The Mission Proposal Competition is a national wide initiative designed to engage high school students across New Zealand in the development of a satellite mission concept for a 3U CubeSat (30 × 10 × 10 cm). The goal is to generate innovative mission ideas that deliver measurable benefits to Aotearoa New Zealand — such as environmental monitoring, climate data collection, atmospheric research or simply something really cool and useful to the general public.

Open to all secondary schools, the competition is structured to ensure accessibility regardless of prior experience. Participants receive a starter guide, optional mentoring support, and the opportunity to compete for five or more awards, including cash prizes and travel to the New Zealand Aerospace Summit. Above all, if the winning idea is feasbile, then it will become the next satellite getting built and launched in our high school program. The satellite orbiting around the Earth will be used for education purposes over many generations. Your idea can become a new milestone in space. Participants can enter by submitting either a full mission proposal or a creative project name and logo—or both!

This competition is about big ideas, not technical details. We’re looking for bold, creative concepts that imagine how space technology can be used for the benefit of New Zealand. Entries will be judged on vision, relevance, creativity, and clarity. Prizes will be awarded across several categories, including a public-voted “Galaxy Pick” award.

No prior experience required—just imagination, a passion for space, and a desire to make your mark! A starter guide is coming soon!

Proposal submission opens on Monday 1st September and closes on 31st December 2025.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at our starter guide below!