Space Teams Academy: training the next generation of space explorers

What if high school students could plan a mission to another planetusing the same technology employed by the space industry?

Through Space Teams Academy, students work in teams to design andexecute virtual space missions, from spacecraft design and orbital manoeuvresto planetary landings and habitat construction. Using advanced simulationsoftware also used by NASA and commercial space organisations, they tacklereal-world challenges in science, engineering and problem-solving.

Developed by former NASA astronaut Dr Gregory Chamitoff and delivered inAustralia through a partnership between RMIT University and One Giant LeapAustralia, the program gives students direct access to researchers, engineersand industry experts.

Since 2022, the RMIT program has engaged students from more than 30different schooling communities, while female participation has grown from 39per cent to 66 per cent.

By helping young Australians think andcollaborate like real space professionals, the program is inspiring the nextgeneration of innovators, engineers and explorers.