Australian Space Discovery Centre
McEwin Building, Lot Fourteen, Adelaide SA
Inspiring the Australian community and the next generation of the space workforce through stories of opportunity, curiosity and technology.
General admission to the Australian Space Discovery Centre is free and does not require a special event ticket. Please visit space.gov.au/australian-space-discovery-centre for more info.
School Holidays: So Many Satellites! (ages 5-12)
Between Saturday 14 December 2024 and Saturday 25 January 2025
What is a satellite? What do they do? And why are there so many of them? Join us to explore the many different types of satellites orbiting our planet, and discover some of the different jobs they do to help us every day. What special job will your satellite do?
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Operation: Plants in Space (ages 7-14)
Between Saturday 14 December 2024 and Saturday 25 January 2025
As humans continue to explore space and go on longer missions, to the Moon and further to Mars, plants will come along with us. Astronauts have been nurturing space gardens on the International Space Station for decades, but we are still finding the best ways to grow plants in space. Plants in space are used for food and research, but they are also playing an important role for astronauts’ well-being and foster a connection to Earth.
What do we need for plants to thrive off-Earth? How can we produce enough food for the astronauts in this new environment and encourage sustainability?
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Pocket Solar System (ages 10+)
Between Saturday 14 December 2024 and Sunday 26 January 2025
Inspired by the United States National Informal STEM Education Network, Pocket Solar System is a hands-on activity in which participants make a scale model of the distances between objects in our solar system.
This activity is designed to expand students’ understanding of the Solar System, bringing in the dimension of distances between planets and introducing the concept of the ‘Goldilocks Zone’.
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Student Cadet Rocket Adventure Program
Between Saturday 14 December 2024 and Saturday 25 January 2025
SCRAP challenge is designed to ignite your engineering and design creativity!
Participants will design, construct and launch their own paper model rockets with the goal of achieving the greatest distance.
Recommended for ages 7-14. Please note that all children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone over the age of 17.
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Operation: Storytime (ages 3 – 8)
Between Monday 16 December 2024 and Sunday 26 January 2025
The Australian Space Discovery Centre invite all little-astronauts to join us in-centre for space storytime. Each session will begin with a reading of a space book followed by an activity before attendees are invited to explore the Space Gallery.
Session Duration: 30 minute storytime, with up to 60 minutes to explore the centre.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: It is Rocket Science (ages 5-12)
Friday 10 January 2025
Hi! We're the Adelaide Rocketry Division and if you can’t tell, we love rockets! Have you ever wanted to go to space? If yes, we’re going to show you how – It really is just rocket science.
Join us for the chance to make your own model rocket. We welcome you to bring any additional arts and craft materials you would like but so not to miss out, register today and get ready to launch into an out-of-this-world school holiday session!
Please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Race Off! The Rover Experience (ages 8-14)
Between Tuesday 14 January 2025 and Friday 24 January 2025
Design and Race Your Own Rover!
In this interactive session, attendees will work in teams to design their own automated rover and compete in a thrilling race. Teams will choose their own rover components that best suit their assigned mission scenario. With their designs brought to life on a large presentation screen, participants will watch as their rovers tackle challenges and race to victory! Will your team’s rover come out on top?
Please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Australia’s Mission Control (ages 8-14)
Monday 20 January 2025
There are millions of pieces of space junk in orbit around Earth and we rely heavily on satellites for so many things. For example, Google Maps, GPS, card payments, communications and more! So… How do we keep track of it all? How do we know what is space junk and what’s not? Learn from us, Saber Astronautics, from Australia’s Responsive Space Operations Centre at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Robotics with Robogals (ages 8-14)
Between Monday 16 December 2024 and Wednesday 22 January 2025
Join our friends from Robogals Adelaide to explore robotics!
Robots are really good at moving things. They can bring us our groceries, take photos of things we can't see and even take us places! But how do we get them to move the right way? The easiest way is to tell them an exact path to follow. Our mission for this session: Use mini rover to bring back critical samples from the Moon by using sensors and programming on VEX robots!
Young roboticists of all genders are welcome!
Please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Exploring IAC 2025
Between Wednesday 22 January 2025 and Wednesday 29 January 2025
Welcome to Exploring IAC 2025!
There is an increasingly large international focus on the Australian space industry with the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025 - the world’s largest space event) taking place in Sydney (at the International Convention Centre), Australia from 29 September to 3 October 2025.
