Viasat Debuts “Viasat: Space for Good Australia Challenge”, Empowering Future Space Innovators

Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the first-ever launch in Australia of the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge, its premier global STEM initiative designed to inspire university students to develop sustainable space-based solutions that improve life on Earth. This marks a significant expansion of the program, bringing its global impact to Australian students for the first time.  

 

Open to students nationwide, the competition invites participants to tackle pressing challenges—from orbital debris mitigation to leveraging satellite connectivity for social and environmental impact.  

 

The Viasat: Space for Good program empowers students to think critically and creatively about how space technologies can address real-world problems. Since 2024, the initiative has engaged more than 10,000 students worldwide and fostered collaboration among governments, space agencies, and industry partners to advance innovative ideas across policy, practice, and technology. 

 

Carlin Charteris, Regional Vice President, Viasat Australia said, “Launching the Viasat: Space for Good Australia Challenge for the first time represents an important step in expanding access to the global space ecosystem and empowering Australia’s next generation of innovators. Australia has a vibrant and rapidly growing space sector, and through this initiative, we are providing students with a platform to apply their creativity, technical skills, and ambition to real-world challenges. We look forward to seeing the bold ideas that emerge and to supporting talent that will help shape the future of space and its positive impact here on Earth.” 

 

Program Overview and Key Dates 

 

The competition is open to individual university and TAFE students across Australia, with submissions and additional program information details available on the official platform: 

 
https://www.herox.com/ViasatSpaceForGoodAustralia2026

 

The competition will take place across multiple phases:  

• Phase 1 (July 13 – August 23): Written submission
• Phase 2 (September 7 – September 27): 3-minute digital submission
• Phase 3 (Opens October 12): 30-minute final presentation to a panel of industry experts
• Finals Week: December 5–8
• Presentation and Awards Ceremony: December 8 

From the initial pool, 30 students will advance to Phase 2, with six finalists ultimately selected to present to a panel of industry experts—each supported by a Viasat mentor to help refine and strengthen their solutions ahead of the final presentation. 

 

Driving Awareness and Opportunity in Space Careers

 

The program continues to demonstrate measurable impact on student engagement and career awareness. Of 9,000 participants globally in 2025, 74% reported increased awareness of careers in space and telecommunications, while 88% expressed interest in pursuing a role in the space sector. 

 

By combining competition, mentorship, and cross-industry collaboration, the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge aims to accelerate innovation and inspire students around the globe to pursue careers that shape the future of space. 

 

Prizes and Recognition

 

Winners of the 2026 Viasat: Space for Good Australia Challenge will receive:  

• 1st Place: $20,000 AUD
• 2nd Place: $15,000 AUD
• 3rd Place: $10,000 AUD