ONE SMALL STEP FOR PACIFIC AIRSHOW, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR GOLD COAST STUDENTS
It’s not every day you get to meet an astronaut. But this year, Gold Coast students will have the chance.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is bringing space a little closer, with 2026 Australian of the Year and Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to help this year’s NXTGN STEM LAB take flight.
Students will have the chance to meet Katherine, hear about her journey to becoming an astronaut, and to operate a model of Roo-ver, the Aussie-made rover going to the Moon in 2030.
It’s all part of an Australian Space Agency activation for Pacific Airshow’s NXTGN STEM LAB, a hands-on education experience built to spark curiosity and open young eyes to the world of aviation, space, defence, engineering, science and technology.
Schools are invited to attend our dedicated Students with Altitude Day on Friday 14th August, 2026, where students can access both the NXTGN STEM LAB and Pacific Airshow at no cost.
The program takes students beyond the classroom and into an immersive environment where they can hear from industry leaders, connect with professionals, and engage directly with representatives from some of the nation’s leading aviation organisations, including Aviation Australia, a prominent exhibitor with its Young Aviator Hangar.
Katherine said she’s excited to take part in this year’s event come to life.
“Space is exciting, it’s awe-inspiring, it’s used by every single one of us every day, and it’s happening right here in Australia. The Pacific Airshow and NXTGN STEM LAB is an amazing opportunity to show how space benefits life on Earth and to excite young Australians about a future in STEM.”
“A love of space often sets young people on a path to a career as an engineer or scientist. Imagine how many future engineers and scientists may say in 20 or 30 years how Pacific Airshow and the NXTGN STEM LAB launched their STEM journey.”
Pacific Airshow Chief Operating Officer Sam Pearce said the program was designed to turn inspiration into real-world opportunity.
“This is exactly what NXTGN STEM LAB is all about: giving students a front-row seat to the people, technology and ideas shaping the future,” Mr Pearce said.
“We want every student who walks through NXTGN STEM LAB to leave thinking a little bigger about what their future could look like.”
After a huge response in Huntington Beach last year, where more than 6,000 students from 54 schools took part, Pacific Airshow is bringing the initiative to the Gold Coast for the first time, with a focus on inspiring local students and encouraging schools to get involved.
Schools, teachers and students are encouraged to register now to secure their place. For more information and to register, click here.