With an audience of 10,000+ expected from between 80-100 countries, this is Australia’s prime opportunity to demonstrate the depth and breadth of our growing space industry, and provides an array of commercial and governmental opportunities.
IAC 2025 is organized by International Astronautical Federation, hosted by Space Industry Association of Australia, co-hosted by Australian Space Agency and NSW Government.
The theme of IAC 2025 is ‘Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth’ which covers: space-based applications for earth; sustainable space activities; and sustaining life off earth.
In-Centre Schools in Space Program (all session types)
Between Wednesday 5 February 2025 and Friday 12 December 2025
Book your student class/group into one of our free exclusive school sessions at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
****please note that this program is not for individual student bookings***
Home-school groups, TAFE, and university groups can also book here!
Choose between a standard exclusive session (yrs 5 - 12): Minimum 15 and maximum 50 students or;
Operation: Eyes on Earth Workshop (yrs 7 - 10): Minimum 15 and maximum 35 students
Mission Control Workshop (part one or part two) (yrs 7 - 10): Minimum 15 and maximum 35 students
*For larger groups, please book then email us book@discover.space.gov.au*
Please book with the details of the contact who will be attending. Bookings are by group, so only one ticket is required.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online Schools in Space Program (all session types)
Between Wednesday 5 February 2025 and Friday 4 July 2025
Book your class into one of our free exclusive online programs at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Home-school groups, TAFE, and university groups can also book here! Minimum of 15 students required.
Choose your preferred 45-minute online session type from the following;
1. General session - includes a Space Fact or Fiction presentation + Q&A (year levels 5 - 12)
2. Workshop Operation: Eyes on Earth (year levels 7 - 10)
- Primary activities delivered by teacher in-class.
- includes a presentation, with teacher-led activity in-class. Resources for the activity will be provided to you.
3. Workshop Goldilocks (year levels 5-12)
- includes a presentation, tour using NASA Eyes software, with teacher-led activity in-class. Resources for the activity will be provided to you. Recommended: student access to PC, laptop or tablet.
Please book using the lead teacher contact details. Bookings are by group, so only one ticket is required.
School Holidays: Let's get cracking workshop (ages 8-14)
Between Tuesday 17 December 2024 and Friday 20 December 2024
Ever wondered what it takes to be an astronaut? It’s more than just training and studying—it’s also about ensuring a safe return from every mission. Join the Adelaide University Space Society for an engaging session that delves into the challenges and preparations astronauts face when returning to Earth.
Together, lets design and build a lander that protects our astronaut (a raw egg) that’s dropped from up high.
Please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: Q&A with a Space Guest
10 December 2024 at 2pm ACDT
Connect online with us to hear about exciting pathways to a career in the space sector. From your classroom or your home, you can book into any of our digital sessions, each with a different Space Guest.
The sessions last 45 minutes each. We will be hosting our sessions on Microsoft Teams, however, you do not need a Microsoft Teams account to take part.
Online: Space Fact or Fiction + Q&A session
Between Sunday 1 September 2024 and Sunday 8 December 2024
Join us online at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
Test your space knowledge to see if you can tell the difference between space facts or space fibs! And learn about all the cool ways we use and rely on space!
Recommended ages 7 and above.
So Many Satellites! (ages 5-12)
Between Saturday 7 September 2024 and Saturday 30 November 2024
What is a satellite? What do they do? And why are there so many of them? Join us to explore the many different types of satellites orbiting our planet, and discover some of the different jobs they do to help us every day. What special job will your satellite do?
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
PULSE@Parkes Teacher Evening
Thursday 28 November 2024
Join us for a very special Teacher session at the Australian Space Discovery Centre this month!
Meet Robert Hollow, Education Manager of CSIRO’s Space Science and Astronomy program, as we remotely control Murriyang, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, from right here in our Mission Control Theatrette.
You will get the chance to conduct real-time astronomical observations (BYO laptop or device recommended) and explore the exciting space education facilities at the Australian Space Discovery Centre. Register now to discover how you can incorporate Space Science and Astronomy into your classroom. 🚀
Australian Space Discovery Centre
School Holidays: Solar System Explorers (ages 5-12)
Between Tuesday 1 October 2024 and Sunday 13 October 2024
Explore our Solar System, investigate what makes each planet unique, and find out why human-like life doesn’t thrive on planets other than Earth. Participants will then apply what they’ve discovered to invent a vehicle that they could use to explore a planet of their choice.
