Oksana Johnston

Turning interests into a career

Leading Aircraftwoman (LACW) Oksana Johnston always had a passion for space, telescopes, and astronomy, but wasn’t sure how these interests could turn into a career. 

Born in Kyrgyzstan and immigrating to Queensland with her family in 2000, she had previously never considered a career in Defence until her brother encouraged her to research options for working in the space sector. 

“Once I saw the space opportunities and job experience offered by the ADF, I decided to enlist full-time,"shares LACW Johnston.

Contributing to Australia’s burgeoning space sector

Since enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in 2021, LACW Johnston has gained experience working with the Over the Horizon Radar, Space Surveillance Telescope and C-Band Space Surveillance Radar. 

Her interest in Space Domain Awareness and Missile Warning placed her on a sure path to achieving her goal of contributing to Australia’s burgeoning space industry. 

Initially posted to the No.1 Remote Surveillance Unit (1RSU), LACW Johnston then continued to operate space systems as part of the newly established No.1 Space Surveillance Unit (1SSU) in 2023.

This posting to 1SSU was a significant milestone for LACW Johnston, saying she feels “proud to be part of the ADF’s first joint space unit in the first years of its establishment”. 

Her time with 1SSU has also provided the opportunity to travel around Australia and overseas to meet other space professionals. One special highlight was a visit Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States, where she was able to watch a rocket launch in-person.

“Watching that launch has been the biggest highlight of my career, and I hope that one day I will get to watch a rocket launch from Australia as well”, she says. 

LACW Johnston believes that the growth of Australia’s space sector is further improving Space Domain Awareness capabilities locally, and on the world stage. 

“I hope that Australia’s role in the space industry and our international partnerships will continue to expand, and help promote responsible behaviour in the space domain”.