Associate Professor Eduardo Trifoni is an academic at The Australian National University (ANU), serving as Director of the Space Test Program and Head of the National Space Test Facility—the largest space testing infrastructure in Australasia. He is affiliated with the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Advanced Instrumentation & Technology Centre. Additionally, he holds roles as an InSpace Mission Specialist and teaches Engineering Thermodynamics at ANU’s College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics. Eduardo holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (summa cum laude, 1999) and has over 25 years of research experience in hypersonics, space testing, and hydrogen energy. He leads the operation of the SCIROCCO 70 MW Plasma Wind Tunnel, simulating hypersonic space vehicle entry conditions. His work includes developing thermal protection systems, managing spacecraft testing, and contributing to 22 successful orbital launches in five years. His research spans aerothermodynamics, plasma wind tunnel technology, and material science for extreme environments. Recent projects focus on shape memory polymers for space applications, public-private partnerships in space infrastructure, and additive manufacturing in rocket propulsion. Eduardo has authored over 100 publications and holds four international patents. His grants include prototype testing for aerospace companies like Halocell Energy and Fleet Space Technologies. He collaborates on advanced instrumentation and space mission technologies, aiming to advance Australia’s space capabilities and sustainable energy solutions.