Due to limited spaces, please only book tickets for participants. Adult caregivers will be counted separately at the door.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Robogals Presents: Robot Battle (ages 8-15)
Between Wednesday 2 October 2024 and Sunday 13 October 2024
Join our friends from Robogals Adelaide to program a battle robot!
All Young roboticists of all genders are welcome!
You will explore the basics of robotics and engineering, programming and sensors, before putting your robot to the test in the arena.
Robogals consists of local chapters around the globe run engineering and technology workshops free-of-charge in their local communities, focusing on encouraging girls from primary to secondary school to explore an interest, as well as cultivate self-confidence, in these areas.
Tickets: please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Stellar Nature: Space for our Natural World
Thursday 10 October 2024
When you think of space, what first comes to mind?
It might be the vastness of the world above us; the infinite expanse of our universe.
But what about the world around us?
Space technology plays a crucial role in the quest to protect our planet Earth as much as searching for answers about our solar system and beyond.
Join us at the Australian Space Discovery Centre as we take you on a journey through the many ways space is helping life on Earth, and how you can be part of it. Visitors can experience a special presentation followed by the opportunity to explore the rest of the Centre and engage in fun, creative activities inspired by the connection between Earth and space.
All age ranges welcome and event is 1 hour duration.
This event is part of Nature Festival 2024, South Australia.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
APRSAF-30 Kids Poster Competition (6-12 year olds)
Between Saturday 21 September 2024 and Thursday 3 October 2024
What should space travel look like? Where would you go (hmm Saturn has a nice ring to it…)? 🪐
Young space fans, if you’re aged 6-12 we’d love to see YOUR vision – we know you’ll rock-et! 🚀
Create your art and enter our poster competition – your work could be seen by far out space agencies across the planet! 🌏
Our stellar nation-wide competition is part of APRSAF-30, the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, held in Perth from 26-29 November.
This event is being hosted by the Australian Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, with special support from the Western Australian government.
Don’t be a procrastonaut 😉, it’s time to blast off and enter your work of art 🎨 (before 4 October 2024).
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Robogals Presents: Robot Dance (ages 8-15)
Saturday 28 September 2024
Join our friends from Robogals Adelaide to program a robot dance!
All Young roboticists of all genders are welcome!
You will explore the basics of robotics and engineering, programming and sensors, before putting your robot to the test in the arena.
Robogals consists of local chapters around the globe run engineering and technology workshops free-of-charge in their local communities, focusing on encouraging girls from primary to secondary school to explore an interest, as well as cultivate self-confidence, in these areas.
Tickets: please book tickets for the child participant only. This ticket will include an adult caregiver to supervise. All children under the age of 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: Space Careers Expo 2024 + Q&A session
Tuesday 24 September 2024
Showcasing the diversity of possible space careers and create links to University, TAFE, and early career opportunities. With a chance to hear from individuals prominent in Australia’s space industry and local South Australian educational institutions and space-focused bodies, students can ask industry professionals for clarity regarding Australian space career paths.
Want to know our speakers?
6:00pm ACST - An astrophysicist who has just returned from NASA
6:15pm ACST - The Lead Production Tech for one of Australia's fastest growing satellite companies
6:30pm ACST - A Communications and Media Manager working towards launching rockets on Australian soil
7:05pm ACST - An international spacecraft operator working in Mission Control
7:15pm ACST - A space game developer bringing scientific concepts to life and making them fun!
Space Careers Expo 2024
Tuesday 24 September 2024
Showcasing the diversity of possible space careers and create links to University, TAFE, and early career opportunities. With a chance to explore booths from local South Australian educational institutions and space-focused bodies, students can ask industry professionals for clarity regarding Australian space career paths. Throughout the event, students will also hear from individuals prominent in Australia’s space industry.
High School students; Years 10-12
Want to know our speakers?
6:00pm - An astrophysicist who has just returned from NASA
6:15pm - The Lead Production Tech for one of Australia's fastest growing satellite companies
6:30pm - A Communications and Media Manager working towards launching rockets on Australian soil
7:05pm - An international spacecraft operator working in Mission Control
7:15pm - A space game developer bringing scientific concepts to life and making them fun!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: International Observe the Moon Night 2024
Saturday 14 September 2024
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual initiative which sees groups across the world learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations and honour cultural connections to the Moon.
This event will be run across Australia in partnership with our friends at Central West Astronomical Society, Brisbane Planetarium, and Woomera Baker Observatory (joined by Andamooka Observatory).
Tune in online; each location will provide commentary on their observations.
