Capricorn Space: Satellite Capability and Australi

The WA Space Forum is excited to be back in 2023 with more interesting and exciting events. We'd like to welcome all those passionate about the future of space to join us in an evening of knowledge sharing, and networking as we host a special guest to give us an insight into their satellite operations and knowledge of the past, present, and future of Australia in Space. The night will showcase an incredible new company, Capricorn Space, and its brilliant Founder to present on their 'Satellite Capability and the future of Australia in Space'.

Guest Speaker: Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson has had the good fortune of working in the Australian Space Industry for four decades. He started his career as an original member of the AUSSAT space team (AUSSAT being Australia first National Satellite System) and then relocated overseas to work for INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite System) in the United Kingdom where after a few years returned to Australia to work on several Defence satellite projects, followed by four years delivering the NBN space segment solution (AKA Sky Muster).

In 2018 Mark started Capricorn Space with the goal of providing southern hemisphere-based commercial ground segment services to the NewSpace and Legacy markets. Shortly after, in October 2019, Capricorn Space achieved Initial Operational Capability with their first site in Mingenew, Western Australia.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Communications, a Masters in Systems Engineering, and received an Order of Australia award in 2016 for his project management services to the Australian space industry.

For his presentation, Mark will be focussing on the Capricorn Space capability at Mingenew and the challenges and rewards of its operation. He will also provide a brief history of the Australian and international space industries as personally witnessed over 40 years with aspects of the AUSSAT project, memorable moments at the Kennedy and Kourou Space Centers, trends in both space and ground segments, key lessons learned (both good and bad), and a prediction on Australia’s future in space.

Join us and delve deeper into the achievements of Capricorn Space and the evolution of the Space Industry through the eyes of Mark Thompson.

We look forward to seeing you at the first WA Space Forum event for 2023!

Mark Thompson (Founder of Capricorn Space)

Capricorn Space, Mingenew

AUSSAT-A1 Satellite (1984)

Host or Publisher Western Australian Space Forum