Now in its second year, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Kids in Space program returned to South Australia for the state finals and showcase event in July.

Supported by The Australian Space Agency and delivered by Makers Empire, the highly anticipated program sees budding students take flight through an Australia-first, space-themed STEM learning and design thinking experience.

“The Kids in Space program uses the wonders of space to ignite the interest of young Australians in STEM – preparing them for a future where those skills are increasingly vital,” said Enrico Palmero, Head of the Australian Space Agency.

“Importantly, too, this program touches almost every part of Australia – from our city suburbs to the remotest parts of our bush – creating opportunities for young people from all different backgrounds.”

In 2024, the Kids in Space program reported an enormous 62% growth with 115+ schools from across the country taking part, including 26 from South Australia.

Executive Director for the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Peter Nikoloff is excited by the early growth of the program.

“With almost 700 applications from teachers across Australia for Kids in Space, it’s clear that Australian schools are more eager than ever to help students develop an interest in space.”

Kids in Space kicked off the year with professional development days for teachers from February to May. Students then went on to complete a space-themed challenge course and work on their responses to the design thinking brief: design something that might help astronauts to work and live in space or use space technologies to design something that will help solve a problem on Earth. On 24 July, 13 South Australian schools came together at the Adelaide Convention Centre during the 17th Australian Space Forum to showcase their work and compete for a spot at the Finals.

Amid tough competition, St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School was awarded the state prize for their inventive sinus solution. The students learned that astronauts suffer with severe sinus problems in space due to low gravity and created Hot Drops chilli menthols and a space-safe dispenser that operates in zero gravity.

Team #5 from St Francis School in Lockleys was awarded the peer prize for their solution to improve astronauts’ meal trays, helping them enjoy a balanced diet on the ISS.

St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School will now prepare to compete at the Kids in Space National Finals taking place at the Australian Space Discovery Centre in November.

A notable mention to the 13 South Australian-based Catholic schools that took part in a showcase at the Start Up Hub at Lot Fourteen on 01 July. Our Lady Queen of Peace School won the SA finals while Our Lady of the River School received the Peer prize and Mercedes College received the CESA-awarded prize.

Committed to inspiring the future space industry workforce, The South Australian Space Industry Centre is a proud supporter of Kids in Space.

For further information about Kids in Space and other sponsored projects for schools visit The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Fund