International Observe the Moon Night 2024
Saturday 14 September 2024
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual initiative which sees groups across the world learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations and honour cultural connections to the Moon.
This event will be run across Australia in partnership with our friends at Central West Astronomical Society, Brisbane Planetarium, and Woomera Baker Observatory (joined by Andamooka Observatory).
Attend in person or tune in online; each location will provide commentary on their observations.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Book week 2024: Storytime (ages under 7)
Between Wednesday 21 August 2024 and Friday 23 August 2024
Celebrate National Children's Book Week 2024 at the Australian Space Discovery Centre!
The Australian Space Discovery Centre invites all little astronauts to join us for a book reading. Each session will begin with a reading of a space storybook before all visitors are invited to explore all the centre has to offer including the Space Gallery and special displays.
There will be a variety of space books available for readers of all ages to explore in their own time.
In the spirit of Book Week, we invite guests to dress in their best space-themed attire, or as their favourite storybook character!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Book week 2024: Storytime (ages 7+)
Between Saturday 17 August 2024 and Sunday 18 August 2024
Celebrate National Children's Book Week 2024 at the Australian Space Discovery Centre!
The Australian Space Discovery Centre invites all young astronauts to join us for a book reading. Each session will begin with a reading of a space storybook before all visitors are invited to explore all the centre has to offer including the Space Gallery and special displays.
There will be a variety of space books available for readers of all ages to explore in their own time.
In the spirit of Book Week, we invite guests to dress in their best space-themed attire, or as their favourite storybook character!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
National Science Week: Space 4 the environment
Between Saturday 10 August 2024 and Saturday 17 August 2024
In this presentation, you will learn about how and why we use space to inform the environment. From volcanic eruptions to animal conservation, satellites (and space) give us a unique view of the Earth that can improve how we use and manage natural environments.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: National Science Week: Space 4 the environment
Join us online for a special event.
In this presentation, you will learn about how and why we use space to inform the environment. From volcanic eruptions to animal conservation, satellites (and space) give us a unique view of the Earth that can improve how we use and manage natural environments.
It is Rocket Science: Powering Australia into Space
Saturday 4 May 2024
Join us at the Australian Space Discovery Centre for a special event as part of South Australia's History Festival 2024. The theme is POWER.
Rockets provide the power to send instruments, experiments, and people into space. Since the beginning of the Space Age, Australian engineers and scientists have been developing propulsion systems to power rockets, spacecraft and even spaceplanes, sometimes at the cutting edge of technology.
Join space historian Kerrie Dougherty as she explores South Australia’s crucial role in propulsion system development and the wider Australian space propulsion story.
This event will be hosted in-centre and streamed online to audiences Australia wide. Those in the centre will be invited to explore all the centre has to offer including our Space Gallery, special displays with plenty of opportunities to chat with our Space Communicators!
Suggested ages: 12+, talk is 1 hour duration.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: It is Rocket Science: Powering Australia into Space
Saturday 4 May 2024 at 2pm ACST
Join us online for a special event as part of South Australia's History Festival 2024. The theme is POWER.
Rockets provide the power to send instruments, experiments, and people into space. Since the beginning of the Space Age, Australian engineers and scientists have been developing propulsion systems to power rockets, spacecraft and even spaceplanes, sometimes at the cutting edge of technology.
Join space historian Kerrie Dougherty as she explores South Australia’s crucial role in propulsion system development and the wider Australian space propulsion story.
This event will be hosted in-centre and streamed online so audiences across Australia can participate in the conversation.
Suggested ages: 12+, 1 hour duration.
Online: Yuri’s Night – Celebrate Human Spaceflight
Friday 12 April 2024 at 3.30pm ACST
Join us online for a spaceflight themed quiz afternoon to commemorate Yuri Gagarin's historic journey into space!
This event will be hosted in-centre and streamed online so audiences across Australia can participate in the conversation.
Suggested ages: 12+, 1 hour duration.
Yuri’s Night – Celebrate Human Spaceflight
Friday 12 April 2024
Join us at the Australian Space Discovery Centre for a Spaceflight themed Quiz afternoon to commemorate Yuri Gagarin's historic journey into space!
This event will be hosted in-centre and streamed online to audiences Australia wide. Those in the centre will be invited to explore all the centre has to offer including our Space Gallery, special displays with plenty of opportunities to chat with our Space Communicators!
Suggested ages: 12+, quiz will be 1 hour duration.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Adelaide Rover Team: Rover Launch Event!
