South Australian Space School

The South Australian Space School (SASS) aim is to provide a stimulating and rewarding educational experience for Year 10 students in South Australia and a focus for them on a career in science, engineering, aviation and astronomy. With the recent establishment of the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide, opportunities in the space sector are more accessible than ever.

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Since 1998, the Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund has been instrumental in sustaining this longstanding program.

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SASS is a four-day residential conference held twice a year during the school holidays, specifically designed for Year 10 students. It is supported by dedicated volunteer physics teachers, scientists, and engineers from the Defence, Science & Technology Group. Participants engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including building and launching model rockets, taking part in a “Mission to Mars” simulation, and touring various space science facilities, such as the Adelaide University Moon lab and the Australian Space Agency Discovery Centre. The program also features inspiring talks about careers in space science, physics, and engineering.

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With the support from the Trust, SASS has benefited over 1,300 students in the past 26 years, providing them with opportunities to learn directly from space professionals. This unique program not only ignites interest in aviation but also offers invaluable insights into the myriad opportunities available in the space sector.