Assisi Catholic College brothers launch their STEM dreams into orbit

For brothers Jett (Year 11) and Chase Austin (Year 12) from Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera a passion for problem solving has taken them from the classroom to the Australian Space Forum in Adelaide.  

After winning the National STEM in Space Award at STEM MAD Nationals in 2025 for their invention ‘Apollo,’ the brothers are now preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible by a $4,000 bursary from the Andy Thomas Space Foundation. The brothers also won BCE’s STEM MAD Secondary competition in 2025. 

Jett said the opportunity to attend the Australian Space Forum this July is truly out of this world. 

"While our invention Apollo was designed to keep people safe on Earth, this experience is giving us the chance to explore what's possible beyond it," he said. 

The brothers' award-winning invention, Apollo, is an innovative system designed to monitor drivers for signs of sleepiness and medical emergencies, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable road users. The project embodies the spirit of BCE’s STEM MAD Competition, using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to ‘Make a Difference’ in people’s lives. 

Chase said the journey from developing a road safety solution to attending one of Australia's leading space industry events has opened up a universe of possibilities. 

“We are eager to meet industry leaders and hear from Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, as well as explore emerging space technologies, and ultimately discover where STEM could take us next.”  

BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle Smith said STEM MAD shows what’s possible when students are given opportunities to apply their learning to real-world challenges.  

“This STEM initiative aligns strongly with the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement by helping young people develop the creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to thrive,” she said. 

“It also empowers every student to turn their ideas into solutions that make a genuine difference in their communities,” she said. 

“STEM MAD turns classroom learning into real-world impact.” 

Looking ahead, the pair hopes to continue developing Apollo, with the goal of helping reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue and medical emergencies.  

“Our vision is simple, harness technology to create safer roads, save lives, and make a meaningful difference in our community,” Jett adds. 

As schools across Brisbane Catholic Education gear up for STEM MAD Online on14 September 2026, the brothers' journey is a powerful reminder that a simple idea, driven by curiosity, creativity and a desire to ‘Make a Difference,’ can open doors to extraordinary opportunities beyond the school gates. 

During the trip, the brothers will not only hear from Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, but also visit the Australian Space Discovery Centre, participate in a Mission to Mars experience and explore future careers in the space sector.  

For more information about Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera or to enrol click here. 

Find a Catholic school on the Gold Coast today, click here. 

More about the Australian Space Forum 

Hosted by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and supported by the Australian Space Agency and the South Australian Space Industry Centre, the 19th Australian Space Forum will explore the challenges, opportunities and new partnerships shaping the future of space across the Indo-Pacific region. 

More about the Andy Thomas Space Foundation