Liam Heffernan, a Dux of Ferny Grove State High School in 2021, has maintained an interest in aerospace since childhood, influenced by his grandfather. His academic pursuits included additional study on the political history of NASA's Apollo program. Heffernan stated that aerospace represents "the last frontier of human endeavour."
Family History in Space
Heffernan's grandfather, Richard Tonkin, was a member of the team responsible for producing Australia's first satellite. While studying law in the mid-1960s, Tonkin joined the University of Melbourne's Astronautical Society. The team developed the Australis Oscar 5 satellite using inventive methods, including sketching the initial design on an envelope and incorporating mattress springs and a builder's tape measure in its construction.
Australis Oscar 5 was launched into orbit by NASA on a Delta 76 rocket in 1970. At the time, Australia did not have a domestic space industry, necessitating collaboration with an amateur radio satellite group in California for the launch. Heffernan noted that this initiative pioneered Australia's presence in space, highlighting the importance of international connections in the field.
Current Research Focus
Heffernan's current research is concentrated on satellites, specifically leveraging machine learning to enhance and expedite their onboard data processing. He aims to improve data acquisition and delivery, which can significantly boost satellite functionality. For Earth observation satellites, this development could provide real-time imagery to first responders and policymakers during emergencies such as bushfires.
As a volunteer rural firefighter, Heffernan emphasized the personal significance of this work. He explained that accurate information on fuel loads can aid in prescribed burns, while real-time fire front imagery can facilitate quicker emergency responses. He views climate resilience as one of many valuable applications for satellites.