Students Soar with Fleet Space’s LaunchBox Program

Years 7 and 8 students at Mary MacKillop College reached for the stars during an exciting two-day LaunchBox program run in partnership with Fleet Space on December 1 and 2. This immersive experience, funded through the Australian Government’s Schools Pathways Program, gave students an authentic taste of the space industry as they formed their own space companies and completed real-world satellite missions.

Over the course of the program, students were placed into seven teams, each named after trailblazing women in the space industry. This inspiring theme set the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking experience that celebrated curiosity, innovation and teamwork.

The LaunchBox journey began with an introduction to Fleet Space followed by a series of onboarding activities where students learned about roles and responsibilities within a space organisation. Teams established their companies, developed names, logos and missions, and defined each member’s role whether as an engineer, scientist, marketer or manager.

Through a sequence of modules, students explored satellite design, orbital science and company strategy. Using their RASCube-LB kits, teams built and tested small-scale satellite models, troubleshooting and coding as they progressed. Between modules, lively movement activities kept energy high and encouraged teamwork and friendly competition.

Day two took the experience further with a focus on solving real-world problems through satellite technology. Each group selected a global issue to address. Projects explored challenges such as algal blooms, remote internet access, deforestation, communication barriers and even the mysteries of dark matter in space exploration. Guided by research and data, students developed innovative RASCube-based solutions and learned that plans sometimes need refining which encouraged them to persevere, problem-solve and return to the drawing board when ideas didn’t unfold as expected.

The program culminated in each team presenting a five-minute pitch which included a one-minute company video showcasing their brand identity, mission statement and team roles. Judges and peers watched as students explained their chosen problem, presented data, demonstrated their solutions and shared insights from their mission results. Awards and certificates were presented to celebrate their achievements in teamwork, leadership, innovation and technical understanding.

By the end of the two days, students not only had hands-on experience with satellite technology but also gained confidence in communication, collaboration and critical thinking. The LaunchBox program proved to be an inspiring way to conclude the school year, encouraging the next generation of innovators to look to the stars while keeping their feet grounded in teamwork and discovery.

Dimitra Thomas, Learning Area Leader – Science, Mary MacKillop College