Australian Space Agency

Got a big idea to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators? Applications are now open for the Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026, providing between $20,000 and $100,000 to support hands-on STEM learning opportunities for young people under 18. From coding and robotics to engineering challenges and maker workshops, the grants help bring creative STEM experiences to communities across Australia. The program is particularly focused on increasing participation in STEM for groups traditionally underrepresented in the sector. Applications close 17 June 2026. Find out more and apply here: http://spklr.io/6042EMUFq

This week in space 👇 For Australian space news direct to your inbox, subscribe to our monthly newsletter http://spklr.io/6043EMgcZ

Adelaide - Space Day Out is ready for launch 🚀🛰️👩🚀 Bring the whole family along for an exciting day of space discovery, hands-on activities and out-of-this-world experiences for all ages as we celebrate everything space! Space Day Out is launching Space Week in stellar style, while also celebrating five incredible years of inspiring Australia’s next generation of space explorers at the Australian Space Discovery Centre. Head to the main stage and hear from Aussie astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg and take a selfie at a special meet and greet session between 11am - 1pm. Get a close up look at Roo-ver, Australia’s lunar rover that’s going to the Moon with NASA in 2030. Explore the latest in space technology and find your place in space at our industry showcase. Whether you dream of walking on the Moon or just love rockets and robots, this is one space adventure you won’t want to miss! Gather your crew and join us for a FREE Space Day Out. 📅 Sunday 19 July 10am – 4pm 📍Australian Space Discovery Centre, Lot Fourteen Entry is FREE but please pre-register your attendance here http://spklr.io/6040EMbSu Want more info? Head over to our website at: http://spklr.io/6042EMbSr Space Day Out is brought to you by the Australian Space Agency with support from Lot Fourteen, Inspiring South Australia and the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

For over 65,000 years, First Nations peoples have looked to the skies to navigate Country, share knowledge and pass down stories through generations. Today, these enduring connections to the stars continue to enrich Australia's growing space sector, bringing unique perspectives to how we explore, understand and care for our world and beyond. This National Reconciliation Week, we are 'All In'. We acknowledge the knowledge, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the important role they play in shaping Australia's future in space. Watch our short film, titled birrang, the Wiradjuri word for ‘Sky'. It is a stunning narrative of cultural storytelling, highlighting the theme of time being interconnected that acknowledges the enduring connection between Australia’s First Nations people and space. It highlights the role of space in understanding and protecting our planet, whilst showcasing Australia’s growing space industry and future ambitions; presenting a uniquely Australian perspective that blends cultural knowledge with innovation. Find out more about the short film here http://spklr.io/6046EMXbK

Project Profile 📂 Fleet Space Technologies Get to know ExoSphere by Adelaide-based Fleet Space Technologies, supported by our Moon to Mars program! 🛰️ This project was funded to develop a system that delivers real-time 3D imaging of the Earth’s subsurface, using a network of satellites, Internet of Things-enabled geophysical sensors planted in the ground, and AI technology. 🌐 It’s inspired by the speed and global coverage of satellite technology, which it harnesses to provide subsurface insights accurately and efficiently across the planet. While the original ExoSphere concept works by having sensors measure ambient noise from seismic activity, the company is developing a new instrument that uses gravity measurements to improve results, also with Agency investment. 🛰️ Its customer base includes some of the world’s largest resources companies – hundreds of surveys have so far been deployed across five continents, and they’ve helped unlock new lithium and uranium mineralisation. 🌐 It helps lives on Earth by providing a fast, scalable, and low-impact process for discovering critical mineral resources and accessing them responsibly. Discover more Australian space industry stories at http://spklr.io/6046EMTsg

Australian science is taking root in space. 🌱🛰️ Two plant science payloads led by the Swinburne University of Technology have successfully docked and been integrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS). At the heart of the mission are Australian-grown seeds from two separate projects designed to test how plants respond to microgravity and other stressful space conditions. Together, these Australian-led experiments will examine how roots develop in the absence of gravity, generating valuable knowledge for future long-duration space missions while also offering insights that could improve crop growth on Earth. Find out how these Aussie experiments are helping shape the future of science, education and sustainability: http://spklr.io/6049EMRES

EDUCATORS | Bring inspiring STEM professionals straight into your classroom this July 🚀❄️💻 Join us on 23 July (1:30–2:00pm AEST) for The Big STEM Assembly — a free virtual event for Years 3–7 students. We'll introduce learners to incredible STEM role models including the Agency's Elyse Allender, Director of Space Science and Technology “The Big STEM Assembly will be a powerful moment for young people to lean into their curiosity and see where STEM can take them.” Our everyday STEM professionals have followed their curiosity to discover exciting, new things in extraordinary places - from the icy frontiers of Antarctica to the vastness of space and the ever-evolving digital world. Free and virtual The Big STEM Assembly is produced by Future You Australia, in proud partnership with the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership and the Australian Space Agency. Sign up to be the first to hear when registrations open: http://spklr.io/6042EMuca

This week in space 👇 View the Agency's May newsletter here http://spklr.io/6045EMH6f

Space Spotlight 💡 Element Robotics Can you imagine driving on the Moon at your office desk? That’s the idea of LunarSim: a digital replica of the Moon’s surface, designed to make testing lunar rovers and infrastructure easy. Created by Melbourne start-up Element Robotics, the simulation is based on extensive data collected from previous lunar missions. The idea evolved through the company’s work on Roo-ver – Australia’s first lunar rover – before an investment from our Moon to Mars program helped turn it into a commercial product. Check out our Space Spotlight feature: http://spklr.io/6048EM8Xs

W‑6 capsule safely lands in the South Aussie outback 🇦🇺 Australia is cementing its place at the centre of the thriving low Earth orbit economy, with the successful return of Varda Space Industries’ W-6 capsule to Southern Launch's Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. The mission marks the fourth capsule to safely land at Koonibba in just over 12 months. It's a major milestone for routine orbital re-entry operations and the future of in-space manufacturing and research. “Four capsules safely returned in just over 12 months is a proven, repeatable capability,” said Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch. “Southern Launch has built the infrastructure and the expertise to make orbital re-entry as routine as launch.” 🚀 Find out more about it here http://spklr.io/6045EzCSv