Scitech and the Australian Space Agency are inviting primary school students to discover the possibilities of space with free virtual excursions.
Scitech Senior Science Communicator Isaac Dawe gets ready to drop a watermelon with a parachute from a 45-metre tower to test how to make a safe Mars landing – one of the science demonstrations featured in the virtual excursions.
What does it take to become an astronaut? This National Science Week (9-17 August), Scitech and the Australian Space Agency are inviting primary school students to find out firsthand, with free virtual excursions beamed straight into classrooms.
Mission: SPACE invites students in Years 3 to 6 to learn about space careers from real-life experts, including Australia’s first astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency, and retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger.
In April 2024, Katherine Bennell-Pegg graduated from astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany to become Australia’s first female astronaut. She is also the first person to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
“Being an astronaut with the Australian flag on my shoulder represents the hard work, innovation and ambition of all Australians working in STEM fields,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.
“These virtual excursions are an important platform to reach into classrooms with thousands of Australian students.
“I’m grateful for the chance to help inspire this next generation of space innovators through the vast range of careers space offers.
“Australia’s space industry is exciting and pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
“I want more young people to be encouraged by this – knowing that they too can be part of Australia’s space future.”
Australia’s first astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency. Photo credit: Australian Space Agency
Retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger will also feature in the virtual excursions, talking to students about her incredible journey from high school teacher to astronaut living on the international space station.
“Space exploration impacts everyone, is for everyone, and needs you!” said Ms Metcalf-Lindenburger.
“I hope you remain curious and join in the Scitech Mission!”
Retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger. Photo credit: Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger.
Scitech Primary STEM Coordinator Ryan Forsyth said Mission: SPACE would encourage students to explore the possibilities of space careers, while also helping them develop essential skills.
“We’ll be bringing the science of space alive, with spectacular demonstrations, fun quizzes and even some appearances from Zog the alien,” Mr Forsyth said.
“We’re really excited to be sharing interviews with real space experts, highlighting the many different career pathways in the space sector.
“Students will not only learn what it’s like to be an astronaut, but also a space communicator, systems engineer, technology officer, space policy advisor, and a researcher who’s working on how to grow plants in space.
“We hope Mission: SPACE gets students excited to learn more about space and, who knows, maybe it’s the spark that ignites a lifelong curiosity and a future career.”
Registrations for the virtual excursions are open at www.scitech.org.au/mission-space
Scitech is a not-for-profit organisation proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
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