Register Your Interest for Aurora 2026

An Inclusive Space Education Program for SA Schools

Following successful programs every year since 2022, Makers Empire is again partnering with the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) to deliver the Aurora Program, which is part of the ATSF’s Inclusion Initiative.

What is the Aurora Inclusion Initiative?

The Aurora Program offers engaging and accessible space education opportunities designed specifically for students and young people living with a disability.

Participants use problem-solving skills to participate in a mission to design new ways to travel or live in space, using 3D design and 3D printing.

This program is now accepting registrations of interest from South Australian schools interested in participating in this year’s program for 8 schools, planned to take place in term 3-4, 2026 and possibly Term 1 2027

Eligibility Criteria

Students in Years 5-6 & South Australian High Schools

Schools with students recognised to be living with disabilities or identified factors of educational disadvantage (see below).
Special schools, alternative education facilities, and schools with disability units.
School groups with significant representation of students and young people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder are given priority during the selection process.

13-25 Year Old students

Students and young people aged from 13 to 25 years that have disabilities or identified factors of educational disadvantage. This includes Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, mental health conditions, and other learning disabilities.

What Do Schools Receive?

Schools selected for the Aurora Inclusion Initiative will receive a $6,500 package including:

1 x 12 months Makers Empire School Subscription (3D design software, teacher dashboard, 130 curriculum-aligned lesson plans, built-in assessment, online professional development, ongoing support, updates and maintenance)
1 x 3D printer, rolls of PLA filament, training and ongoing support
A private, accessible school visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) exclusive of other school groups or members of the public in attendance. The sessions include a session led by Makers Empire, a session led by the centre’s Space Communicators, time to explore the galleries and take photographs, guided by the Space Communicators
A 3D design and printing workshop at each school, including tailored to its needs including an introduction to Makers Empire’s 3D modelling software; learning to design space-themed models; students creating 3D designs in response to the Aurora Mission and using the photographs taken at the Australian Space Discovery Centre for inspiration; an introduction to 3D printing; 3D printer training including installation, operation, & troubleshooting

What Do Schools and Teachers Commit To?

Each participating school will:

Provide release for 1.5 day for 2-5 participating classroom teachers (not IT technicians or non-teaching staff)
Support capacity building of teachers through facilitation of ‘flow-on’ professional learning at their sites
Arrange transport to and from the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) for their participating students and staff

Participating teachers will:

Attend the launch event at the Australian Space Discovery Centre
Attend a private visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre
Attend a custom 3D printing workshop at your school

Feedback from Teachers Completing Aurora

"The feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. One student was so proud of his finished product. You’ll never believe this - when he ran out to find us to show his creation he said “Kaitlyn and Dani look at it!” It’s the first time he has been excited enough in his efforts to say our name to get our attention!"

"The project helped make science and technology tangible for my students. They could create a concrete product to help make connections to their learning about space and feel proud of what they had produced."

"The Aurora mission allowed my students to express their creativity and allowed for engagement and a sense of purpose for students of all ability levels."

"The project gave them the opportunity for a hands-on experience and to connect with their families by having a project to share with them, and by displaying their work in a public space. I have noticed real growth in my students’ social confidence."

"Many of our students don’t travel too far out of the City of Playford. The idea that lives may one day be lived in space and that space technologies are used every day has been very exciting and thought-provoking."

"Thanks immensely for providing our community with the incredible opportunity to take part in this project! It has kickstarted so much learner interest in 3D modelling and design. Makers Empire is being used by many of our learners who are making their first forays into digital modelling."

"Whilst all participants have enjoyed themselves to different degrees, two students, in particular, have developed an interest in 3D printing which has seen them spontaneously share interests and seek feedback from their educator and peers for the first time!"