The world’s leading university dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of space, the International
Space University (ISU) , has received the tick of approval for delivery of its prestigious Executive Space Course in Canberra.

Fifteen people from industry, government and academia from around Australia converged in Canberra for the Executive Space Course in Canberra (18-22 November) where they attended lectures on space-related subjects delivered by some of the world’s leading authorities in their fields.
Topics included the Moon and Mars, propulsion and space transportation, international space governance, the space economy and principles of space law.
They also attended field trips to the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre at Mount Stromlo and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla.
Dr David Hyland-Wood, a former spacecraft designer, attended from Brisbane. Dr Hyland-Wood is currently at ConsenSys inventing next generation blockchain solutions for enterprise use and space exploration.
“I was drawn to the Executive Space Course for the networking opportunities. I went with the aim of expanding my networks in government, industry and academia in Australia and I absolutely achieved it,” Dr Hyland-Wood said.
“The ISU put together a really top-notch program.
“Between the Australian participants, international lecturers and field trips to Mount Stromlo and Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla, my expectations were far exceeded.
“I’ve already had follow up from several of the lecturers and attendees which is fantastic.”

Professor Chris Welch, ISU lecturer and head of ISU’s Space Payloads Laboratory, praised the collaborative spirit in which attendees participated in the week’s activities.
“ISU is renowned globally for its international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary educational philosophy and for more than two decades, has run the Executive Space Course in the northern hemisphere with great success.
“The specialised knowledge and useful expertise contributed by each person who attended what was our inaugural Executive Space Course in the southern hemisphere added to the richness of the learning and networking opportunities throughout the Course.”
Among the participants were four Australian Space Agency representatives.
A spokesperson for the Agency said: “The Australian Space Agency’s purpose is to transform
and grow our space industry, and educators that support space industry development are to be commended for providing a baseline from which to continue to learn about our emerging sector.
“Training provided by global organisations like the ISU, as well as others, will help to grow our knowledge beyond our national borders as we work to open doors and coordinate programs with international agencies including the likes of NASA, ESA and JAXA.”
Resident Australian faculty member, Michael Davis AO, said the success of the course had
further strengthened the already strong connection between ISU and the Australian space sector that was formed 25 years ago.
“Other than France, where the ISU Central Campus is located, Australia has hosted more ISU programs and courses than any other country in the world,” he said.
“It demonstrates that Australian space organisations understand the importance of the
international, interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to preparing professionals to operate in this sector.’
Mr Davis said information about ISU’s plans for the next Australian Executive Space Course were expected to be announced in the near future.
Registrations are already open for the next Executive Space Course at ISU’s Central Campus in April 2020 in Strasbourg, France. Details are available by visiting the ISU website at www.isunet.edu/about/executive-space-course/executive-space-course
ISU alumni, members of the space industry and academia are invited to Adelaide, Australia for the inaugural ISU alumni and professional conference (31 January – Sunday, 2 February 2020).
For more information, please visit www.eventbrite.com/o/isu-adelaide-conference-27329300275
For more information contact:
Michael Davis in Australia: [email protected] or 0419 170 251
Geraldine Moser at ISU Headquarters in Strasbourg: geraldine.moser @isunet.edu