A new national STEM initiative, launched by South Australian company Fleet Space Technologies, will give secondary students across Australia a hands-on experience with advanced space technologies.
Registrations are now open for schools interested in participating in LaunchBox, an interactive school-based program, designed to ignite student’s passion for space and STEM by combining interactive courses and real-world experience.
The groundbreaking initiative provides expert-guided lessons for students in years 7 and 8 to design, build and launch educational satellites.
Working alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers, students will have the opportunity to work with real sensors and 3D-printed satellite frames, supplied by South Australian space education start-up Robinson Aerospace. The program will culminate in an exciting launch, where students will watch their satellites soar into the sky on high-altitude balloons.
Fleet Space Technologies STEM Coordinator Silvia Piccaluga said LaunchBox would be a launchpad for the next generation of space professionals, by opening students’ eyes to the career opportunities in the space industry.
“With Launchbox, we want to scale the opportunity for Australia’s young people to get hands-on with the frontier of advanced technologies, giving them a unique and unforgettable experience that can spark a lifelong pursuit of exploration and discover,” Piccaluga said.
LaunchBox is supported by $1.6 million in funding under the Department of Defence’s Schools Pathways Program.
