Reach for orbit
Space & Rocketry
Teams build model rockets, small satellite payloads and mission concepts, then prove them through launches, simulations and ground station demos.
Space & Rocketry is one of 12 competition categories in TechFest Australia, a national technology competition and festival for Australian school students and young innovators. It is open to Junior (Years 3–6), Secondary (Years 7–12), Tertiary (University or TAFE) and Open (Ages 18–30) entries.
The 2027 challenge
Design a small satellite mission that watches over Australia from orbit, such as mapping bushfire scars, soil moisture or coastline change, and prove the payload works on the ground.
Example projects
- Can-sized satellite that measures temperature, pressure and air quality on its descent
- Ground station that receives and decodes weather satellite images
- Mission plan for a lunar rover that could be tested on outback terrain
Flagship challenge
Model Rocketry Challenge
Hit the target altitude. Bring the payload home.
Teams design, build and fly a single-stage model rocket to a target altitude announced on launch day, carrying a fragile payload that must land intact. Flights are scored on altitude accuracy, flight duration and a clean recovery. Launches would run from a supervised range under the competition safety rules. The format is planned and depends on the site and approvals we secure.
- Divisions
- Secondary · Tertiary · Open
- Team
- 2–6
- Format
- Supervised launch day, planned
- Mission
- Target apogee + intact payload
Season 2027 dates
- Registrations open
- To be announced
- Registrations close
- 19 February 2027
- Proposals due
- 26 February 2027
- National final and festival
- 30 September 2027 to 3 October 2027
Indicative dates, final schedule to be confirmed. The entry fee for the 2027 season will be published before registrations open.