Five Indigenous Australian university students will have the opportunity to complete an internship with NASA under a new program being supported by the United States and Australian space agencies.
The National Indigenous Space Academy was launched in Adelaide on Tuesday and will provide for selected students to travel to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California for a 10-week program.
As part of their internships, the students will be partnered with a NASA JPL scientist or engineer mentor and will also contribute to the laboratory's ongoing missions.
The program will create a pathway for Indigenous students to participate in projects such as robotics, robot perception control, and Artificial Intelligence.
It is being delivered by Monash University but will be open to eligible Indigenous students from all Australian universities.
Visiting the Australian Space Agency on Monday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the partnership between the two groups would demonstrate that Indigenous Australian students could play a critical role in human space exploration.
"The missions of tomorrow will be sparked by the accomplishments of today," he said.
"As we usher in a new era of space exploration, our nations must continue eroding barriers that limit opportunities and instead support future explorers to reach their full potential."
Australian Space Agency boss Enrico Palermo said the organisation proudly celebrated Indigenous Australians as the "world's oldest astronomers" but believed they were also critical to looking at space science in a uniquely Australian way.
"I look forward to these students bringing back what they learn to Australia, and to them becoming part of our dynamic space and tech community," he said.
Federal Science Minister Ed Husic said the federal government was committed to creating opportunities for all young people - including Indigenous Australians - to have rewarding careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
"The National Indigenous Space Academy will help students develop knowledge and skills that will open up a new world of career opportunities," he said.
Australian Associated Press
