Indigenous artwork travels to space and returns to Earth on the land it was drawn on
Artist, Aunty Christine Tschuna and CEO of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, Corey McLennan with the artwork.
Artwork painted on country by Wirangu Elder and Koonibba artist Aunty Christine Tschuna has journeyed into space aboard the Varda Space Industries W‑5 capsule before returning safely to the very land where it was created, a powerful full-circle moment connecting culture, Country, and cutting-edge space exploration.
The artwork, titled “Capsule returning to our Munda (land)”, was launched into space on board the SpaceX Transporter‑15 mission from California on November 28, 2025. It spent 63 days on orbit before returning to Earth and landing at Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in South Australia as part of the broader W‑5 mission.
The W-5 mission was the third space capsule to land at the Koonibba Test Range in just 12 months and reinforces Australia’s position as the global hub for orbital re-entries. The W‑Series missions are critical to advancing the emerging orbital economy, demonstrating how research, manufacturing and technology development can be carried out in microgravity and safely returned to Earth to unlock new scientific, medical and industrial breakthroughs.
The artwork was etched onto a plaque that was installed in the W-5 capsule. Image credit: Varda Space Industries
Operated by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, the Koonibba Test Range has become a world‑leading destination for safe and reliable spacecraft returns.
The inclusion of Indigenous artwork on the W‑5 mission reflects Southern Launch and Varda’s commitment to ensuring local communities are meaningfully represented in missions that place Australia at the forefront of the global space industry.
“This is an extraordinary global first and a moment of immense pride for everyone involved. To see Indigenous artwork travel to space and return to Country is deeply symbolic, it speaks to respect, partnership and the unique way we do space here in Australia.” Shared Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch.
Jordan Croom, Vice President of Payloads at Varda Space Industries oversaw the installation of the artwork on W-5, and said, “the W‑5 mission shows that world‑class space capability and the world’s oldest living cultures can go forward together.”
"We were incredibly proud to include Aunty Christine Tschuna’s artwork on the W-5 mission. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with the Koonibba Community on missions that bring together advanced space technology and one of the world’s oldest living cultures."
Created by Aunty Christine Tschuna the piece captures both the technical precision of spaceflight and the enduring connection between people, land and sky. The piece of artwork that travelled to space and back is now proudly on display in the Koonibba General Store for community members and tourists to see for themselves.
Corey McLennan, CEO of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation said, “our community is incredibly proud to see Aunty Christine’s artwork travel to space and return to Country. It shows what’s possible when industry and community work together with respect, and we’re proud to be part of Australia’s growing space story alongside Southern Launch and Varda.”
Aunty Christine Tschuna was born in 1949 at the Koonibba Aboriginal Mission. She developed her passion for art from an early age and is a self‑taught artist whose distinctive style is recognised for its sophisticated use of colour, pattern, symbols and intricate line and dot work. Her artworks often reflect deep connections to Country, significant places marked by waterholes or star formations, as well as the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.
On seeing the metal plate for herself Aunty Christine said. ”Seeing our story go to space and come back is something I never imagined. It makes me proud for our community and future generations.”
Koonibba General Store manager, Riley Smith poses with the plaque on display in community.
