On 4 December 2025, we marked a major milestone at Curtin University: the conclusion of the pre-mission operations phases of the two-year BinarX Student Payload Development Program (SPDP). This initiative has seen over 100 high school students across WA design, build, and deliver 8 payloads to the Binar Space Program, destined for orbit aboard Binar-5 in 2026. (Read more about the student teams and payloads here: BinarX Students Reach TRR + Payload Handover Day: One Step Closer to Space – Binar)
While the day marked the end of the official contact phase with our student teams, we will still be working with the students and teachers to continue to operate their student-built SatNOGs ground stations, so that they are able to confidently and consistently track their payloads in space once mission operations commence in late 2026.
(Left: Photo taken by the Binar-5 student-built camera payload – the next photo this camera takes will be one taken from space! )
The day was all about celebration and reflection. Students, teachers, and mentors gathered at the Curtin University Forum and Curtin HIVE, where we:
- Kicked off the T-Countdown to next year’s launch, led by the winners of the inaugural Gold Yagi Competition—recognising excellence in SatNOGs satellite tracking.
- Were given a mission update from Binar Space Program Manager Dr. Fergus Downey on Binar-567.
- Took a group photo with the student-built camera payload from Binar-5 –the next photo this camera takes will be taken from space!
- Enjoyed morning tea, lunch and plenty of high-fives as we wrapped up two years of hard work and innovation.
(Right: Winners of the Gold Yagi competition, Churchlands SHS! Photo Credit: Ezra Alcantra Photography)
This program has been about more than building hardware—it’s about inspiring the next generation of space professionals. From early concept reviews to hands-on payload integration, students have experienced the full lifecycle of a space mission.
As we look ahead to the launch of Binar-5, 6 and 7 in 2026, we couldn’t be prouder of what these students have achieved. Thank you to all the teachers, mentors, and partners who made this possible. A special thank you as well to the team at HIVE as well for hosting us and immersing the students in a range of awesome Binar-related media!
The countdown has begun!
(Left: The Binar-5 payload bay top cap printed with the names of the high schools with payloads on board. Photo Credit: Ezra Alcantra Photography)
