Mission 1

Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge

Mission 1 | Introduction

Welcome to AVA 2022

Hear from space industry representatives and design experts from Australia and around the world. Learn about the Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) challenge structure and opportunities for students.

Register for the 2023 challenge here

Special Guest: Mani Thuru, AWS Head of Space & Satellite for Asia Pacific and Japan on the kickoff webinar on February 17 at 12:00pm AEDT!

Register now

2023 AVA Challenge Launch

Are you up to the challenge?

February 17 at 12:00 pm AEDT, we will introduce the challenge and our five exciting scenarios that have been developed to engage students in an authentic design challenge.

Register now

This mission in the 2023 Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge webinar you will;

  • hear from Mani Thuru, AWS Head of Space & Satellite for Asia Pacific and Japan
  • learn about how you can engage your students using the free resources available from the AVA website
  • be introduced to the challenge and find out how students can work in teams to solve a range of authentic space-related challenges
  • learn more about our five unique scenarios that will provide student agency and choice
  • find out about the amazing people contributing to the AVA challenge
  • hear about potential mentoring opportunities for your students
  • learn more about the Young Space Explores event scheduled for December this year.

The Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge is held over 9 steps and is designed to be run at your own pace. . In this time students are to develop a design solution from one of our five exciting scenarios.

Students are to produce either a 90-second video or a poster outlining their design solution. Each week the AVA team will publish helpful videos, worksheets and provide resources to assist students on their journey into space design.

Register now

Part 1 – The Big Picture (recording of the 2022 launch)

The 2022 Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) Challenge was officially launched by Ben Newsome (Fizzics Education) during this webinar. Special guest speaker Keegan Buzza (Director of Communications) Australian Space Agency discusses the big picture for the Australian space industry. Ted Tagami (User Advisory Committee – Education Chair at ISS US National Lab) provides background on the international space industry and the concept of producing food in space. (20:58 Minutes)

Part 2 – Welcome to AVA 2023 – Ted Tagami (recording of the 2023 launch)

Ted Tagami (User Advisory Committee – Education Chair at ISS US National Lab & CoFounder of Magnitude) sets the broad picture for the AVA 2023 challenge. (2:11 minutes)

Part 3 – Technology in Space (recording of the 2023 launch)

Mani Thiru, AWS Head of Space & Satellite for Asia Pacific and Japan describes the many aspects of space technology that is supported by AWS and opportunities for space careers in the near future (42:32 minutes)

Part 4 – Industry snapshot – Australian Space Agency (recording of the 2023 launch)

Alice Fairey (Australian Space Agency) gives an overview of the space industry in Australia and opportunities for students across a broad range of fields over the coming years. (7:44 minutes).

Part 5 – 2023 AVA FAQs (recording of the 2023 launch)

Ben Newsome (Fizzics Education) covers some of the FAQs for the AVA challenge. (9:46 minutes)

About AWS Aerospace & Satellite Solutions

Ben Newsome (Fizzics Education) speaks with Jasminder Hayer (AWS Solutions Architect for Aerospace & Satellite Solutions, Asia Pacific Japan) about the work AWS does for organisations in space around the world (7:12 minutes)

MILO Mission Academy with David Thomas

David Thomas, Executive Director at the Milo Space Science Institute at  Arizona State University describes the work done around the world to enable space science to be more economical (8:16 minutes)

2023 AVA Challenge Scenarios

Your students choose one of the following five scenarios that follow authentic space missions from the US and/or Australia.

1. Earth Observation: Milo Institute –  Arizona State University

This earth observation mission is modelled on the Arizona State University, Milo Institutes ‘Mission Academy’ which was originally designed for university students. In this mission, teams will develop a satellite design concept that will meet the NASA Artemis science goal of understanding planetary processes and will meet one or more of NASA’s Decadal Survey objectives.

2. Robotics: Trailblazer – The Australian Space Agency

In this mission, students will look to be part of the joint ‘Trailblazer’ mission between NASA and the Australian Space Agency. Students will design a semi-autonomous lunar rover. The rover would be sent to the moon and controlled from earth to collect lunar soil (regolith) with the aim to extract oxygen from the oxides in the soil.

 3. Home on the Moon: Aldrin Family Foundation

In this scenario, students have the mission to imagine a ‘Family Home Outpost’ on the moon. This project was originally developed by the Aldrin Family Foundation in the United States. The Family Home Outpost must provide a livable and sustainable habitat for a family and potential guests.

