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Digital Sciences Initiative

Digital Sciences Initiative

Digital Sciences Initiative

ARSTN

Through nationwide collaboration, uniting expertise and leadership, we shape tomorrow’s workforce in defence and space

Collaboratively developing a roadmap for training needs in GWEO and Space
ARSTN Members Collaborating to Co-Develop Industry and Education Workshops
USYD Rocketry Team Successfully Launching Their Rocket
USYD Rocketry Team Leaders sharing their experiences with ARSTN members
ARSTN members touring USYD Clean Combustion Laboratory
Professor Simon Ringer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) in the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) launching one of the ARSTN workshops
The beginning of our ARSTN community
Director of the ARSTN, Professor Matthew Cleary, sharing his vision with ARSTN Members.
The VET sector will play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce requirements for GWEO and Space
Understanding the industry’s perspective on essential future skills is key to the vision of ARSTN
Together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone
USYD Rocketry Team shared their future plans with members of ARSTN

The Australian Rocket Systems Training Network (ARSTN) is a coordinating body of government, educational and industry organisations which aims to establish a world class training and education ecosystem in Australia in support of all aspects of rocketry and propulsion for the defence and space sectors. We aim for a sector-wide approach covering vocational, professional and research education as well as targeted training to upskill workers and provide experiential training and internships for students in tertiary institutions. ARSTN’s relationship with internationally recognised researchers and educators, access to world class laboratory and computational facilities, and proximity to the talent pool coming out of Australia’s numerous award-winning University rocketry teams are keys to our future success.

ARSTN was conceived in 2023 through a series of workshops to discuss education and training in propulsion and launch technologies to meet the Australian Government’s manufacturing ambitions related to the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise as well as ongoing commercial and government interests in access to space. These workshops were hosted by the University of Sydney and involved representation from the University of Queensland, Monash University, and RMIT, as well as representatives from Airforce, Navy, VET colleges, the Australian Space Agency, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Engineers Australia, Austrade, NSW Premier’s Department, State and Commonwealth Government departments, and more than 30 private and public companies.

The mission of the ARSTN is to foster the creation, development and maintenance of a workforce in skill sets and size that meets Defence and Civil requirements in rocket systems, across education, industry and government sectors.

Our vision is a coordinated network of partners across university and vocational education institutions, government and industry sectors that operates harmoniously to enable the efficient and effective education and training of personnel with the appropriate range of skills and in sufficient numbers to meet Australia’s needs in Defence and Civil rocket systems.

Professor Matthew Cleary

Director
Australian Rocket Systems Training Network

Matthew Cleary is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at The University of Sydney. He is an internationally recognised research leader in computational models for turbulent combustion and multiphase fluid flows. Fundamentally, his research aims to address the competing issues of improving the performance and efficiency of combustion engines whilst also lowering the fuel consumption and reducing emission of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.  

Matthew is working with partners in industry, defence, and at other universities to develop novel propulsion systems, including rotating detonation engine, solid rocket motor and hybrid motor cycles. Matthew is the Director of the Australian Rocket Systems Training Network and supervisor of the USYD Rocketry Team. Matthew has a PhD in combustion from the University of Sydney and Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture undergraduate degrees from the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. 

Dr Roger Lough AM

Chair
Australian Rocket Systems Training Network

Roger M Lough (Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Adelaide University) retired as a member of the Australian Senior Executive Service in 2008 after 44 years in Government service directly associated with Defence. He finished his public service career as Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist (CDS) and CEO of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the R&D arm of the Department of Defence. He is a Fellow of the Australian Association of Technological Sciences and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

In late 2008, he was awarded a US National Intelligence Community medallion, and in 2009 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to national security. As CDS/CEODSTO, he was responsible for managing the Australian defence R&D program supporting emerging technologies, future acquisition decisions and improvements to existing equipments and their methods of employment. He was a member of the Defence Executive, and principal adviser to the Minister for Defence, the Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force on science and technology. During his career in DSTO, he led the laboratory specializing in aeronautical and maritime technologies, and, previously, several operating divisions covering weapons systems and operational research. Prior to this he was a weapons engineer specializing in solid propellant rocket design and test.  

In the mid 1970’s he was posted on exchange to the US Army and the US Navy, and in the mid 1980’s was a Defence attaché at the Embassy in Washington. Since 2008, he has advised state governments, industry and academia of emerging Defence needs and the technology strategies to meet them., including as a past member of the Victorian Defence Council, past Chair of the Victorian Defence Science Institute Advisory Board and past Deputy Chair of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC). He currently consults to the RAND Corporation, a major US based think tank, and has been involved in the development of the Australian Naval Shipbuilding Plan and the proposed acquisition of the AUKUS submarine. He is married to Diana and they have three adult children and 5 grandchildren. He lives in Glen Waverley, Victoria and is an active member of Rotary. 

