Western Australian Space Science Education Centre

🌱 Planting the seed of curiosity 🌱

Yesterday the team of year 10 students from Aveley Secondary College embarked on the Plants in Space mission here at WASSEC.

From microgravity to sustainability, they scratched the curiosity itch to understand how plants can support future missions to Mars - and then presented their findings to the class 💡👏

Congratulations to the team for a successful mission!

🚀 Another successful mission 👩‍🚀

The team from Clarkson Community High School successfully completed their Mission to Mars last week.

Students explored the simulated Mars surface at WASSEC, while also taking on a role within our Mission Control facility. At the conclusion of their mission with us, they were asked to present back results and evidence on several experiments they conducted to answer the question "Can life exist on Mars?".

Congratulations on a successful mission, team!

We were delighted to welcome 2026 Australian of the Year - Katherine Bennell-Pegg! Aussie Astro Katherine

WASSEC was thrilled to host the students from Australind Senior High School. The students successfully completed the Cyber Bootcamp, Mission to Mars and Plants in Space programmes!

Throughout the program, students took on the role of astronauts, working collaboratively through simulated space missions. They engaged in problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on STEAM challenges, including navigating spacecraft systems and responding to real-time mission scenarios. Students also explored the challenges of growing plants in space, investigating microgravity, life support systems, sustainability, and the vital role of plants in supporting long-duration missions. By applying scientific inquiry and designing experiments, they analysed real-world space scenarios and deepened their understanding of space science.

Working in teams, students also stepped into the role of cyber security professionals, tackling scenario-based industry challenges designed to test their problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Using our dedicated cyber security SOC and learning facilities, they explored the fundamentals of cyber defence, including Red Team and Blue Team ethical hacking strategies used to protect data and systems. Through collaboration, clear roles, and communication protocols, teams worked together to investigate threats and develop solutions—experiencing first-hand how cyber professionals operate in the real world.

We look forward to continuing to support students as they explore future pathways in these rapidly growing fields.

🚀 Mission to Mars Complete!
We loved hosting the Astronomy Club from St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School as they took on our Mission to Mars challenge! 🌌

As our first independent school to experience the program, they jumped straight into the hands-on activities, worked brilliantly as a team, and showed incredible problem-solving skills along the way.

It’s always inspiring to see students so engaged, curious and excited about learning. Well done to everyone involved 👏

Messages like this are why we love what we do 💫
Hearing directly from students about their experience in our Mission to Mars program is incredibly rewarding. When students feel engaged, challenged, and inspired to think outside the box, we know we’re making a difference.
Student voice matters — and it’s feedback like this that drives us to keep creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for every group that walks through our doors.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next mission 🚀

We loved hosting the Leadership WA Signature Cohort 2026 (Whale Sharks!) at WASSEC last week 🐋✨

The day was all about youth, leadership, and connection — with school captains from Joseph Banks Secondary College from Mindarie Senior High sharing their leadership journeys and answering questions from participants.

The group also experienced a tour of WASSEC, mindfulness sessions, and powerful discussions around “Man Up” and the internal voice.

A big shoutout to our amazing Certificate II Hospitality students who created and served delicious homemade muffins, slices, and finger food throughout the day 👏

Thank you to Leadership WA for choosing WASSEC again — we always value the opportunity to be part of such meaningful experiences.

Mission accomplished 🚀
Spring Hill Primary School Year 5 students have officially completed their Mission to Mars — and what perfect timing, as we watched NASA’s Artemis II launch to the Moon!

During the program, students step into the shoes of astronauts, working together to solve challenges, make decisions, and navigate their way through a simulated space mission. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and full of exciting STEM learning.

We loved seeing their teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in action. Well done to all students on an amazing week!

🚀🌱 What an incredible achievement!

Ellenbrook Secondary College 's Year 9 and 10 Academic Extention students have wrapped up their Plants in Space program with WASSEC.

Students explored how we can grow plants beyond Earth 🌍—learning about microgravity, sustainability, and how plants could support future missions to Mars. They worked through real-world challenges and developed their own ideas and solutions.

To finish the program, students presented their findings to the class, building confidence and sharing their creative thinking 👏

We love seeing students learning by doing and thinking like future scientists!

🚀 What a mission, Grandis Primary School!

Year 5 students have wrapped up their Mission to Mars, and they absolutely rose to the challenge!
From solving problems to working as a team, these students stepped into the shoes of real astronauts and explored what life on Mars could look like.

We loved seeing their confidence grow and their imaginations take off 🌟

Well done to all the students and teachers—you should be so proud!