The Australian Space Design National Finals (ASDC) is a high-octane industry simulation event that unfolds over a weekend in mid-January. Finalists from the ASDC Qualifying Round come together to form aeronautical engineering companies and tackle a new Request for Tender (RFT) based on a space settlement scenario. With just 30 hours to meet the RFT requirements and present their designs, the competition culminates in formal presentations to a panel of expert judges.

Magdalene teachers Rosanne Taccone and Chris Ferry, along with our six students, Grant Soinks, Logan Clare, Christine Brazier, Isla Attard, Lachlan Campbell, and Angelina Bampton, journeyed to Brisbane for this event held between January 13-14, 2024. Despite a plane cancellation on Friday afternoon, staff and students arrived in muggy Brisbane and settled into St Leo’s College Student Accomodation for the weekend. Christine, Grant and Isla even hopped up early on Saturday to join Mr Ferry in running the 5km St Lucia Park run alongside the Brisbane river at 7am, to get the blood flowing!

The event took place at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus, with students working tirelessly from 8am on Saturday morning until the presentations began at 5:30pm on Sunday evening. Throughout the weekend, students received guidance from industry experts including several Boeing Engineers and Space Design Competitions Australia Alumni, who shared their knowledge and insights. They competed for a qualifying place in the International competition, held in Florida, US each year. 

Over the intense 30-hour competition, these talented and dedicated Magdalene students took part in the Australian Space Design National Finals. This STEM challenge, resembling the complexities of the engineering industry, demanded not only technical expertise but also skills in workplace relations, marketing, and people management.

Our Magdalene team joined forces with James Ruse High and St Aidan's Brisbane to form the 30 person 'Crux’ company, embarking on an exciting journey to secure a hypothetical space station project set in the year 2059. Grant Spinks led the structural engineering department, while Lachlan Campbell headed the Human Factors division, collaborating with Isla and Christine on the space's design outside working hours. Angelina and Logan were instrumental in the Business and Robotics teams.

Their remarkable journey culminated in a live-streamed presentation, where five competing companies battled for the coveted contract. You can still watch the event here: Facebook Link.

Lachlan Campbell and Grant Spinks led the charge, delivering an impressive presentation before a panel of industry professionals. Their team members, Logan Clare, Christine Brazier, Isla Attard, and Angelina Bampton, played crucial roles in this endeavour leading up to the presentation. All students represented Magdalene College with distinction. We eagerly look forward to returning next year, aiming to achieve even greater heights.

Despite their outstanding presentation and confident responses to the judges' questions, Crux did not secure the tender. Nevertheless, their resilience and dedication were evident, leaving us convinced that they were among the top contenders.

We cannot forget to mention the invaluable support of Mrs Rosanne Taccone, who tirelessly assisted the students throughout the competition weekend. Our genuine thanks go to Rosanne. All travellers returned home safely, exhausted but enriched by an experience that transcends STEM knowledge and skills.

A video showcase will be presented at Assembly during Term 1, but please enjoy some photos from the event. 

Mr Chris Ferry

ASDC Coordinator