From Lab to Launch: Ablano's Nanomaterials in the New Space Economy

Discover how WA-developed nanomaterials are moving from the laboratory into real-world space missions, with Ablano and leading researchers. From Lab to Launch What happens when Western Australian nanotechnology is put to the ultimate test — spaceflight? Join WA Space Forum and Ablano for an inside look at the development and first spaceflight demonstration of Ablano's boron nitride nanomaterial. Recently launched aboard a suborbital rocket from northern Sweden, experimental panels coated with different concentrations of the material travelled to an altitude of 270 kilometres, spending approximately six and a half minutes above the Kármán line before being recovered near Kiruna. The panels have now returned to Australia for analysis at The University of Western Australia, providing researchers with real-world data on how the material performs through the extreme conditions of launch and atmospheric descent. Hear directly from the team behind the technology about the science of boron nitride nanomaterials, how the flight experiment was developed, what they hope to learn from the returned samples, and the potential applications for more durable, lightweight spacecraft and reusable launch systems. The discussion will also explore the broader opportunity for Australian-developed advanced materials to become part of the global space supply chain. The evening Tuesday 15 September 2026 | 5:30–8:30 pm AWST Lawson Flats, Perth CBD Arrive from 5:30 pm for networking, with the technical presentation commencing at 6:00 pm. There will be opportunities both before and after the technical component to connect with members of Western Australia's space industry and the broader WA space ecosystem. Food will be provided. Featuring About WA Space Forum WA Space Forum connects Western Australia's space community as the industry body for space in WA, bringing together industry, research, government and the broader ecosystem to support the growth of the state's space sector. We look forward to seeing you there. EVENT PARTNER The University of Western Australia is supporting access to this event through sponsored tickets. Tickets are now available free of charge.