Taking on teams from around the world, Toowoomba students will collaborate and compete for the chance to win the Global Space Challenge, a Space Teams Academy program developed by NASA astronaut Dr Gregory Chamitoff.

The One Giant Leap Australia Foundation will once again return to Queensland’s Garden City to run the virtual space mission for Year 7 & 8 students, hosted by the University of Southern Queensland’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer.

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer will once again sponsor students to participate in the program.

“We look forward to sponsoring students to participate in this exciting challenge,” said Dr Matt Richardson, Director of Space Education Programs at iLAuNCH.

“At iLAuNCH, we are committed to building the future workforce of Australia’s space industry. By supporting students in the Global Space Challenge, we’re not only equipping them with valuable, transferable skills but also igniting their passion for space exploration, encouraging them to see that a career in space is not only possible but within their reach.”

As in previous years, the 2024 competition will be a global, virtual event with students learning new skills through virtual simulations with the aim to design a mission to another planet within our solar system. Daily mission training includes a one-hour live tutorial with an industry expert on the days topic.

“This is the STEM education version of professional mission software and is recognised by NASA itself. Students learn very quickly and teamwork is critical to their mission success”, said Jackie Carpenter, Director of One Giant Leap Australia.

Program creator and former NASA astronaut, Dr Gregory Chamitoff, along with other distinguished space professionals, will engage with students throughout the week, delivering expert insights on rockets, space exploration and the future of space exploration.

The Global Space Challenge is a dynamic 6-day program open to explorers aged 12 and above. Mission team members will attend the University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus during World Space Week, from October 5-10, where they will design, build and launch spacecraft, as well as create sustainable habitats on remote planets!

Applications are open now and close 20 September 2024, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this once in a lifetime adventure!

One Giant Leap Australia Foundation is an Australian organisation dedicated to STEM and Space education for young people in Australia.
Find out more: https://onegiantleapfoundation.com.au/global-space-challenge-scholarship/