Months of planning, design work and collaboration was on show in a day of inspiration and innovation at the 2023 Kids in Space National Final.
Students from every state and territory came to the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide to display their winning space technology projects.
The Kids in Space program is a partnership between the Australian Space Agency and Andy Thomas Space Foundation. Adelaide-based start-up Makers Empire delivers it.
The Australian-first program aims to excite the next generation of STEM stars using space, 3D printing and design technology.
This year it has reached more than 70 primary schools, 10,000 students and several hundred teachers. Almost 1 million student designs have been developed to solve challenges using space technologies.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said inspiring young Australians about the importance of space is fundamental to the Agency’s mission.
"It speaks to both our commitment – and the need – to inspire the Australian community about the opportunities that come from space, to educate them on the ways it improves our everyday lives and to develop the future space workforce," Mr Palermo said.
"We often refer to Space as the Gateway to STEM. This national program is stirring the imagination of what is possible and getting more young Australians to consider studying and working in STEM related careers.
"By exciting our young people and getting them to think bigger, we can ensure Australia has the diverse workforce it needs to realise our full potential not just in the space sector but across the broader economy as well."
The joint winners of the 2023 National Prize were:
- Gunbalanya School – Northern Territory
- Our Lady of Good Counsel – Victoria
The industry prize winner was:
- Warooka Primary School – South Australia