Thursday 14 March 2024
Join us at the Australian Space Discovery Centre as the Adelaide Rover Team unveils their brand-new rover for the 2024 Australian Rover Challenge!
Come and meet the students behind South Australia's only competitive university rover team.
This event will be hosted in-centre and there will be an opportunity to explore all the centre has to offer including our Space Gallery, special displays with plenty of opportunities to chat with our Space Communicators!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
In-centre: International Women's Day Panel Event
Friday 8 March 2024
This year, to celebrate International Women's Day, The Australian Space Discovery Centre is hosting a panel event showcasing some inspiring female-identifying individuals that work in the space industry.
We will be hosting:
Lauren Springer (Australian Space Agency)
Lieke van der Hulst (ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space)
Zandria Farrell (AquaWatch Australia)
Alice Gorman (Flinders University)
The panel will explore some of the diverse experiences of women in the space industry, the career journeys of our panellists, as well as their personal insights into gender and the Australian workforce. All are welcome to attend.
This event will be hosted in-centre and streamed online to audiences Australia wide. Those in the centre will be invited to explore all the centre has to offer including our Space Gallery, special displays with plenty of opportunities to chat with our Space Communicators!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Online: International Women's Day Panel Event
Friday 8 March 2024 at 2pm ACDT
This year, to celebrate International Women's Day, The Australian Space Discovery Centre is hosting a panel event showcasing some inspiring female-identifying individuals that work in the space industry.
We will be hosting:
Lauren Springer (Australian Space Agency)
Lieke van der Hulst (ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space)
Zandria Farrell (AquaWatch Australia)
Alice Gorman (Flinders University)
The panel will explore some of the diverse experiences of women in the space industry, the career journeys of our panellists, as well as their personal insights into gender and the Australian workforce. All are welcome to attend.
What Is: Space Operations
Wednesday 24 January 2024
Ever wondered what it's like to control a satellite in space? Join our School Holidays session with Tash Moy, a spacecraft operations engineer at Saber Astronautics.
Tash will share the joys and tribulations of controlling the BlueWalker-3, a 64 sqm communications satellite, and give insights into working in Australia's mission control, the Responsive Space Operations Centre.
Recommended for ages 12+
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Robogals Presents: Robot Battle (ages 8-15)
Saturday 20 January 2024
Join our friends from Robogals Adelaide to program a battle robot. You will explore the basics of robotics and engineering, programming and sensors, before putting your robot to the test in the arena
Robogals consists of local chapters around the globe run engineering and technology workshops free-of-charge in their local communities, focusing on encouraging girls from primary to secondary school to explore an interest, as well as cultivate self-confidence, in these areas. Young roboticists of all genders are welcome!
Australian Space Discovery Centre
What Is: Defence Space Command
Friday 19 January 2024
What is the Australian Defence Force doing in space? Join Major Tom Bittner from Defence Space Command to learn about the internationally collaborative No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit, the importance of space domain awareness, and how through Defence, he has found his pathway to space.
Recommended for ages 12+
Australian Space Discovery Centre
Navigating the Cosmos: a Glimpse into Spacecraft Operations
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Ever dreamt of navigating the cosmos, commanding spacecraft, and shaping the future of space exploration? Then let's embark on a Galactic Journey! Take an exclusive peek behind the scenes of spacecraft control and operations. Discover the thrill of being a Flight Director for live space operations, explore pathways into the space industry, and ignite your passion for the cosmos.
Recommended for ages 12+
Australian Space Discovery Centre
What Is: Space Weather
Tuesday 16 January 2024
Join Dr Tom Grace, a Bureau of Meteorology Space Weather Forecaster, to discover what drives space weather, why it matters to us here on Earth, and how we can measure and predict it.
Recommended for ages 12+
Australian Space Discovery Centre
What Is: Mission Ops
Saturday 13 January 2024
There are thousands of satellites in space, but only two regularly have a human crew on board. So how do the rest of them function? Join Hannah to discover what mission operations actually looks like, both with respect to the whole mission and day-to-day level. Because you can't just throw a computer into space and expect to talk to it, they will discuss why you need to operate spacecraft in space, how to make sure you can actually control them, and some of the challenges you might encounter in doing so. Then, to give any potential future spacecraft operators an idea of what their future potentially holds, Hannah will talk a little about what the day in the life of a mission operations engineer looks like and how they got to where they are today.
Recommended for ages 12+
Australian Space Discovery Centre