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Perth mum pushes for better space education in Australia

It may seem out of this world, but by 2020 Australian students could be attending space school.

If your child dreams of becoming an astronaut or being involved with the likes of NASA or Virgin Galactic, Brenda van Rensburg may hold the key to making that dream a reality.

The Perth mum is working to convince Australia that ‘space’ is a subject that should be on the national school curriculum.

Why? To prepare the children of our future for whatever technological advances that come our way.

A former professional golfer, Brenda quit her sporting career to focus on something ‘more rewarding’.

“I enjoy golf but I can’t say I love it,” she told Yahoo7.

Brenda van Rensburg with Chris Hadfield - The first Canadian to walk in space.
Brenda van Rensburg with Chris Hadfield - The first Canadian to walk in space.

“I remember saying when I was four years old to other kids that ‘I’m important and I’m going to change the world some day’. I didn’t think I’d change much through golf”.

She started to focus on developing a learning program for children with an interest in space travel and new technologies.

Encompassing space sciences, robotics, computer programing, engineering, mathematics and gaming; Brenda’s goal is to show children and their parents that ‘big picture’ goals are achievable.

With a background in science and education, she sought to find a way to make science and technology subjects more exciting for students.

“Physics is really important but it’s taught in a mundane way, I think it can be taught creatively and allow kids to go outside the realm and question the current laws,” she said.

“I think it’s healthy to challenge what we’ve learnt so far.”

Her way of teaching also aimed to get younger students involved in sciences.

She’s also had a bit of help on the way, earlier this year Brenda won the ‘space fan Lotto’ when she was invited to take a tour at NASA.

While on the trip she quickly realised Australia was light years behind America when it came to space education for kids.

Brenda hopes to achieve better space education in Australia. Photo: Supplied
Brenda hopes to achieve better space education in Australia. Photo: Supplied

“I realised something needed to be done in Australia, and fast… we are so far behind America it’s not funny,” she said.

American space camps are incredibly popular among students and their parents who have embraced the progressive learning style.

Inspired by the US, when Brenda returned to Perth she got to work on Spacetripreneurs, a space camp style program for Aussie kids aged 8-13 with hopes to engage our own future space leaders.

“Technology is something kids will have to learn before they embark on the future,” she said.

“We’re not putting them into the astronaut position, but we want to give them the opportunity to consider it as a career option. Anyone can be an astronaut, it’s what you do with your mind that makes the difference”.

Currently a school holiday and weekend program, Spacetripreneurs offers a bit of everything; from environmentally friendly rocket building, to building recycled robots and computers. It also has kids questioning what is really out there in space and how we can actually find it.

While the classes are restricted to work around school at this stage, Brenda hoped eventually it would be taken seriously as a subject.

“Space should be part of the school curriculum,” she said

“I want to create a pathway for children so when they do finish high school they’ve gained some skills and have the option if this is a career they want to go into.

The selfie-game of an astronaut is strong. Photo: Yahoo News
The selfie-game of an astronaut is strong. Photo: Yahoo News

“Some kids might be conditioned to believe they cannot do certain things, but I want to break that mould”.

Considering the strong debate about whether religious education was still relevant in Australian education, space studies could be offered as a good alternative.

In September, the Spacetripreneurs ‘Space Camp’ school holiday program will focus on robotics, coding and gaming.

At a cost no more expensive than standard school holiday care, Brenda thought it was an idea option for families with kids keen to learn more about space.

“Students can sign up for a day or the full two weeks and come out learning something new,” she said.

“It’s a journey of exploration to innovation and the development of a child through technology”.

Spacetripreneurs also offered classes for parents to bridge the gap with progressive technologies.

Brenda recently spent time at NASA learning the ropes.
Brenda recently spent time at NASA learning the ropes.
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

“It’s not going to wait for them, that’s the reality of it. It’s about having the skills and adaptability while reducing fear and limiting factors,” she said.

“We want to show them that they can keep up with technology”.

And while it was baby steps at this stage, Brenda had big dreams for space education in Australia in the future.

“My ultimate goal is to open a ‘space station’ school and to eventually impact one million children through Spacetripreneurs,” she said.

“The goal is to have established strong relationships with the likes of Virgin Galactic, Boeing and Russian Federation so that once the child is finished they will have all the skills they need to work in these industries,” she said.

“We want to offer children the opportunity to do space training in Australia, like no other.”


In two weeks Brenda will meet with Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson to share her ideas for Australia.

“Ultimately we want the children involved in Spacetripreneurs to contribute ideas for space travel for future generations,” she said.

“My wish list is that he says, ‘yes why not’”.

“I’d love for our children to be able to go to Virgin Galactic and learn from the engineers”.

And while she knows she’s got a long road ahead of her, Brenda is of the view that someone has to do it, so why not her.

“I can’t say it’s been an easy road… it’s been a challenge. Everyone says I’m insane for doing this but it only makes me want to achieve it more,” she said.

“If your dreams don’t scare the s**t out of you, they’re not big enough”.

For more information on Spacetripreneurs visit spacetripreneurs.com