As the excitement around our space sector continues to skyrocket, three ASMS students recently enjoyed the opportunity to gain experience and participate in real space research.
Though a short placement at a local space company, students were given direct access to our state’s innovative space sector, learning from experienced mentors and exploring space-focused STEM careers.
While Heath investigated the construction of autonomous control systems, Nicole and Zach worked as part of a team to investigate asteroid mining, and how metals can be extracted in situ from asteroids using a continuous flow reactor.
Nicole said she loved being able to explore Adelaide’s growing space sector and the sheer breadth of jobs available.
“It’s not just engineers and astrophysicists – they also need administrators, marketers, and even lawyers,” she said.
Zach said being immersed in the space industry for work experience was an amazing opportunity and a big step in wanting to get into the industry in the future.
Looking at current research, such as extracting minerals from asteroids was extremely interesting. The best part was being involved in novel research and seeing how far we’ve gone in space exploration.
Our students were among 11 others selected for the program, from a strong field of 260 applicants. Through a written application process, they showed all the ASMS characteristics of curiosity, agency, community and self-regulation as they worked on real-world problems that are faced in space.
The Space Industry Work Experience Program is an initiative of the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), in partnership with the Department for Education’s Advanced Technology Program (ATP).
