Spaceward Bound New Zealand
Spaceward Bound New Zealand (SBNZ) started in 2015, modelled from the very successful NASA Spaceward Bound programme.
Spaceward Bound is a template for space and astrobiology field expeditions conducted by NASA with teachers, students and scientists.
Since 2015, our programme evolved to encompass school visits, teachers professional development programmes, space exhibitions and courses.
Spaceward Bound NZ is a programme delivered by Milky-Way.Kiwi, a social enterprise with the aim of providing quality space education.
OUR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Venture with us beyond earth
Astrobiology is an umbrella discipline that seeks answers to three questions: What is life?, allowing students to get a unique perspective on life on Earth and how it might have formed; Where else in the Universe can we find life?, as we look for other life beyond Earth, we learn about our own uniqueness and fragility, and how lucky we are to exist here on Earth where so many things had to happen for us to be here, and What is the future of humankind?, which brings agency to our students and teachers as they are learning how everyone can contribute to co-creating a better future for humankind. Astrobiology includes ethics of future exploration and encourages people to think for the future.
Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary approach that uses math, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astrophysics, astronomy as well as social sciences to teach about the origins and future of life and look for life beyond Earth.
It brings the big picture of our our common stellar origin and ponders about the future of humankind.
Studying astrobiology gives the perspective for understanding where we are coming from and how humans can construct a better future for our planet.
Spaceward Bound is a programme for teachers and students.
Our target age groups are years 6 through 10. We want to help students make informed choices about the areas of study they will take through NCEA. Though those ages are our main focus, we have more bespoke activities and programmes adapted for years 11-13 and under year 6.
Meet the instructors
Hari Mogosanu
Hari is a TEDx-featured astrobiologist and space sciences educator who interned at NASA and trained for Mars as an analog astronaut.
Sam Leske
Sam is a space science educator, former pilot and intelligence professional who is now pursuing his passion for astrophysics and stars.
New Zealand does space
As of 2022, New Zealand has a vibrant space industry valued at about 1.6 billion. As of 2022 approximately 12,000 people work in space related industries here. They need future workers, your students can be among these people.