Please note that in this article, the initials 'AS' refer to our interviewer, Anjalee Senarath, and the initials ‘AM’ and ‘DT’ refer to our interviewees Aarsh and David, respectively.

AS: Tell us briefly about yourself & why you applied for this year's program

AM: My name is Aarsh and I am very passionate about space and Australia's role in the global space industry. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree where I majored in Astronomy and Astrophysics, and after I graduated, because of my obsession with space, I started another degree in Aerospace Engineering, which I will complete this year.

What led me to apply for this year’s program was the compelling research topics Astra had in store for the teams, and also AYAA’s commitment towards engaging youth for the future of the space industry. I liked AYAA’s values and their footprint in the Australian space sector and this effort of a summer online program that brings together youth to shape the future of our space industry.

Astra’s program objectives are designed for young voices to be heard, and I think that’s critical if we want an innovative and better space community in the coming few decades. I wanted to be a part of this change, and I also wanted to meet like-minded people and make genuine connections over shared interests in space related stuff.

Side note, I also met Karla - one of this year’s program managers, at a product launch event last year who gave some great insight about the program, which also pushed me to apply this year. So far I’ve been a part of a stellar team, made some great connections with fellow participants like I hoped to, and I’m learning so much and enjoying the experience so far.

DT: Currently I’m an Aerospace Engineering student at Monash University and a part of the Monash Connected Autonomous Vehicle team and I’m looking for opportunities to improve both my understanding of the world, and my engineering abilities.

I wanted to learn more about Australia’s space industry, the perceptions surrounding it, and future developments and how it could develop in the future. With many participants from different backgrounds, I have not only strengthened my understanding of the local space industry but have gained perspectives I otherwise wouldn’t have.

AS: Your motivation and vision to apply for the program speaks volumes about your passion for the space industry. Tell us about some of the most valuable things you’ve learned or discovered through the Astra Program so far?

AM: I have learnt a lot of things from the program so far, but one thing that I have really enjoyed and valued is the information that the Subject Matter Experts have shared with us during the workshops. Apart from their vast knowledge and experience in the specific subject domain, I enjoyed their own individual perspective about the space industry. The workshops have encouraged me to develop my own line of innovative thinking and I really like bringing those new ideas together with those of others when we’re doing group work.

I also enjoy connecting with my team members and other program members. I like the diversity of the participants - they come from different industries and different academic backgrounds, and we’re all bound together by our passion for space, and when we collaborate the ideas and perspectives blend in so well, which is always such a fulfilling experience.

DT: I think for me, there were two key learnings - Identifying Australia's current capabilities in the space industry as well as the country’s historical role in space and the philosophy surrounding the space programs of other nations and their development

AS: As a student of space science you already step into the program with some background - to add to that, how has the program helped deepen your understanding of Australia’s domestic space activities and its place in the international space community?

AM: Yeah, I do have a space related background - but prior to joining the program my knowledge about Australia's place in the international space community and the history of Australia’s space industry was quite limited. Astra has significantly expanded my knowledge on a lot of areas like our space history, national and international initiatives taken by the government and authorities to accelerate the space industry of the country, our current space projects, future plans, emerging space start-ups and new technologies, just to mention some.

DT: When I came in, I had this naive notion that a successful space industry entailed total independence - manufacturing everything - space crafts, robots etc. domestically. Now, I have realised how Australia can participate in global space supply chains by developing a niche and focusing on that niche to become a key player in the industry.

Photos provided by Aarsh Mehta.

AARSH & DAVID

2024/25 ASTRA PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

The Astra program 2024/25 has created a big impact on the Australian youth space community. This year’s program has been an interesting journey since the launch in November 2024.

As the Astra committee, we always prioritise the engagement and learning experience of our participants and we decided to interview some of them to share their experience so far on the program.

In this session we interviewed this year’s Astra participants Aarsh Mehta and David Travica, who are both part of the 2024/25 Acacia Team, where they explored how to better communicate space to the Australian public.

Let’s dive in to see what they have to say about this year’s Astra program.

AS: Due to Astra being a complete online summer program, we’ve had some great perks like accessibility to the whole of Australia, facilitating the program with subject matter experts from all over the world etc. What is your take on Astra being an online program? What do you think works, what doesn’t?

AM: I love it! I think it works extremely well with everyone's schedule. It’s flexible and allows the teams to get work done efficiently in their own time.
DT: I think it's good. If it was done in person, most of the program’s plan would be difficult to achieve.

AS: Have you developed any new skills or improved existing ones through the program? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

AM: I have definitely improved my research skills, the topics we were given were very specific and also interesting. Delving deep into research papers and articles to form our team’s white paper and presentations has taught me how to be more efficient and become a better writer. I also have improved my social skills by effectively communicating resources to my team members.

DT: - I have enhanced my ability to communicate my thoughts effectively when dealing in a technical/professional background and I have also developed an understanding of the space sector in general and also exposed myself to humanities - based space research.

AS: What has been the most exciting/ the highlight of the Astra Program so far for you?

AM: The number of subject matter experts that conducted workshops for us were the highlight for me, they were from different backgrounds, but have contributed/contributing significantly for advancement of space related stuff. It's been incredible to hear about their perspectives and it deepened my understanding and passion for space.

DT: Meeting new people, learning and discussing our shared passion for the space and the space industry.

AS: Each year we have 3 teams in the program, they work together in their teams but also share insights and resources for cross team collaborations. How would you describe your interactions with other participants in the Astra Program?

AM: It has been nothing but amazing, whether that is my team or participants outside of my team. Everyone is warm and welcoming, and most importantly passionate about what we do in the program.

DT: It’s been great. Everyone has been very friendly, and all dedicated to writing the paper and working as a team.

AS: Do you feel the program fosters a sense of community among young space enthusiasts? Why or why not?

AM: For sure! We are coming together as a community of young space lovers, to share ideas and to gain new perspectives on a common topic that we are passionate about. I think the Australian space community strives for initiatives such as the Astra program that drives change through young minds which is critical to the progression of the space industry as a whole.

DT: Yes! - All the participants seem genuinely interested in space, Astra brings them together in a remarkable manner.

AS: Would you like to share an instance during the program where you felt inspired or awed

AM: Again, I’m going to point towards one of the amazing workshops. I would say the presentation talk by Jenna Mccarthy was something that was special and a moment of awe for me. Her passion for education and her role at One Giant Leap shows how you can pursue something if you’re really passionate and determined about it, and if it gives you purpose, (it could be anything, but in her case it’s space education) and achieve great things while at the same time inspiring others. It was an amazing talk and I learnt a lot about One Giant Leap itself and the incredible programs they have that enable access to space education.

DT: I found the discussions between team members and the program coordinators to be the most inspiring, especially related to Australia's space- based manufacturing capabilities and future plans.

AS: If you were to recommend the Astra Program to someone, how would you describe it in one sentence?

AM: A program that reinforces your passion for space while equipping you with the skills necessary for making a change in the space industry.

DT: An online program running over summer, where you get to research and write a report concerning the Australian Space Industry, as well as making connections with people working in the industry.

About the Author: Anjalee Senarath

Anjalee is a passionate skygazer who fell in love with the starry skies when she was a kid. Over the years, she has developed a liking for Physics and completed her Bachelor of Physics with Honours. Anjalee has worked as a technical writer, creative writer, business analyst and a projects manager. She is interested in science communication and sharing science with communities – which is one of the reasons that got her into Astra. When she’s not doing anything sciencey, she likes to go beach hopping, read a good book or take long walks in the sun.

This article is apart of an ongoing series: Astra Alumni Articles