Two Warrnambool-born soldiers have helped make history as members of the Australian Defence Force’s first dedicated space operations training course.
A new frontier: Corporal Dion Caskey and Trooper Jake Lenehan were among 16 graduates of the inaugural Space Initial Employment Training course, which ran from January to May.
The course introduced participants to space operations, satellite technology, reconnaissance processes and the growing role of space in military operations.
From tanks to satellites: Caskey moved into space operations after about 12 years as a tank crewman.
“Understanding how spacecraft move, rather than just watching it, was really cool,” he said.
“I didn’t realise how significant space was to Defence, Australia and globally. It's one of the first things affected during conflict.”
Corporal Dion Caskey. Image: Australian Defence Force
Lots to learn: Lenehan transitioned into space operations after 11 years as a cavalryman, including service as an armoured vehicle gunner.
“On the course we started with the basics, understanding how objects move in space, then built into capabilities and how we integrate with the other domains.”
Participants completed a final exercise focused on planning and conducting space operations while supporting Defence activities in other areas.
Trooper Jake Lenehan (left), with Corporal Adric Knapp and Able Seaman Qambar Said. Image: South Australian Space Industry Centre.
Bright future ahead: Lenehan has since been posted to the 1st Space Surveillance Unit, where he will help track and monitor objects in orbit using Australian and allied systems.
“Seeing how fast things move in space, trying to visualise that is just phenomenal.”