HARS Tarmac Weekend STEM Spotlight

Event Details

This month, the spotlight is on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

A special guest speaker is joining us in the meeting area at 10:00am on Saturday 14 February — Thomas Mueller from Austronaut.

This is a big step forward for STEM engagement in the Illawarra, especially for teenagers, students, and young professionals curious about aerospace, engineering, and space science.
Included with Saturday museum entry, attendees will enjoy:

An inspiring lecture about astronauts and human spaceflight.
Interactive activities related to astronaut skills and aptitudes .
Information about real-world pathways into the space industry

The timing couldn’t be better, with major developments shaping the future of space, including:

Australian university-led lunar rover development
Gilmour Space Technologies’ orbital rocket development.
Recent private Moon landings
The upcoming Artemis II mission, returning humans to the Moon
Australian of the year Katherine Bennell-Pegg
First Australian Astronaut to enter orbit under the Australian flag, Eric Phillips.

Australia’s rich history in supporting space flight when our nation became one of the first in the world to establish a space tracking facility. From the Woomera Rocket Range to the Parkes Radio Telescope (most famously in 1969, when Parkes helped relay the live television broadcast of the Apollo 11 Moon landing to millions around the globe). We are also proud of the Australians who have ventured beyond our atmosphere. Dr. Paul Scully-Power became the first Australian-born astronaut in 1984, serving as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Dr. Andy Thomas followed, completing four spaceflights and spending over 177 days in orbit, including a long-duration mission aboard the Russian space station Mir. Australian scientists and engineers currently working in overseas space programs.

About Austronaut & Thomas Mueller

Austronaut plays a vital role in supporting young Australians aiming for careers in astronautics. Thomas is a passionate and innovative entrepreneur who champions hands-on learning through initiatives like the International Space University, Australian Youth Aerospace Forum and other practical STEM programs.

This event promises to be inspiring, informative, and future-focused, offering young people a rare opportunity to connect with Australia’s growing space and aerospace sector.

This event will be included under museum entry fee but numbers are limited and first in on the day. We’d love for you to attend, share, and help spread the word — let’s inspire the next generation of explorers!