4. Growing Food in Space: Magnitude.io

This mission is brought to you by our partners Magnitude.io. In this scenario, you are a developer of the next ExoLab space mission onto the International Space Station, the Moon or Mars. The ExoLab program is about to launch its 10th mission to the space station in October 2022, which will be a living case study for this mission scenario.

5. AI in Space (NEW)

This NEW mission looks at how artificial intelligence is being used in space missions. In this mission, teams will develop an AI concept that will meet the needs of the space industry

 

Use the AVA website to guide your class through a range of supportive resources that generally follow the NSW Department of Education’s iSTEM engineering design process. Challenge your students to design solutions that use resources effectively.

Students have to design a solution to one of the five scenarios and pitch their ideas in either poster or video format.

Due date for the poster or video

17/11/23 at 11:59pm AEST

Teaching and Learning Resources

Below are some downloadable resources, custom videos, and websites links that will support teachers to deliver the Mission 1 content.

Suggested Learning Sequence

This is designed to be run at your class’s pace.

Our expert curriculum designers have developed a suggested Mission 1 learning sequence for teachers. The following is for the full set of AVA resources, however, teachers are encouraged to only use activities that are most suitable for their own class and school setting.

Sub Mission 1: Set The Scene Watch About Artemis and future habitation challenges video to provide context to the challenge around NASA’s Artemis Program.

Sub Mission 2: iSTEM Process Introduce the iSTEM Engineering Design process. Download the poster and place it around the classroom. Use the iSTEM Process guide to describe different activities.

Sub Mission 3: Select Teams Get students to select teams and roles. Watch AVA2021 video about the six characteristics of an effective team and get students to complete a skills audit and select their team with the help of our handy AVA worksheet.

Extension: Get students to complete the Multiple Intelligences (MI) survey. Students to determine their core characteristics as a learner using the guide. Students to select teams based on the results. Teams with the most diverse intelligences are the most likely to be successful. (Most suitable for grades 9 & 10).

Sub Mission 4: Select Your Scenario Now introduce the five possible AVA 2022 scenarios, Earth Observation, Robotics, Home on the MoonGrowing Food in Space and AI in Space. Get teams to use the Choose a Scenario worksheet to evaluate the scenarios by outlining the pros and cons for each. Once evaluated students are to select and justify their mission scenario selection.

Sub Mission 5: Research Scenarios Once the students have chosen their scenario, they can then complete some further research. The AVA team have curated a number of resources shown below to assist.

Sub Mission 6: Bitmoji Exercise  High School students can create their own space-themed Bitmoji. Watch the video instructions from Dr Sleap and Lori and download the Bitmoji worksheet for more instructions.

Sub Mission 7: Team Identity Students to build team identity by designing their own mission patch. Students to view ISS Science video on ‘making your own mission patch’ and download the AVA Design a Mission Patch worksheet.

Downloadable Resources

Scenario 1: Earth Observation Design Brief

The earth observation scenario is based on the University of Arizona’s Milo Institute. This resource provides the context and brief for students to start their mission.

Download Brief Document >>>

Scenario 2: Robotics Design Brief

The robotics scenario is based on the Australian Space Agencies and NASA’s Trailblazer program. This resource provides the context and brief for students to start their mission.

Download Brief Document >>>

Scenario 3: Home on the Moon

The Home on the Moon scenario is based on the Aldrin Family Foundation program from the US. This resource provides the context and brief for students to start their mission.

Download Brief Document >>>

Scenario 4: Growing Food in Space

The Growing Food in Space scenario is based on the Mangnitude.io ExoLab program. This resource provides the context and brief for students to start their mission.

Download Brief Document >>>

Scenario 5: AI in Space

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence offers opportunities to explore to the adoption of AI in a wide array of fields relating to space. This resource provides the context and brief for students to start their mission.

Download Brief Document >>>

iSTEM Engineering Design Process

The iSTEM process developed by the NSW Department of Education is an industry-recognised engineering design process and scaffolds the understanding and application of design thinking.

Download Poster >>>

iSTEM Process Guide

In this document, each stage/cog of the iSTEM process is outlined with key questions to ask students and possible actions your students would need to undertake when completing each stage of the process.

Download PDF >>>

Selecting Your Team

In this document we discuss what makes a good team and students undertake a skills audit. Teachers may use the Multiple Intelligences survey to help inform the skills audit. Students then select their team and assign rolls based on skills.

Download PDF >>>

Multiple Intelligences Survey

This is a survey instrument that you can get students to complete which will help determine your students intelligence profile. The purpose is to identify different strengths to help inform team selections.

