Ten aspiring young space explorers will have the opportunity to experience the world of aerospace, thanks to sponsorship from the iLAuNCH Trailblazer to attend One Giant Leap Australia’s 2026 Aerospace Camp in Toowoomba.

The program is part of Space Teams Academy, which was designed and developed by former NASA Astronaut, Dr Gregory Chamitoff.

The four-day camp will bring together students aged 11 to 15 for an immersive program of hands-on STEM activities, introducing them to space technologies and future career opportunities in Australia’s growing space industry.

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

From designing and launching rockets to building robotic rovers and exploring what it takes to live and work on the Moon and Mars, students will tackle real-world challenges while developing skills in teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.

Through its sponsorship of 10 student places, iLAuNCH is helping young Australians access specialised STEM learning experiences and discover the possibilities of a future career in space.

iLAuNCH Director of Space Education Programs and Chief Technology Officer, Associate Professor Matthew Richardson, said engaging young people in STEM was an important part of building Australia’s future space workforce.

“Australia’s space industry is growing, and we need to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators who will help shape its future,” Associate Professor Richardson said.

“Programs like Aerospace Camp give students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom, work with emerging technologies and see how their interests in science and engineering could translate into real careers.

“By sponsoring 10 students to participate, we’re helping create opportunities for young people to explore their potential and develop the skills that will contribute to Australia’s future space capability.”

The sponsorship continues iLAuNCH’s collaboration with One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, following its support of the 2023 Global Space Challenge in Toowoomba, which saw 32 Queensland students participate in an international space mission simulation program.

The upcoming Aerospace Camp will build on this commitment to future skills development, connecting students with aerospace professionals and providing access to technologies and learning experiences not typically available in a classroom.

Delivered by One Giant Leap Australia, the camp is designed to encourage curiosity, build confidence and inspire students to pursue further STEM education and careers.

Aerospace Camp Toowoomba will take place from 12–15 December 2026. All entries will be judged on creativity and originality. For more information about Aerospace Camp Toowoomba 2026, or to apply, visit https://onegiantleapaustralia.com/aerospace-camp-toowoomba-2026/.

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer is supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Education through the Trailblazer Universities Program. Led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) and Adelaide University, iLAuNCH brings together universities and industry to accelerate space research, innovation and commercialisation, strengthening Australia’s sovereign space capability.