Announcement: AVA Challenge is now an official Adjacent Event for the
International Astronautical Congress
on 29.SEP — 03.OCT.2025
In collaboration with the IAC, Australian Space Agency & the NSW Department of Education, student finalists of the AVA Challenge will have the opportunity to attend the IAC25 public day on 3 October 2025 to showcase their work.
Young Space Explorers – Oct 3
Join us at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) Public Day, held on 3 October, 2025 at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC)!
So much is happening on Level 3 of the ICC!
The Young Space Explorers (YSE) initiatives provide hands-on activities and interactive STEM workshops and curriculum-aligned opportunities by connecting students with space and STEM.
The AVA Challenge is proud to support the Young Space Explorers event, which is a STEM engagement initiative of the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment team that immerses students and the broader public in the excitement of space science, technology, and exploration.
Designed to inspire the next generation of space professionals, the YSE program features hands-on activities, interactive STEM workshops, space-themed science shows, displays from curriculum-aligned student competitions, and direct engagement with astronauts and space industry experts.
Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) Challenge
You can join the AVA Challenge at any time throughout the year!
Complete a 9 step STEM design sprint based on challenges facing NASA’s Artemis and the Australian space industry. AVA teams will choose from a set of six scenarios and design a solution presented in the form of either a 90-second video pitch or poster. A number of teams will then be selected to attend the Young Space Explorers event on October 3 at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney.
Scenarios
- Earth Observation: Milo Institute – ASU
- Robotics: AROSE Lunar Rover Challenge
- Home on the Moon: Aldrin Family Foundation
- Growing Food in Space: Magnitude.io
- AI in Space
- Telecommunications in Space
9 Missions, run at your own pace
The AVA schedule includes several 45 minute live streamed webinars (also recorded), with mission content on the AVA website to support teachers to deliver the program. A number of special events will also be made exclusively available to participants. There will also be a celebration event known as the Young Space Explorers held in Sydney Australia.
Who is the challenge for?
The challenge is ideal for students in Years 5 – 10 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 (Eligible for Phase 2)
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. FAQs
Register your class
Be quick to register and secure your young astronauts’ place in this exciting challenge
2025 Winner
Winner
Sydney Grammar School, Darlinghurst, NSW
– ARISEN
– Grade 8
2025 Finalists
2nd Place
Foxwell State Secondary College, Coomera, QLD
– Plants on Mars
– Grade 10
3rd Place
Epping Public School, Epping, NSW
– L.U.N.A
– Grade 5 & 6
2025 Highly Commended
Highly Commended
St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD
– Lunar Rover
– Grade 7
Highly Commended
Samuel Gilbert Public School, Castle Hill, NSW
– Telecommunications Relay Satellite
– Grade 5
Highly Commended
Home School, Lillian Rock, NSW
– Lunar Rover
– Grade 5
Inspire
Australian schools are invited to enter students in the Mission Patch Art Competition for the 76th International Astronautical Congress 2025 in Sydney.
We encourage students to draw inspiration from their own stories, whether those are shaped by culture, community, connection to Country, or imaginative dreams for the future. In doing so, students can express a deep relationship with Earth and Space, shaped by perspectives that reflect both ancient knowledge and future possibilities.
Students are encouraged to create an original mission patch using art materials to draw and colour their design. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.
