Susan Close MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science
Students in Golden Grove High School’s disability unit are being inspired to pursue a career in space this National Science Week after scoring a visit from leading space launch provider Southern Launch.
Three South Australian schools including Moana Primary School and St Josephs School in Port Lincoln won a visit from a Southern Launch rocket scientist as part of a competition run by the Adelaide-based space company.
Helping to promote the importance of STEM education, Southern Launch has been visiting the winning schools throughout National Science Week to teach students about rocket propulsion, trajectories and space orbits.
Today’s Golden Grove High School visit ties in with the space curriculum students have been studying over the past term.
The state-wide competition calling for entries from teachers or students was judged by Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close.
South Australia is central to Australia’s rapidly growing space industry. The Malinauskas government is committed to building the pipeline of engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs needed to ensure the state remains at the forefront of the nation’s space endeavours.
While National Science Week is drawing to an end, there are plenty of events on in South Australia until the end of the month.
Visit the National Science Week website for details.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close
The South Australian space sector is on an exciting trajectory, with thousands of jobs expected to come online in the coming years.
South Australian students will be in the box seat to take advantage of these opportunities, and this is an excellent initiative from Southern Launch supports our aim to inspire and build the next generation of space leaders through STEM education and initiatives.
Quotes attributable to Blair Boyer, Minister for Education Training and Skills
I’m pleased Golden Grove High School was one of three winners announced, and that students will now have the exciting opportunity to hear from a real rocket scientist.
Partnerships between industry and education are vital in inspiring young people to dream big while having the educational pathways to make those dreams come true.
Quotes attributable to State Member for King, Rhiannon Pearce
Here at Golden Grove High School the students have been learning about space, so this is a great opportunity to build on that by highlighting the STEM skills which are ultimately needed for a wide range of future jobs.
This initiative is a great way to open students’ minds to the wonders of space and hopefully spark an interest in a future space scientist or innovator.
Quote attributable to Southern Launch CEO, Lloyd Damp
Working with education providers to showcase real-world examples of how the South Australian space industry is helping everyday Aussies make the world a better place is something we are incredibly passionate about at Southern Launch.
At every school visit, the Southern Launch team highlights the connection between the STEM subjects students are studying and the global space industry that is right on their doorstep. Our goal is to inspire students and help showcase the world of opportunity right here in South Australia.
