SHSSP25 Blog: Week #1 – A Stellar Start

The International Space University’s (ISU) Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP) 2025 organized in partnership with the University has launched with great energy at the University of South Australia’s Mawson Lakes campus in Adelaide. Bringing together participants from across the globe, this immersive five-week program began with a rich blend of academic rigor, hands-on activities, and vibrant discussions.

The opening ceremony was a memorable start, featuring a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Elaine Magias, acknowledging the Kaurna people and the cultural significance of the land. This set a meaningful tone for the program, emphasizing the connection between the Earth and our shared responsibilities as we reach for the stars.

Participants then dove into the core lecture series, covering a range of fascinating topics such as the origins of the space age present by Kerrie Dougherty, the electromagnetic spectrum and our solar system by Dr. James Green, former chief scientist at NASA, satellite applications with Scott Madry, life support systems with Vienna Tran, propulsion with Paddy Neumann, space policy and law delivered by Melissa de Zwart, and Mark Rice presenting Satellite Telecommunications.These lectures provided a strong foundation for the weeks to come. Offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted space sector. Interactive workshops brought participants together to build connections, foster teamwork, and embrace the program’s collaborative spirit. A highlight was the engaging Systems Engineering workshop led by astronaut Dr. Soyeon Yi, which combined creativity and engineering challenges as participants design their Rube Goldberg machines.

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Participants observing ‘creatures’ in the Space Futures Fundamentals Workshop

Midweek, an impromptu debate on terraforming Mars, led by Dr. Yi and Dr. Green, sparked lively discussions. Participants were encouraged to argue from new perspectives, challenging their assumptions and broadening their views.

As the weekend arrived, participants embarked on a scenic trip to Mount Lofty. Amid breathtaking views, Prof. Madry guided them through the fascinating world of remote sensing, connecting theory to real-world applications and inspiring a deeper appreciation for Earth’s landscapes.

The first week of SHSSP25 has been a truly enriching experience, blending academic depth with cultural connections and hands-on learning. With so much accomplished already, this is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey into the world of space studies.

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Prof. Scott Madry teaching participants about remote sensing at Mount Lofty

Written by Casey Domingo, SHSSP25 Teaching Associate