SPASE Mission

Our SPASE Mission

In an Australian-first, students from 11 high schools across South-East Queensland will work with the space industry’s brightest to build and launch a satellite into space, as part of a unique educational program, developed by Griffith University.

As part of our STEM Program About Space Exploration (SPASE), the students from Years 9-11 will work with Griffith experts in Information and Communications Technology and Advanced Manufacturing, alongside space industry experts Gilmour Space Technologies, Deloitte and Airbus to build and launch a prototype satellite.

This SPASE Mission is designed to give students a real-world - or out of this world - experience, encourage them to take risks, discover how STEM can be exciting and rewarding, and learn about the growing aerospace industry.

2023 SPASE Program - Expression of Interest

We are seeking expressions of interest from schools and teachers to participate in this innovative program

Apply Now

Launching into Space

The cube satellite, or CubeSat, will be designed, programmed and built by students throughout the year during on-site experience days, and at their respective schools in between.

The CubeSat will then be attached to our industry partner, Gilmour Space Technologies’ Eris rocket, and launched approximately 400 km above the Earth next year.

2023 Expression of Interest

Thanks to our industry partners

Thanks to the support of our industry partners, Griffith University is able to offer this exciting SPASE Mission, to help nurture the next generation of Australian space leaders.

Griffith University received funding from the Queensland Government's Engaging Science Grant program to assist with running this program.

The program is also possible due to the support of our industry partners who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise with the students, including Gilmour Space Technologies who will also launch the satellite with their rocket, as well as Deloitte and Airbus.

Mission patch

The Platypus Mission patch was designed by Mabel Park State High School 2021 graduate, Arita Bounnhong.

The different coloured stars symbolise the inclusivity and diversity of the people involved in the project, and the patterns represent Earth from our perspective in comparison with the perspective of Earth from space.