Victoria’s next generation of scientists, astronomers and engineers are getting real hands on experience of what it’s like to work in the space industry at Australia’s only dedicated space education centre.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited the Victorian Space Science Education Centre in Strathmore where students from across Victoria are participating in Colonising Mars, part of National Science Week.
Colonising Mars is giving 72 high school students from 11 schools the opportunity to take on different scientific roles and work together to design a Mars colony, giving them the skills needed for a future career in science.
The Victorian Space Science Education Centre is the only centre of its type in Australia and is one of six specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning facilities in Victoria.
The centre has strong links with international space agencies, including NASA and uses hands-on learning to excite and inspire students’ interest in a future career in STEM fields, including the space industry.
The facility includes a planetary surface simulation room, reproducing a small crater on Mars where students work as a team to successfully complete a geological survey of the Mars surface wearing specially-designed spacesuits and act as astronauts, mission controllers and research scientists.
The Andrews Labor Government is advocating for Victoria to play a key role in the new Australian Space Agency, which would grow our already thriving space industry – creating jobs for today’s high school students.
Victoria’s STEM capabilities are an important competitive advantage in convincing the Federal Government to set up the Australian Space Agency in Victoria. Already, more than 30,000 young people graduate from Victorian universities with science, engineering and maths related degrees.
Victoria has the experience and knowhow to make sure the new agency thrives – one in five Australian space-related science and technology companies based here – supporting up to 2,300 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Our world-class education, research and development facilities make Victoria the ideal home for the Australian Space Agency.”
“With facilities like the Victorian Space Science Education Centre already helping to shape our space industry’s future workforce, Victoria is ready and able to lead the way in growing Australia’s space industry.”
Quote attributable to Swinburne Associate Professor Alan Duffy
“Imagine commanding a scientific exploration of Mars, using the latest technology to search that red soil for life, now imagine doing that at school. At the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, the future generation can see how exciting a career in space and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can be.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“Strathmore is an epicentre for space science education – the Victorian Space Science Education Centre is helping to foster students interests in a career in science.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020