Download Word Doc >>>

Multiple Intelligences Guide

The Multiple Intelligence guide is to assist students to determine their core characteristics as a learner. It provides strategies to support learning and suggests technologies that might stimulate their different intelligences.

Download Word >>>

Which Scenario

In this exercise, students analyse the mission scenarios to determine which mission would be the best for the team to solve. They look at the pro’s and con’s for each scenario using the worksheet provided. Finally the team will select the mission which best suits the student’s interest and skills.

Download PDF >>>

Team Work – Bitmoji Exercise

Create a space themed Avatar using the Bitmoji app. Collate each of your Avatars into a team in this fun exercise. Note the are age restrictions of 13 for this app, so best used in High School setting only.

Download PDF >>>

Team Work – AVA Mission Patch Exercise

Learn about the significance of mission patches from NASA astronaut Astronaut Randy Bresnik. Get the team together and create your own mission patch for the Australian Astronaut Challenge.

Download PDF >>>

All Scenarios – Resources

General background information for teachers and students to support challenge activities

Artemis Prepares for Mars

In this informative video produced for AVA2021, space training program specialist for the US Navy and previous Vice President for Magnitude.io Lori Waters talks about the Artemis Mission. (9:26 Minutes)

BitMoji Instructions

In this video produced for AVA2021, Dr Sleap and Lori Waters explains how to introduce BitMoji into your lessons for a bit of fun and to build teamwork. Lori discusses how BitMoji found its way onto the International Space Station. (2:45 Minutes)

Indigenous Perspective – Australian Space Agency Logo

This animated video tells the story of the Australian Space Agency’s brand identity. At first glance, the logo appears as a satellite view of Australia.  But hidden within the dots are several significant Indigenous constellations that can be seen if we look up across Australian skies. The brand captures Australia’s powerful cultural heritage and the spirit of the Agency—one that will look to space to provide real improvements for life on Earth. (01:03 Minutes)

Teamwork

In this video produced for AVA2021, Ben Newsome (Fizzics Education) and Wendy Bode (Australian and Queensland Virtual STEM Academy) discuss the six characteristics of an effective team. Wendy then describes the task on the downloaded sheet where students complete a skills audit and select team roles. (02:47 Minutes)

 

 

Create a Mission Patch

In this video, Ted Tagami (Magnitude) goes through mission patches used on missions to space and suggests creating your own. (3:06 minutes)

 

 

Scenario 1: Earth Observations

General background information for teachers and students to support the Earth Observation Scenario.

AWS for Aerospace and Satellite

Be inspired. Follow pioneer astronaut Peggy Whitson as she gains first-hand insights from Major Gen. Clint Crosier (Ret.) on how AWS helps space customers take research and discovery to the next level. Explore how NASA’s Mars Mission, Maxar Technologies, Fireball International, and Capella Space use AWS to help astronauts, scientists, and everyday heroes do their jobs better. (05:36 Minutes)

Optus Satellite: Come Take a Tour

Ever wondered what happens at a world renowned Satellite Teleport? Optus has been Australia’s leading satellite operator for over 30 years. Come take a tour with us through our Belrose Satellite Facility and meet some of our people responsible for our day-to-day operations.  Optus will be supporting the AVA2022 program and will provide further content throughout the program. (05:40 Minutes)

FlatSat Digital Twin Overview

Mark and John from Cromulence LLC based in Melbourne Florida discuss flatsat technologies that are part of a ‘Hack a Sat’ competition. It takes students through a digital twin of a typical CubeSat. (04:58 Minutes)

Scenario 2: Robotics

Background information for teachers and students to support the Robotics scenario.

Robotics – G’Day Moon

The Australian Space Agency wants to bring all Australians on our first mission to the Moon. Australia, get ready to say G’Day Moon with the Trailblazer mission which . For more information on our boldest adventure yet, visit: https://bit.ly/3wZYnti. to view the Australian Space Agencies G’Day Moon video. (0:41 Seconds)

Robotics – Can robots Take Care of Spacecraft?

NASA’s Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking, or ISAAC, is advancing new technology for robots to take care of spacecraft. Researchers recently demonstrated the tech aboard the International Space Station using Astrobee, NASA’s free-flying robotic assistants. (1:23 Minutes)

Robotics – Mars 2020 Perseverance

Dr Adrian Brown planetary Science Researcher NASA discusses his work on the Mars2020 mission which landed the Perseverance Rover on Mars. This video was taken in 2021 and Dr Brown will be providing an update on this mission later in the AVA program.  (23 Minutes)

Scenario 3: Home on the Moon Resources

Background information for teachers and students to support the Home on the Moon scenario.

