Justyce Manton

A strong pull towards space

Justyce’s inspiration to pursue a space career stems from her cultural heritage and family history. “Space is not just a distant concept for me; it’s woven into the fabric of my family's history.” A proud Eora-Wiradjuri woman from Sydney, Justyce grew up with a strong pull towards space, particularly with a powerful connection through the Seven Sisters dreaming. This connection, along with her passion for science and technology, inspired her to explore beyond this world and pursue a career in space. 

“For me, this journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about understanding the legacy of some of my ancestors, protecting our stories, and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.”

This curiosity for space led Justyce to pursue Engineering at University. Beginning in a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and later transferring into Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Justyce balanced her studies with a range of hands-on experiences. 

“Early on, I sought opportunities that would allow me to explore the intersection of technology and space, which is how I became involved in the space industry.” Mentored by leading industry professionals, Justyce undertook a two-year internship at Defence SA. “This experience was pivotal, as it provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how government and industry collaborate in the defence sector, particularly in the context of space.” 

Real-space experiences

Following this, she joined Fleet Space Technologies as an Embedded Software Engineering Cadet. Here, she worked on the ExoSphere project, which involved developing real-time ambient noise tomography technology for the mining sector. 

In a later role at Inovor Technologies, she contributed to telecommunication projects critical to space operations, and now, she is focussed on advancing her knowledge in Machine Learning, specifically for cancer detection. As an alumna of 42 Adelaide, an innovative software academy, her research is centred on understanding the molecular mechanisms of innate immune antimicrobial peptide secretion, which parallels neurotransmission and cancer cell secretion. 

“My work aims to develop machine learning algorithms to assist in early diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, define the molecular mechanisms of innate immune secretion, and explore the critical link between lysosomal storage and altered neurotransmission.”

National Indigenous Space Academy

Speaking about some of the most memorable moments in her career so far, Justyce details her participation in the launch of the National Indigenous Space Academy. 

“This opportunity not only reinforced my passion for space exploration but also connected me with other Indigenous professionals who are pioneering in the field. It was a pivotal moment that validated my journey and opened new possibilities for my future in the space industry.” 

Later discussing her inspirations from the industry, she shared the significant impact Reg Carruthers, Executive Director of Defence and Space at Defence SA, had on her time as an intern. 

“Reg's mentorship was instrumental in helping me find my place in the Space and Defence sectors. His guidance and unwavering belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue my aspirations, even when the path seemed daunting.”

Looking forward, Justyce is passionate about the future of Australia’s space industry, believing that space technology can bring a “better future for all.”

“Australia’s space industry is uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to the global space community. Our country’s vast and remote landscapes provide ideal locations for satellite dishes, like the iconic Parkes radio telescope, which has a long history of contributing to space exploration, including receiving the first images of the Apollo 11 moon landing. 

We are now entering the exciting phases of innovation, and this allows us the freedom to explore new ideas and approaches with a fresh perspective. Our industry is filled with a diverse range of like-minded people who are eager to push boundaries and shape the future of space exploration in meaningful ways. 

The future of Australia’s space industry is not just about technological advancements, but also about people, inclusivity, innovation, and the ability to address global challenges through collaboration. The Kanyini mission is a prime example of this innovation. 

The Pitjantjatjara word "Kanyini" represents the principle of connectedness through caring and responsibility. This mission serves as a foundational stone for more innovative ideas, setting the stage for Australia to lead in areas like Earth observation and space services. I believe our unique approach, combined with our strategic location, emerging capabilities, and missions like Kanyini, will be instrumental in shaping a better future for all.”