SPACE MISSION 2040: A/AA & Australian Space Agency Primary School Competition 2026

Aviation/Aerospace Australia with the support of the Australian Space Agency is pleased to invite particpants into the SPACE MISSION 2040 Primary School competition!

This is an exciting time for space in Australia. The 2026 Australian of the Year is Aussie Astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg of the Australian Space Agency. Schools can get involved in the excitement, by designing, creating and discussing all things to do with space!

About

A/AA invites all schools and community groups (like scouts, girl guides and primary school focused groups) from across the country to participate in SPACE MISSION 2040. Through our SPACE MISSION 2040 competition for primary school students, A/AA is reaching the next generation of aviation, aerospace and space professionals with fantastic resources thanks to the support of the Australian Space Agency. A/AA is pleased to be offering activities to primary school students to support the future pipeline of talent for the whole industry.

The competition, it is open to Year 1 to 6, with various challenges for individual or group entry:

/ Year 1 & 2: You're going to moon! Design and build a spacesuit to explore.

/ Year 3 & 4: You're going to Mercury! Design and build a space craft. It will be your home for the 147 days journey.

/ Year 5 & 6: What is on Venus? Design and build a rover for discovering Venus to take photos and collect rock samples

A/AA provides support in the form of resources (including a teachers pack), access to experts, inspiration and of course ideas!

During a school term, lesson packs will be provided, including videos, games, crafts and more to help teachers build on the excitement and wonder of space. All participating schools can also enjoy a virtual experience at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.

There is no cost to participate in SPACE MISSION 2040.

Program Information

/ More information is included in our program Information book.

/ A brief flyer for distribution to interested groups is also available.

2026 Timeline

19 March - Applications open for participants

28 August - Applications close

September - Judging

9 October - Announcement of winners (World Space Week)

How to Register

If you are a professional: 

/ Send our program information to a school and encourage them to register OR

/ Nominate a school to participate by emailing the A/AA team with the school name and email address (and teacher's name if you can!)

If you are a school:

/ Register by clicking on the BOOK button before 28 August 2026, or email the team directly.

Acknowledgement

With deep thanks to RMIT University and the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre for the generous support of the Competition. 

More information

/ To learn more about the Australian Space Agency, CLICK HERE.

/ Access the Agency's catalogue of resources, sorted by age range, inlcuding access to teachers resources!

/ Read up on Aussie Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg's story.

/ Book a virtual tour of the Australian Space Discovery Centre.

/ Meet Roo-ver, the Australian rover being developed to go to the moon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this only for schools?

A: No! Any community group can participate. Scouts, Girl Guides, School holiday program and other community groups can participate. 

Q: Can older years' participate in the younger program?

A: The intent is to for the judges to compare similar aged group abilities. The judges can consider special requests.

 

Videos

/ Your Day: Brought to you by Space - Australian Space Agency

/ Space has the Answers - animated videas by Australian Space Agency

/ Space Communicator Snapshot - Australian Space Discovery Centre

Teachers Pack

Coming soon

 

Note: The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.