Aotearoa Aerospace Academy’s Inaugural Event
The Aotearoa Aerospace Academy was launched this July with the ‘Introduction to Aerospace and Rocketry’ event.
12 July 2023 - Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Aerospace New Zealand recently had the inaugural event launching the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy, with an event at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram, Christchurch. On this cold morning with Aotearoa Aerospace Academy staff and UC Aerospace volunteers running around, something big was brewing. The Wigram Aerodrome, which hadn’t seen air traffic since 1995 was once again the home of Aerospace in Christchurch. The remaining taxiway converted to a Launch Site, Museum itself being host to a Rocket Building Workshop and Mobile Stardome Planetarium, this event opened the door to Rocketry at Wigram. This event, supported by ChristchurchNZ and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, gave youth aged 7-17 the chance to design, assemble and launch their own rockets on the same day, with an actual Class A/B rocket motor. Along with the excitement of rocketry, attendees were given the change to stargaze in the mobile Planetarium, and make their very own star wheels to take home.
While the first group of attendees were building and decorating their rockets, the fate of the event was changing, with a storm brewing outside. After waiting until the last minute for every chance of the weather changing, the Range Safety Officer ultimately determined that the first launch slot was unsuitable for launching due to high winds, and rain. This would have led to an increased risk of failure when lifting off the pad, lower apogees and overall a less satisfactory launch after the hard work of building the rockets. The first group are welcome to attend the Christchurch Rocketeers Launch day on the 30th of July at Nunweek Park. The first group however still enjoyed the full Stardome experience, and were still able to take their very own rockets home.
The second group of attendees had far more success, with the afternoon giving way to clearing skies, and little to no wind. The second group were mostly able to have successful launches, as can be seen from below.
Aotearoa Aerospace Academy along with the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, ChristchurchNZ and UC Aerospace were able to break the record for most Hot Rockets launched in one sitting, launching around 30 in one day.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Aerospace New Zealand Announces the Launch of Aotearoa Aerospace Academy
Aotearoa Aerospace Academy aims to inspire and nurture future aerospace pioneers
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – Aerospace New Zealand is proud to announce the launch of the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy, an educational program designed to inspire tomorrow's aerospace pioneers and strengthen the skill pathways into the growing aerospace sector.
The academy programs are to be led by experienced Education Manager Miranda Satterthwaite, who has trained in NASA Centres in the USA, offers a range of opportunities in Space outreach to tamariki throughout New Zealand. These include Stardome and Rocketry programmes, House of Science Space Outreach, Mission to Space Training Camps, virtual lessons and online resources, and industry visits to Aerospace Companies.
"The Aotearoa Aerospace Academy is a significant step towards nurturing the future leaders of the aerospace industry in New Zealand," said Victoria Harman, Operations Manager - Aerospace New Zealand. "We believe that by sparking curiosity and providing accessible resources, we can empower our young people of all backgrounds to have the confidence to pursue their aerospace dreams."
The academy recently hosted a successful Stardome and Rocketry program as part of KidsFest on July 12, 2023. The program, held at the Air Force Museum, offered young attendees a unique opportunity to learn about the solar system and rocketry, further demonstrating the academy's commitment to hands-on learning experiences in Aerospace and STEM.
The key objectives of the Academy are to spark curiosity in the next generation in all things Aerospace and STEM, provide education and accessible resources for aerospace and STEM learning for all, and nurture an inclusive program that empowers, guides, and encourages Aotearoa's young people to pursue their aerospace dreams.
The aerospace sector in New Zealand contributes significantly to the global market, with an annual value estimated between $337 billion and $467 billion. Projections for 2030 indicate a shortage in skills and labour needed to contribute to this pathway. The Aotearoa Aerospace Academy aims to address this shortage.
For more information about the Aotearoa Aerospace Academy, visit https://www.aerospace.org.nz/aaa.
About Aerospace New Zealand
Aerospace New Zealand is a not-for-profit industry body that promotes the interests of our nation, building an inclusive and sustainable aerospace industry. Our mission is to grow a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand Aerospace ecosystem that is highly regarded around the world - 'Building an Aerospace Nation'.
