Ad Astra.

In 2020, as final year high school students interested in space, meaningful opportunities felt out of reach. We set out to change that, with an ambition to become the first students in Australia to develop and launch a satellite.

AYCI grew into a global student community of more than 40 students across 12 countries, working across six teams spanning engineering, outreach and operations.

That community became our proudest achievement.

During a time of global disruption and isolation, AYCI brought people together, connecting students across Australasia, India, Europe, the Middle East and North America around a shared sense of purpose.

Beyond the satellite itself, we focused on education and outreach. Over several years, AYCI delivered workshops to more than 150 students in partnership with schools and community organisations, helping make space feel tangible and accessible rather than distant.

The satellite itself never took flight. Even so, the ambition behind it endured. Many of those involved have since gone on to study and work at leading universities and organisations around the world, shaped by the experience of building something ambitious together.