AVA Challenge 2026 :
Home on the Moon
In 2026, the Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge participants will address key technologies identified by NASA as necessary for humans to live on the moon.
Introduction | Home on the Moon
Meeting the NASA Shortfalls
Long-term human habitation.
To establish a permanent lunar base, we need to solve multi-disciplinary challenges. We explore team dynamics, the engineering design process and the overall AVA Challenge framework.
Challenge 1
WHAT WE EAT
Responding to Shortfall 1525:
Food and Nutrition for Mars and Sustained Lunar
Challenge 2
WHERE WE LIVE
Responding to Shortfall 1601:
Enabling Observation of Whole Top-to-Bottom Dynamic Ecosystems
Challenge 3
GOING OUTSIDE
Responding to Shortfall 1304:
Robust, High-Progress-Rate, and Long-Distance Autonomous Surface Mobility
This is a FREE School Challenge, and you can join the AVA Challenge at any time throughout the year!
How do I get involved?
More detailed information on curriculum and tools will be available at the start of 2026!
Using AVA to support STEAM education
3 Missions, run at your own pace
In 2026, AVA will provide three missions deliverable over 8-9 weeks, and in any order – to fit your school’s terms and curriculum.
The AVA team will also schedule and run several webinars (streamed and recorded) during the year to support teachers delivering the program.
Special events and access to tools will also be included as part of the AVA program.
Who is the challenge for?
The challenge is ideal for students in Years 5 – 12 and specifically suited to students studying iSTEM, Science, Mandatory Technology, or primary science and technology classes.
There are different entry levels for the challenge:
Stage 3 – Years 5 and 6
Stage 4 – Years 7 and 8
Stage 5 – Years 9 and 10
Stage 6 – Years 11 and 12
2026 Webinars
Throughout the year are special webinars with space industry experts.
Dates for webinars are still being planned!
Key Information to Teachers on Delivery
This program has been designed to be delivered flexibly. Therefore teachers can use as much or as little of the materials as they wish. It could be finished in a couple of lessons or over a number of weeks.
Register your class
Be quick to register and secure your young astronauts’ place in this exciting challenge
