Astra Program Director and youth space outreach leader, passionate about equity and access for underrepresented groups, currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics)/Mathematics and Diploma of Project Management.

I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at UNSW, driven by a passion for space that began when I was eight years old. Growing up, I read many books about space and watched many episodes of This Week at NASA, leading me to pursue a career in the space industry. I love seeing Australia's space industry rapidly growing and hope to find a career in the indsutry and work on various space systems. Apart from this, I love to travel and explore new places and complete any adventure thrilling activities. I also enjoy reading and sports so much that I can watch almost every sport and become invested in 5 minutes.

I am currently a first year engineering student at the University of Queensland with interests in pursuing Bioprocessing Chemical Engineering. I have a strong passion for learning and creativity, driving my strive to solving solutions for real world applications. I am excited to be a part of Astra and cannot wait for the connections and opportunities this program with bring!

I am passionate about space, flight and the future of aerospace. I aspire to grow both personally and professionally through the Astra program, while contributing to the creation of meaningful opportunities that inspire young people and shape the future of aerospace.

Alana holds a Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Science from The University of Adelaide, majoring in Artificial Intelligence. Her passion for space began in high school, watching rocket launches with her math class, and she’s particularly interested in how software and technology shapes our understanding of the universe. She works as a Software Engineer in the defence sector, and as a Space Communicator at the Australian Space Discovery Centre, where she gets to share her enthusiasm for space with the public.
Her passion for outreach motivated her to join the Astra committee, where she currently serves as Deputy Director, helping others find their place in space.

I’m a physics student specialising in nuclear and space radiation technology, with a background in astronomy outreach events. Through Astra, I’m passionate about helping youth explore space and science, and creating opportunities for them to get involved in building the future.

I’m currently studying Aerospace Engineering at RMIT. I have a strong passion for aviation, space, and systems design. I enjoy being part of initiatives that connect engineering with a real-world impact. As an Outreach Coordinator for ASTRA, I’m excited to help inspire the next generation of leaders and create meaningful opportunities for student engagement.

Jake is an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student at Macquarie University, with interests spanning propulsion development, human spaceflight, and lunar architecture, alongside a particular focus on the intersection of business and engineering. Passionate about supporting young professionals transitioning into the industry and promoting student outreach, he aims to foster growth and development in both areas. A participant of Astra in 2023/2024 as lead editor for Team Banksia, Jake contributed to recommendations advocating for advancing Australia’s role in the space sector, an effort that earned him the Emerging Space Pioneer Award. Beyond his technical pursuits, Jake is dedicated to creating inclusive and engaging environments where teams can collaborate and grow together. To further support the development of students and their extracurricular skills, Jake founded and leads the Macquarie Aerospace Rover Society, spearheading hands-on learning and building a passion for space technologies among his peers. As a Topic Coordinator, he is excited to guide participants and inspire the next wave of space enthusiasts to carve out Australia’s niche in the global space sector.

Hamish is a curious and enthusiastic young space professional, with degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Science (Mathematics) from Monash University, and experience working for several space companies. Fascinated by space from a young age, Hamish started in the industry by designing, testing, and flying sounding rockets with his university’s student rocketry team, and has been hooked on the challenge and excitement of space engineering ever since. He is now working in a role that his younger self could not have imagined, flying a constellation of satellites providing cellular internet in remote areas. Having never felt exactly clear on how to turn his passion into a career, Hamish has volunteered within the AYAA for a number of years, seeking to make the space industry more accessible so that others can also turn their dreams into reality.

Sitra Khan is a Communications Electronic Technician in the Royal Australian Air Force and one of the Outreach Coordinators for the 2025 AYAA Astra Program. With a background in medical science and currently pursuing a Master of Space Operations through UNSW Canberra, she brings a strong interest in national security, strategy, and space sustainability. Sitra is passionate about fostering awareness and engagement, and is committed to linking Australian youth with emerging opportunities in Defence space initiatives. Through her role at Astra, Sitra hopes to inspire others to explore the intersection of aerospace, policy, and national resilience.

I am currently completing a double degree in mechanical engineering (majoring in aerospace) with maths and computer science at the University of Adelaide. I am an Astra alumni (did this program in 2024) and I was in Team Casuarina! During the program, my team submitted an abstract similar to the white paper to the IAC 2025 and got accepted! And a few people that I met through Astra and I are participating in the Achieved Competition by SGAC and we are investigating growing matcha on Mars. I am part of Robogals Adelaide – an organisation which aims to inspire young women into STEM or related fields. My current goal is to work on emergency services helicopters and be a consultant.