Auckland, New Zealand – 6 March 2024 – Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines have secured their spots in the finals of the prestigious Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on March 15th, presenting their innovative solutions that leverage space data to address the critical issue of methane emissions and climate change.

The grand prize winners from each category will receive substantial cash prizes of up to $25,000 NZD and mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase Limited.

The Challenge finalists include:

High School Level

• Methane Mavericks – Kyneton High School & Maryborough Education Centre, Newham, Australia
• Cashmere Space Club – Cashmere High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Usbong Me – University of the Philippines High School, Iloilo, Philippines

University/Startup Level

• University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand
• Project AIM: Rizal Technological, Caraga State, and Adamson Universities – Metro Manila and Butuan Cities, Philippines
• Interstellar Exploration Institute and Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia

The finalists participated in a three-month online research incubator organized by SpaceBase, where they received comprehensive training on the problem areas, relevant technologies, and the innovation process. After completing the rigorous incubator program on 25 February, the teams submitted their final challenge applications, which were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts from the United States, Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

“I am very impressed with the calibre this year. Every team has been impressive in one way or another,” said Nicholas Metherall, Challenge judge and Space Challenge Grand Prize Winner 2021-22.

“The Challenge showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of young minds in tackling Earth’s climate challenges. Their innovative solutions and enthusiasm are vital for a sustainable future, highlighting youth’s crucial role in addressing global environmental issue,” said Prof. Rafael Kargren upon judging the challenge.

The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will be held online on 15 March from 5:30-7:30 pm NZT. The event will feature welcome addresses from distinguished guests, including the Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand Minister of Space; Peter Vedder, Senior Director at MethaneSat; Anne Rouault, Science Attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand; and Host Amy Armstrong from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Edmund Hillary Fellow. Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand Space Agencies will present the coveted prizes.

For more information about the Challenge and the Finalists, please visit spacebase.co/challenges. RSVP for the event at spacebase.co/events.

The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is made possible through partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by SpaceBase Limited. Sponsors include the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.

About SpaceBase Limited:

SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratize access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.