Aussie kids take on Mission: SPACE challenge

Primary schools across Australia are invited to take part in Mission: SPACE, a free national program delivered by Scitech and funded by the Australian Space Agency, designed to inspire and prepare the next generation for careers in the growing space sector.    

The program challenges students in Years 3 to 6 to step into the role of space engineers by designing, building and testing their own Mars lander prototype.  

As part of the challenge, students must consider real-world obstacles and design a lander that can carry a payload, survive a launch and landing, and send and receive data between ‘Mars’ and ‘Earth.’ 

Scitech Manager of Learning Futures, Inette Henn, said Mission: SPACE would encourage students to explore the possibilities of space careers, while also helping them develop essential skills in problem-solving and digital technologies.    

“Rapid advancements in the space industry mean there are so many opportunities for space-related careers,” Ms Henn said.  

“Many students are already familiar with the role of an astronaut, but there is also a need for a range of different skills in jobs such as space lawyer, intelligent game developer, computer scientist and designer. 

“In the Mission: SPACE challenge, students are encouraged to think critically, solve complex problems and work collaboratively.   

“These skills are essential not only for space careers, but for future work and life more broadly.” 

The program also supports teachers to confidently integrate digital technologies into their classrooms, providing ready-to-use materials, curriculum-aligned lesson plans and professional learning sessions. 

Now in its second year, the Mission: SPACE hands-on challenge engaged more than 8,000 students from 100 primary schools nationwide in 2025. 

Expressions of interest for Mission: SPACE are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at www.scitech.org.au/mission-space