The Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Young Australian Space Leader (YASL) Award. This esteemed scholarship allows outstanding young Australians to attend the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), taking place in Milan, Italy this October. The YASL Award recognizes exceptional young Australians who have made significant contributions to the space industry. This year’s recipients will represent Australia on a global stage, with all expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, and conference fees.

Myrthe Snoeks, President of the AYAA, shared her excitement about the 2024 recipients: “We are incredibly proud to provide these talented individuals with the opportunity to attend the International Astronautical Congress. It’s not just about the scholarship itself, but about the impact these future leaders will have on the space industry. Our mission is to inspire and enable the next generation of aerospace professionals, and these young leaders truly embody that vision.

The 2024 YASL recipients are:

• Ms Georgi Coddington: A double degree student in Mechatronic Engineering and Mathematics at The University of Wollongong, Georgi is also the Director of the AYAA’s Astra Program. Georgi said, “Growing up rurally kindled my love for space and having the opportunity to start my career in the space sector is something that I am really proud of. I am excited to be a role model for our next generation of space leaders.”
• Ms Alana Liebelt: Currently pursuing a Computer Science degree at the University of Adelaide, Alana works as a Space Communicator at the Australian Space Discovery Centre and as an Undergraduate Software Engineer at BAE Systems. She remarked, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the world’s largest space conference and connect with other passionate individuals in the global space sector. I look forward to using the valuable insights I will gain to contribute further to Australia’s space industry!”
• Mr James Gray: An Engineering and Physics student at Monash University with a passion for space travel and sustainability, James commented, “Thank you to all upcoming aerospace leaders who continuously put Australia on the map. I promise to represent us with integrity and show everyone that Australia has passionate youths with drive and vision. The future of sustainable space is in our hands.”
• Mr Nathanael Vazouras: Studying Mechatronic Engineering and Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Macquarie University, Nathanael works with Thales and serves as a soldier in the Australian Army Reserves. He stated, “I am humbled to accept this award as there truly is an entire network of volunteers, colleagues, and sponsors who have enabled us to continue having such a positive impact on hundreds of students and young professionals in aerospace each year. It’s an extremely exciting time for the space industry in Australia, and I’m eager to continue contributing to its growth and watching it develop further on the international stage in the years to come.”
• Mr Thomas Molesworth: A BE (Hons)/ME student majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The University of Queensland, Thomas also volunteers as the Lead Systems Engineer at UQ Space. He said, “I would like to sincerely thank AYAA for awarding me the YASL 2024 scholarship, giving me the awesome opportunity to travel to Milan to attend the International Astronautical Congress 2024. I am incredibly excited to go and learn as much as I can about the international aerospace industry, and I hope to share all of my experiences and learnings with my peers when I return.”
• Mr Patrick Underwood: An Aerospace Engineering (Hons.) student at RMIT and leader of its 2024 Aurora V rocket team, Patrick expressed, “I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the AYAA for providing me with this award. I am excited to meet and discuss the future of space with our current and future industry leaders.”

The AYAA extends its heartfelt thanks to the generous individuals and industry partners whose support makes this scholarship possible. Their contributions are vital in creating opportunities for young Australians to make a significant impact on the global stage.

For further information, please contact: Australian Youth Aerospace Association [contact@ayaa.com.au]