High school students work with Swinburne astronomers on the future of space

High school students and Swinburne astronomers have been busy designing solutions to space-based problems as part of the 2024 Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge (SYSIC).

The 2024 crop of students spent three days exploring all things space applications, with a combination of hands-on experiences, and insights from national experts. Every participant also had the unique opportunity to work directly with real samples sent to and returned from the International Space Station by Swinburne.

This year’s cohort embarked on an unforgettable science experience, learning and working with internationally-recognised astronomers and space scientists from Swinburne on challenge-based problems.

From the captivating realms of space law, space junk gravity, satellites, rovers, and beyond, the high school students engaged in hands-on activities and immersive workshops tackling current and future space challenges before pitching innovative ideas for the future of space use. 

Over 330 students have taken part in this community-driven project since 2021, inspiring Australian teenagers to pursue a career in STEM.

Next generation of space superstars

Swinburne astrophysicist, Dr Sara Webb, who leads the SYSIC program, says this is the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of space scientists, explorers, engineers and beyond. 

“What is so exciting about space is how quickly the industry is evolving and the impact space applications have on our everyday lives. In the next ten to 10-20 years we'll see humans return to the moon, and possibly even to Mars.”

Students shared their positive experience, with feedback including: 

• "I really loved this program, I learned so much for the staff and other students. I feel more motivated to pursue a career in space."

• "This program gave me an opportunity to branch out to more science subjects.” 

• "This program was super fun. I had an awesome time, and this has definitely opened my eyes to a slew of things I never even new about before this."

Dr Webb is thrilled that so many students have received a crash course in space and could be the space scientists of tomorrow. 

“The highlight each year is hearing their creative and innovative ideas to some of the toughest challenges we face today,” she says.

“This year, we heard so many incredible ideas and awarded prizes to 15 students for their hard work, including two awards for students we think are the rising stars in space science. 

“The final highlight of the program is the take home space experiment kit awarded to each student, containing real samples sent to the International Space Station. Not many people can say they've made yogurt from space or grown seeds from space, but our students can!”