6 May 2025
The Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC) is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its inaugural Mission to Mars Mission Patch Design Competition for the 2025-2026. With the exciting prospect of fostering creativity and STEM engagement among students, the competition attracted an incredible response, with over 87 WA public schools participating and more than 2,500 entries submitted.
The competition saw the participation of students from a diverse range of schools across Western Australia, each showcasing their artistic flair and enthusiasm for space exploration. The designs were judged by a distinguished panel of experts, including:
- Liz Smith, Principal from Joseph Banks Secondary College
- Phil Wass , Director from the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre
- Dr Simon Aarons, A/Director Space Industry
Industry, Science and Innovation from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation - Nadya Khanikova, Community Engagement Officer from Ellenbrook Arts
Together, this expert panel meticulously reviewed all entries and shortlisted the top 100 designs. The excitement was palpable, as schools were notified at the end of Term 1 about which students had made it to the prestigious top 100. The positive feedback from schools reflected the immense pride and joy of students who were thrilled by their selection.
As the shortlisting progresses, the panel reconvened to evaluate the top 100 designs. After careful deliberation, the final shortlist of 20 outstanding designs emerged against four key criteria: creativity, theme alignment, visual appeal, and educational value.
We are proud to recognize the top 20 students who were awarded finalist certificates for their exceptional work. These students’ designs not only demonstrated their artistic skill but also captured the essence of space exploration, inspiring curiosity and passion for science and technology.
A huge thank you to all students, schools, and educators who contributed to the success of this event. The Mission to Mars Mission Patch Design Competition has proven to be an inspiring and engaging way to foster the next generation of space enthusiasts and innovators. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students who made it to the top 20 and thank all participants for their dedication and creativity.
Recognising the Top 20 Students
Certificates of Distinction
- Skyla, Year 3 from Williams Primary School
- Diana, Year 6 from Roseworth Primary School
- Liesel, Year 7 from Churchlands Senior High School
- Evelyn, Year 9 from Willetton Senior High School
Finalists
- Eliza, Year 4 from Ardross Primary School
- Myka, Year 5 from Ardross Primary School
- Adam, Year 12 from Aveley Secondary College
- Lily, Year 4 from Aspiri Primary School
- Naiya, Year 6 from Carine Primary School
- Mari, Year 6 from Como Primary School
- Makenzie, Year 6 from Darkan Primary School
- Harper, Year 5 from East Manjimup Primary School
- Fifi, Year 8 from Kelmscott Senior High School
- Amelie, Year 5 from Marmion Primary School
- Harry, Year 6 from Meadow Springs Primary School
- Frank, Year 8 from Pinjarra Senior High School
- Zene, Year 6 from Settlers Primary School
- Hedley, Year 6 from Swan View Primary School
- Mya, Year 5 from Treeby Primary School
And the Winner Is… Jasmine, Year 12 from Kalamunda Senior High School
We are excited to announce the overall winner of the Mission to Mars Mission Patch Design Competition 2025-2026! This student’s outstanding design not only secured them a spot as the top designer but also earned their entire class a free pass to our Mission to Mars program. In addition, their winning design will be digitalized in the coming weeks and will be produced as part of a special patch and sticker series.
A massive congratulations to our winner for their creativity and dedication to the spirit of space exploration. We can’t wait to see their design come to life and be shared with space enthusiasts everywhere!
We look forward to seeing how these talented students continue to reach for the stars. And remember to look out for the next competition in 2026!
Distinction Designs
Finalists Designs
Winner Design
Jasmine was inspired by the STS-27 Atlantis space shuttle mission patch, the cratered surface of mars and crew capsules for space crafts.
Her patch tells the story of a future mission to mars and the first Australian person to step foot on the martian regolith. It also tells the story of increasing Australian involvement in space exploration. The colourful design and strong background sparks awe. And the story, and representation of Australian involvement in the space industry inspires others to “reach for the stars”.
Jasmine explains how she chose a specific red colour to represent both Mars and Australia. She chose a stylised crew capsule with a multi-coloured trail of sparkling stars making it’s way to Mars.
