Future space leaders take flight at the 2025 Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge

High school students have completed an unforgettable three days of exploring the future of space at the 2025 Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge (SYSIC).  

Fifty Year 10-12 students dived into the science of space exploration through immersive workshops, mini challenges, and hands-on activities. Each student had the rare opportunity to work directly with real samples sent to and returned from the International Space Station by Swinburne, including space-grown yogurt.

This year’s participants tackled challenges in space law, gravity, satellites, and microgravity, all while collaborating with internationally recognised astronomers and researchers.

New activities this year included a 3D AstroTour, a digital rover mission, and a lunar survival scenario called Trapped on the Moon.

Dr Sara Webb, SYSIC program lead and Swinburne astrophysicist, says it’s her fifth year of running the event and she couldn’t be more thrilled with the student engagement they’ve had over the years.  

“This year, we had 50 space loving students from around Victoria, and their enthusiasm and passion for all things space was inspiring. 

“A particular highlight of the program was the Trapped on the Moon experience designed and facilitated by our Space Technology student ambassador Erin Rose. This was a standout highlight for the students, and I’m proud of the work Erin is doing to inspire the next generation of space scientists.”

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “The best program I’ve ever done,” one said.  

“This entire event was extremely engaging, and the hands-on learning experience was super fun,” said another.

Several students were awarded prizes for their creativity and effort, named as ‘rising stars’ in space science.