  1. Solid propulsion motors
  2. Liquid, hybrids and novel propulsion systems
  3. Advanced manufacturing and materials
  4. Simulation, guidance, control and data-science
  5. Systems engineering
  6. Testing and evaluation
  7. Policy, sustainability, regulations and compliance
  1. Collaborative proposals for research and education funding, e.g. Australian Research Council ITRP, Cooperative Research Centres, CRC-Projects, Tenders, ASCA, US DoD, UK Ministry of Defence
  2. Input into undergraduate and Masters level coursework, professional development and micro-credentials
  3. Internship programs
  4. Grand challenge programs

Scheduling a minimum of two online events per year co-designed with network, addressing current and emerging topics of interest.

Further meetings and technical presentations as per community needs.

Be part of technical and policy working groups to establish best practice and advise the network and external stakeholders on the nation’s needs and how best to address these.

Our network provides state-of-the-art training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed in rocketry, propulsion systems, and launch capabilities.

We foster collaboration between academia, Technical and Further Education (TAFE’s) and vocational training institutions, key bodies and organisations, defence and industry, ensuring that our programs align with the current and future needs of the defence and space sectors.

Recognising the overlapping requirements in space and defence, our training network serves as a dual-use platform, catering to the workforce demands of both sectors.

By joining our network, organisations will contribute to the development of a globally competitive workforce, positioning Australia as a leader in rocketry and propulsion technologies.

Providing a platform where members of the network can effectively share and showcase activities.

Joining the Australian Rocket Systems Training Network (ARSTN) is simple. Express your interest (link), and our team will guide you through the onboarding process. Together, let’s build a future-ready workforce and propel Australia to new heights.

Registrations Open for Race 2 Space 2025 – UK

Exciting news for the 2024/25 academic year – the Race 2 Space (inter)national propulsion competition is returning! This is an amazing opportunity to demonstrate your skills, test innovative propulsion technologies, and compete on a global stage.

Pre-registration Deadline: November 29th
Pre-register here

Full details regarding competition categories and final confirmation of places will be provided later this month.

For any questions, please contact the Race 2 Space team at a.john@sheffield.ac.uk.

ARSTN & Partners Travel Award

ARSTN, in collaboration with other partners, will be awarding one Race2Space Travel Award of up to $20,000 AUD to an Australian University Rocketry Team. (Universities who pre-register will receive more information about the selection criteria and award deadlines.)

There is no cost.

  • Engage with a dynamic ecosystem of organisations and individuals collaboratively tackling workforce skill requirements in a transformative and innovative manner.
  • Gain access to event invitations related to the Network.
  • Stay informed with technical updates through a minimum of two webinars annually.
  • Play a role in co-designing webinar topics to ensure relevance and value.
  • Network with fellow industry partners, government agencies, and Space and Defence departments dedicated to swiftly enhancing our workforce capabilities.

The ARSTN is a coordinating body consisting of government, educational, and industry organisations. It aims to establish a world-class training and education ecosystem in Australia to support all aspects of rocketry and propulsion for the defence and space sectors. It will actively link in with other National programs to reduce duplication and maximise the funds from industry and government to realise our ambitious vision.

ARSTN was conceived in 2023 through a series of workshops aimed at discussing education and training in propulsion and launch technologies. These workshops involved representation from universities, private and public companies, government departments, and other key stakeholders.

The vision of ARSTN is to see Australia excel in rocket manufacturing for defence and space applications. It aims to become a global hub for the design, testing, and evaluation of propulsion, launch, and rocket systems.

The technical focus areas include solid motors, liquid motors, hybrids, advanced manufacturing, guidance, simulation, systems engineering, design, test and evaluation, policy, sustainability, regulations, and compliance.

ARSTN engages in collaborative proposals for research and education funding, input into undergraduate and master’s level coursework, internship programs, and grand challenge programs.

Have questions or ready to join?

Contact us at arstn@sydney.edu.au or give us a call at 0439 070 977.

Key University Participants

  • Matthew Cleary, Professor, Director of the Australia Rocket Systems Training Network, University of Sydney
  • Vincent Wheatley, Professor, Co-Director of the Centre for Hypersonics, University of Queensland
  • Adrian Pudsey, A/Professor, DSTG Joint Chair in Supersonic Propulsion and Flight Technologies, RMIT
  • Daniel Edgington-Mitchell, A/Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University
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