Launchbox STEM: AU’s Largest Launch of Student-Made Cubesats Takes Flight

Fleet Space Technologies, Australia’s leading space exploration company, today celebrated the successful launch of student-built satellites developed as part of its national Launchbox STEM program - a major milestone in Australia’s effort to inspire and upskill rising generations of students through hands-on experience with advanced technologies at the frontier of space innovation.

Over several months, Fleet Space’s Launchbox program connected 2200 students from 60+ schools from across Australia with top space engineers and industry experts to design, assemble, and test their own educational satellites equipped with real sensors and 3D-printed frames supplied by Robinson Aerospace Systems. This week, students watched a real satellite launch from Mt. Barker in Adelaide, receiving real-time data from high-altitude balloons and drones - the largest gathering of schools to launch student-built cubesats in Australian history.

“Watching hundreds of students celebrate the launch of their satellites with wonder and curiosity reflects the power of engaging STEM programs to inspire the space and technology leaders of tomorrow,” said Flavia Tata Nardini, CEO and Co-Founder of Fleet Space Technologies. “Dreams become discoveries when people have access to the tools and experiences to make them real - and that’s why programs like Launchbox are so important. Every student needs the chance to get hands-on with critical technologies that will define the course of the 21st century.”

The Launchbox program, supported by the Australian Department of Defence’s Schools Pathways Program, is part of Fleet Space’s wider STEM initiative, which has already reached more than 18,000 students across Australia since 2023. By combining classroom learning with real-world applications in satellite design, 3D printing, and environmental sensing, the program aims to close the gap between education and industry, creating clear pathways toward careers in Australia’s growing space sectors. Another 9000 students are scheduled to participate in the Launchbox program through term 4 2025 and term 1 2026.

“Launchbox is about turning inspiration into action,” said Silvia Piccaluga, STEM Coordinator at Fleet Space Technologies. “When students see their satellites soar, they realise that space isn’t an abstract idea - it’s something they can be part of. That’s the spark that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”

Through partnerships with high schools and universities, Fleet Space’s STEM initiatives have already created more than 70 professional opportunities - including work experience and internships with 50% female representation - while hosting a range of immersive experiences such as the Land Your Design on the Moon competition, where artwork from winner, Vatsal Thakkar from the Heights School, has been 3D printed on Fleet Space’s SPIDER device bound for the Moon on Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 in 2026. To sign up for the next available Launchbox program, please register your school here.

Recently, Fleet Space opened its new 5,300m2 global headquarters and space tech hyperfactory in Adelaide - marking the company’s 10 year anniversary. For integrating frontier technologies in space, advanced geophysics, and AI to accelerate energy transition mineral exploration on Earth and beyond, the Australian Financial Review named Fleet Space Australia’s most innovative company of 2025. Together, these milestones reflect Fleet Space’s enduring commitment to advancing exploration - on this planet and beyond - while empowering the next generation to carry that vision forward.

‍