08 Dec 2023
Twelve Year 8 students had an out of this world experience this week at the Young Space Explorers event in Sydney.
Run by the National Space Workforce, the event is an immersive dive into the emerging Australian Space Industry. Over the course of the day, students got to complete a variety of workshops and sessions where participants reckon with tangible space scenarios while building on their understanding of advanced STEM principles.
The students built lunar rovers to navigate the rocky and unpredictable terrain of the moon, participated in a VR experience that challenged them to survive on an extra-terrestrial world and collected soil samples across an enormous map with remote control rovers.
The event was held at the Sydney International Convention Centre, which was also host to the 15th Australian Space Forum. Students could slip between the events and experience the very cutting-edge of space-age technology and network with big wheels in the aerospace industry.
The students were perhaps most starstruck by their meeting with astronauts Andy Thomas and Shannon Walker. Australian Andy Thomas has notably flown with NASA a number of times, while Shannon Walker’s career has seen her launch with both NASA and SpaceX.
"I absolutely loved the entire experience," gushes student Samantha Gadsden, "The people who taught us were passionate and I especially enjoyed Jim Christiansen because he explained things with heart."
“It was great for students to meet real industry professionals and investigate careers in the space industry,” adds TAS Head Teacher Chris Parkin, “They also got to meet and collaborate with like-minded students, which was nice to see.”
Thanks to the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE) and MRHS staff Ian Preston, Chris Parkin and Ken Townsing for providing this fantastic opportunity to our students.
