South Australian students reach for the stars in Mars Challenge

Some of South Australia’s brightest young stars have been recognised for their innovative concepts and solutions to enhancing deep space exploration, as part of a program that aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in space.

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) Mars Challenge, coordinated by Hamilton Secondary College, sees students develop space-related projects, incorporating space technology and the Buzz Aldrin Foundation’s Giant Mars Map – a hands-on tool which includes information on topography, sites of missions and comparative data about Mars and Earth.

A record number of 780 high school students from 10 South Australian schools participated in this year’s Challenge, with more than 25 teachers also involved in supporting students to align the space projects to their STEM studies. Each school received a $4000 grant to support their projects.

This year’s projects saw students devise solutions to space-based problems associated with travelling to and settling on Mars, which they presented to peers and industry experts at the Australian Space Discovery Centre at Lot Fourteen recently.

Incorporating groups of year 7, year 8 and year 9 students, Norwood International High School took out the Peer Award for their innovative presentation proposing different approaches for developing initial settlements on Mars.

A group of year 10 students from Le Fevre High School also impressed attendees, awarded the Communications Award for excelling at articulating their project, which explored aerodynamics and propulsion in the development and launch of prototype rockets.

Hamilton Secondary College assistant principal Dr Sarah Baker said this year’s Challenge was a resounding success, with students from across the state engaged in projects focused on developing solutions to deep space exploration and human habitation challenges.

“Congratulations to the award winners and all the teams that participated in this year’s Andy Thomas Space Foundation Mars Challenge,” Dr Baker said.

“We were excited to see students undertake innovative projects ranging from mars rovers, analysis of ‘MarsQuakes’, colonisation and construction of future buildings on Mars, to rocket science and aerospace technology and virtual reality design of co-spaces for Mars colonies.

“The ATSF Mars Challenge is playing a crucial role in improving teachers’ and students’ STEM engagement and literacy and connecting space science and technologies with their everyday lives.”

South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) Director Space Dr Catherine Grace took part as a judge in this year’s challenge. Impressed by the innovative solutions displayed by students, she praised the initiative for the inspiring role it plays in encouraging students to pursue STEM-related careers.

“ATSF Mars Challenge is a fantastic source of inspiration for students to use their ingenuity and creativity to address the challenges of space,” said Dr Grace.

“It’s initiatives like this that capture the interest of our brightest young minds, helping to ignite a passion for STEM and open the door to out-of-this-world career opportunities.”

SASIC is a proud supporter of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and its initiatives, such as the ATSF Mars Challenge, that aim to inspire and support the next generation of South Australian space leaders.

List of 2024 ATSF Mars Challenge Schools and Projects: