excite and engage young people about the diverse possibilities of space careers.

“My greatest reward is seeing young people’s eyes light up when they realise the diversity of opportunities available to them,” Shaghaf explains. “When they say, ‘I really want to get into the space sector,’ it’s incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I might inspire the next generation of space professionals is amazing.”

Her experiences extend beyond communication. Shaghaf has interned at Adelaide-based satellite manufacturer Inovor Technologies, gaining hands-on insight into satellite engineering and operations.

She recognises the unique advantage of her diverse skill set: “Many engineers struggle with communicating complex ideas clearly. We need people who can do both – take technical information and communicate it effectively. Making sure space is accessible and understandable to everyone is something I’m deeply passionate about.”

Shaghaf’s ambitions reach even higher. Once she completes her degree this year, she hopes to secure a role as an aerospace engineer, directly contributing to satellite technology development.

She is grateful for South Australia’s thriving space ecosystem, providing ample opportunities to grow professionally and personally.

“Here in Adelaide, it’s easy to put yourself on the grid and expand your network,” she says. “The opportunities are plentiful, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”

Campbell Pegg is Director, Space at the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

Campbell Pegg: Global expertise, local impact

Campbell Pegg’s journey began like many Australians – fascinated by space but unsure how to reach it from home.

Initially, he took his ambitions overseas, becoming an aerospace engineer and working with German giants like OHB and Airbus, as well as on NASA’s Orion Program.

“It was absolutely fantastic to experience that history firsthand,” he says.

His partner during his international adventures was his wife, SA’s Katherine Bennell-Pegg – now  the first Australian flagged astronaut.

Eventually, the opportunity to help build Australia’s emerging space sector drew Campbell, Katherine and their family back home.

Today, Campbell is Director, Space at the South Australian Space Industry Centre, leading the state’s space industry development efforts, fostering international collaboration and investment and supporting national space priorities.

“South Australia is really punching above its weight,” he says. “We’re only a two-million-person state, but we’re known internationally as the space state. It’s incredible how much we’ve achieved, and we’re certainly not done yet.”

Campbell wants young people to realise how far SA has come even in the short time since he was at school.

“Like many young Australians who grew up with stars in their eyes, I left Australia to pursue a space career overseas, but now there are incredible space jobs right here in South Australia.”

He also wants young South Australians to know that space careers aren’t limited to scientists and engineers. Communication and creative skills are just as crucial.

“One of the space industry’s biggest challenges is how we communicate with the public,” he explains. “Sometimes there’s a disconnect between arts and sciences. To truly thrive in space we need people from all backgrounds and areas of expertise working together.”

“We need you, South Australians. We need South Australians to get into the space sector. This is a team sport. Every South Australian can be a part of this. If you have a passion for space, let’s talk. Let’s actually see what we can grow.”

Connect, explore, launch! Space Week in SA.

If you’re fired up about a career in space, this is your week! Australian Space Week runs 14-18 July, with a curated lineup of panels, events and workshops designed to make joining the space sector accessible to everyone – right here in SA.

The highlight of the week’s program is the biennial Australian Space Forum – happening 15-16 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Hosted by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and supported by the South Australian Government, Australian Space Agency, and SmartSat CRC, this major industry gathering attracts global leaders, astronauts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers.

Expect keynote addresses from international figures, panels on emerging tech and defence, a showcase of SA‑grown innovations, and multi‑track workshops that blend big-picture vision with practical, career-launching insights.

This is your chance to connect with the minds shaping the future of space.

Ready for liftoff? Take your first step towards a stellar SA space career here.

This story originally appeared on The Post – a media partnership between the Government of South Australia and Solstice Media to inform young South Australians about the policies that underpin issues affecting their lives.