Calling all Year 9 to 12 students with an astronomical passion for science!
Join us for an exciting journey beyond the earth and into space with the Swinburne Space Innovation Challenge! Learn about the Australian space industry and more!
Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge 2026 invites students to explore and learn about the Moon like never before, combining science, creativity and teamwork across a full day of exciting activities.
From learning about past and future Moon missions, to designing your own lunar base, you’ll tackle challenges faced by real scientists and engineers. Work in teams to build innovative solutions under real-world constraints, meet researchers and experience cutting-edge space technology through interactive exhibits and tours.
The day culminates in a high-energy survival challenge and a look ahead to the future of human exploration beyond Earth.
Whether you’re curious about space, passionate about problem-solving, or considering a career in STEM, this is your opportunity to experience what it’s like to be part of the next generation shaping our journey to the Moon.
Event details
- When: Thursday 2 July, 9am–4.30pm (registrations from 8.30am)
- Where: Swinburne University, Hawthorn campus
- Cost: $90 per student (funded places available*)
A limited number of funded places are available for students who would not be able to attend without financial support.
To apply, please complete the confidential application form before you register.
What’s involved?
Challenge participants will get a taste of life as a Swinburne astronomy student as they:
Research
Discover how to create solutions to real space challenges using concepts taught in Swinburne undergraduate units
Grow
Learn from Swinburne’s astronomy academics and students
Explore
Run experiments on real materials returned from space with the hands-on LaunchLabz Space kit designed by Swinburne astrophysicists Dr. Sara Webb and Dr. Rebecca Allen.