Our Story

The Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) is a national, volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation driven by a passion to inspire and empower the next generation of aerospace professionals in Australia.

We were officially incorporated in 2008 as the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF), an initiative focused on outreach, education, and engagement in aerospace, aviation, and space. As the organisation rapidly expanded its reach and ambitions, we rebranded in 2012 as the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) to reflect our broader national presence and growing portfolio of programs.

Since then, AYAA has built a reputation as the leading youth organisation in Australia's aerospace sector, launching and growing several flagship initiatives:

  • 1998: The Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF) begins in Queensland as the Queensland Youth Space Forum, offering high school students hands-on exposure to aerospace pathways.

  • 2000: SpaceFutures 2000 is launched — later evolving into Aerospace Futures (AF), our national conference for university students and graduates.

  • 2012: Incorporated as the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) formalising our initiatives through a structured registered body in Queensland.

  • 2018: The Australian Universities Rocket Competition (AURC) is AYAA’s flagship rocketry competition, challenging university teams from across the country to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets in a safe and competitive environment.

  • 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we launch the ASTRA Program, a national virtual program tackling real-world space problems.

  • 2025: A landmark year with the launch of the Australian Grand Challenges, and the AYAA Journal, a peer-reviewed platform for student research and ideas.

Today, AYAA operates through a structured network of State Committees, Event Committees, and a National Executive, supported by strong partnerships with universities, industry, and government.

We run events, programs, and initiatives that create real opportunities for young people to connect, learn, lead, and thrive in the aerospace sector.

Led by youth. Backed by industry. Built for the future.