Home on the Moon

Jim Christenson, Chief Innovation Officer of the Aldrin Family Foundation provides background on the Aldrin Family Foundation, Artemis, Apollo missions and Home on the Moon. (12 Minutes)

Music Video: Picture This – If I Build a Home on the Moon

Official music video by Picture This performing “If I Build A Home On The Moon ” – available everywhere now: https://PictureThis.lnk.to/IIBAHOTMpr… (3:37 Minutes)

Backstory – Home on the Moon

Jim Christenson, Chief Innovation Officer of the Aldrin Family Foundation provides the backstory for the Home on the Moon project. (4:46 Minutes)

Website Resources – The Backstory

NASA History
https://www.nasa.gov/topics/history/index.html 

Kennedy Speeches
The Decision to Go to the Moon:
https://history.nasa.gov/moondec.html 

President John F. Kennedy Speech to Congress On Space Exploration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ygoE2YiHCs 

“Why go to the moon?” – John F. Kennedy at Rice University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXqlziZV63k 

Apollo 

What was the Apollo Program?
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-apollo-program-58.html 

The Apollo Missions
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/index.html 

Scenario 4: Growing Food in Space Resources

Background information for teachers and students to support the Growing Food on the Moon scenario.

Food in Space

Ted Tagami User Advisory Committee – Education Chair at ISS US National Lab and co-founder of Magnitude.io  discusses the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars and the last years Exolab-9 program. (8:48 Minutes)

ExoLab-10: Carbon Farmer

In this short, Lori Waters provides an overview of the Exolab-10 mission to the International Space Station. Driving a mission for change, students will become climate change solutionaries. (15 seconds)

Simulating G-Force in Plants

On Earth, plants use gravity and light to orient their roots and shoots, but in space, microgravity is too weak to provide a growth cue. The Gravity Perception Systems investigation germinates normal and variant forms of thale cress, a model research plant, to study the plants’ gravity and light perception. Results provide new information about plants’ ability to detect gravity and adapt to an environment without it. The investigation continues efforts to grow plants for food on future missions. (2:01 Minutes)

Cultivating Plant Growth in Space

NASA Commentator Lori Meggs at the Marshall Space Flight Center speaks to researchers Robert Ferl and Anna-Lisa Paul of the University of Florida about their Advanced Plant experiments on the International Space Station, in which they have already learned a great deal—and gotten some interesting surprises—about how plants grow in space. The ability to grow food in space will be very important to support future missions beyond low Earth orbit into deep space. (5:08 Minutes)

StationLIFE: Biology

Every month on StationLIFE, we’ll focus on a scientific area where the International Space Station is conducting groundbreaking research. This month, astronaut Tracy Dyson talks the station’s role as a platform for biological research. (22:50 Minutes)

Powerhouse Museum’s Future Space program

This innovative partnership delivers a world-class STEM program to students across Western Sydney. Students use NASA-inspired design thinking strategies to grow alfalfa seeds and monitor them in an amazing ExoLab system, in preparation for a real-life space mission on the international space station. Students will conduct ground trials, compare their seedlings and think about how we can one day take plants to Mars.

Watch ‘Powerhouse Future Space’ (08:09)

 

Scenario 5 : AI in Space Resources

Background information for teachers and students to support the AI in Space scenario.

Steve Chien, Head of AI at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory talks about the variety of uses that AI has for space programs into the future (4:16 Minutes)

Artificial intelligence in space – European Space Agency
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/
Discovery_and_Preparation/Artificial_intelligence_in_space

Artificial Intelligence for Space – UNSW
https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/our-research/ai-space

CIMON, the world’s first free-flying AI astronaut assistant – IBM
https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/innovation-explanations/cimon-ai-in-space

AI Algorithms Streamline Data Processing for Space-based Instruments – NASA
https://science.nasa.gov/technology/technology-highlights/new-ai-algorithms-streamline-data-processing-for-space-based-instruments

Using AI to avoid space junk – European Space Agency
https://www.space.com/AI-autonomous-space-debris-avoidance-esa

Artificial Intelligence for Earth observation – European Space Agency
https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Ph-sat/Artificial_Intelligence_for_Earth_observation

Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge

Next Mission | Define

The Problem

Describe the problem or need in detail to gain understanding. Think about and discuss your initial thoughts.

Take-off to Mission 2 >>>