Image : L to R: AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold, The University of Western Australia Associate Professor of Biotechnology Dr Parwinder Kaur, Milo Institute Executive Director David Thomas, AROSE Program Director Michelle Keegan.
The Australian Space Agency has joined with remote operations collaborator AROSE to offer the US-based Milo Space Science Institute’s 12-week online course in Australia and New Zealand for the first time.
Registrations are now open for the internationally recognised Space workforce training, the Milo Mission Academy for Lunar Exploration.
The Milo Mission Academy, delivered by Arizona State University, is designed for students from TAFE and universities, as well as early career professionals.
It provides participants with a hands-on, deep-dive understanding of the dynamic Space mission life cycle.
Participants learn mission procedures and protocols from industry professionals as they collaborate with fellow team members to complete virtual mission-related projects, such as delivering payloads to the lunar surface.
Students are taught how to work as a team, apply problem-solving skills, and implement program management methods. The foundational workforce skills are transferable across many Earth-based sectors including Energy, Resources, Defence, Communications Technology and Advanced Manufacturing.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said the Milo Mission Academy will help prepare the workforce of tomorrow and grow the Space ecosystem in Australia.
“One of the biggest challenges facing the Space sector, in Australia and around the world, is attracting talented and skilled employees,” Mr Palermo said. “It’s something we’re very focused on at the Australian Space Agency, and it’s why we’re supporting the Milo virtual internship program. It will help turn knowledge into experience, bridging a vital gap for our employers.”
Milo Institute Executive Director David Thomas said partnering with the Australian Space Agency and AROSE has allowed the program to be rolled out at scale outside of North America for the first time.
“The Mission Academy has been run successfully in the US for the last 5 years, delivered by ASU with support from NASA,” Mr Thomas said. “So we are excited to be offering the course in Australia and New Zealand for the first time. It’s an important
step in the expansion of our specialist Space workforce training into the Indo-Pacific region.”
The Milo Mission Academy is modelled after NASA’s award-winning Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and Competency Enabler (L’SPACE) program.
More than 8,000 students from 900 colleges and universities in the US have participated in the L’SPACE course.
AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold said the launch of the Milo Mission Academy in Australia and New Zealand is a great example of successful industry collaboration.
“As an industry-led consortium, AROSE is thrilled to be collaborating with our Australian Space Agency and the global organisation, the Milo Institute, to bring this world class program down under,” Ms Cunnold said.
Ms Cunnold said the initiative supports the AROSE mission to grow the Australian talent pipeline for Space exploration and operations, and to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM.
AROSE Program Director Michelle Keegan said the Milo Mission Academy makes Space workforce development accessible to everyone, regardless of their location, background or financial position.
“This course will allow students to gain training in this growing and increasingly important sector for Australia,” Ms Keegan said. “For those universities and TAFE colleges that do have a Space program, we see the Milo Mission Academy as a perfect complement to their existing programs. Importantly, graduates will be able to take the skills they acquire in the Milo Mission Academy and apply them across multiple industries throughout their careers.”
Companies from across all industrial and commercial sectors are encouraged to support training for their eligible staff to participate in the course. Lower cost access will be available to approved applicants.
Monash University Faculty of Information Technology will sponsor a number of places annually, initially in support of indigenous education and then more broadly.
Up to 1,000 places will be available each year in Australia and New Zealand across two semesters, the first beginning in January 2024. Applications for the first program close on 23 November 2023.
To register visit https://www.milomissionacademy.org/arose-australia
