The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited

What The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited does

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited is a private Australian non-profit foundation incorporated in Adelaide, South Australia, that promotes space education, awareness, and career pathways in Australia. It was incorporated in July 2000 and officially launched in November 2020, with Dr. Andrew Thomas AO (NASA astronaut) as Founding Patron and Dr. Megan Clark AC (former Head of the Australian Space Agency) as Co-Patron. The Foundation operates an Education Fund that delivers scholarships and prizes spanning primary, secondary, tertiary, and postgraduate students, alongside national programs including Kids In Space (116 schools, 14,000+ students in 2024), the Mars Challenge, and the Aurora Inclusion Initiative for students with disability. Its flagship industry convening vehicles are the Australian Space Forum (18+ editions) and Australian Space Week, which together engage 6,500+ industry members annually.

The Foundation's portfolio of named scholarship programs — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — is funded through a mix of corporate sponsors, government partners, and university co-funding, with individual prizes ranging from $1,000 educator scholarships to a $90,000 PhD scholarship (Saturn Program). Recent additions include the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA, 2025) with Monash University and the Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (2025) with the University of Sydney, Aldrin Family Foundation, and NSW Department of Education.

Revenue is generated through four streams: corporate sponsorships (AWS, Microsoft, Saab, EOS, Frazer-Nash, Inovor, Scitek, CyberOps, Fleet Space Technologies, Neumann Space, Nano Vacuums), government grants (Australian Space Agency, SASIC as principal sponsor, NSW Government), tax-deductible donations enabled by DGR status (granted July 2021), and event revenue from the Australian Space Forum and ancillary ticketed events. The Foundation holds DGR status from the Australian Parliament (retroactive to July 1, 2020) and is headquartered at Lot Fourteen, the Adelaide innovation precinct.

Name

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited

Legal name

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited

Website

https://andythomas.foundation

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is an Australian non-profit that advances space education through K–12 and tertiary programs, scholarships, and the annual Australian Space Forum, serving students, teachers, and the national space industry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Education and Outreach

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), Scholarship, Financial Aid & FAFSA Support Platforms (EDAFAMAF), International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK)

Keywords

• Space education programs
• Space scholarships
• Space outreach
• STEM education
• Space industry events

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelaide

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships: The Foundation receives sponsorship from major corporations including Amazon AWS, Microsoft, EOS, Saab, Frazer-Nash, Inovor, Scitek, CyberOps, Fleet Space Technologies, Neumann Space, and Nano Vacuums. Sponsors provide financial and in-kind support.
2. Government Grants and Support: Government supporters including the Australian Space Agency, South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), and NSW Government provide funding and support for programs.
3. Donations: The Foundation has DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status, making donations of more than $2 tax-deductible, retroactive to July 1, 2020.
4. Event Revenue: Profits from the Australian Space Forum support the Foundation's annual educational programs. Some events like networking dinners are paid ticketed events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation delivers a portfolio of space-education and outreach programs, scholarships, and industry events in Australia. Core offerings include the annual Australian Space Forum and Australian Space Week events, primary and secondary school programs (Kids In Space, Mars Challenge, Aurora Program: Inclusion Initiative, Mercury 3D Innovation Challenge, Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative), and a planetary-named scholarship suite (Venus, Earth, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Dr Peter Woodgate, National Indigenous Space Academy) supporting students from primary school through PhD. Programs are funded by corporate sponsorships, government grants, and tax-deductible donations and are delivered in partnership with the Australian Space Agency, universities, and companies such as Makers Empire.

Product overview

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is a non-profit foundation (not a technology product company) focused on space education and outreach in Australia. The Foundation operates a portfolio of educational programs organized under its Education Fund, including the flagship Australian Space Forum (annual conference), Australian Space Week (annual national celebration), and various scholarship programs (Venus, Earth, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto programs) spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels. Key programs include Kids In Space (national primary/middle school program), Mars Challenge (secondary school challenge), Aurora Program (inclusion initiative for students with disability), and the National Indigenous Space Academy. These programs are delivered in partnership with the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, universities, and companies like Makers Empire.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Australian Space Forum: Major national space industry forum event organized by the foundation, held annually.
• Australian Space Week
• Education Fund Programs

Products and services

• Australian Space Forum Annual flagship industry conference bringing together global space industry leaders, researchers, innovators, and decision-makers, with exhibition space, sponsorship tiers, and networking for space industry professionals. The 19th edition (July 2026) is themed 'Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Space Partnerships In The Indo-Pacific'.
• Australian Space Week Annual week-long national celebration of space activities featuring dynamic programs of events, workshops, and experiences hosted across Australia by various partner organisations.
• Mars Challenge Program School challenge program for Years 7-10 in South Australia, delivered in partnership with Hamilton Secondary College, awarding ten prizes of $4,000 each for projects linked to space technology and the Buzz Aldrin Foundation's Giant Mars Map.
• Aurora Program: Inclusion Initiative Inclusion initiative for students and young people living with a disability, delivered in partnership with the Maras Foundation, providing free 3D printers, customised workshops, and space-themed 3D design curriculum in South Australian schools.
• Kids In Space Program National primary and middle school education program delivered by Makers Empire in partnership with the Australian Space Agency, reaching over 14,000 students across 116 schools in every Australian state and territory in 2024.
• Education Fund Comprehensive Foundation portfolio creating educational opportunities for Australian students at primary, secondary, tertiary, and postgraduate levels through scholarships, awards, internships, and prizes.
• Venus Program (Undergraduate Scholarships) Undergraduate scholarships for Year 12 graduates enrolling in space-related disciplines at university; eight scholarships of $5,000 each, jointly funded with the Playford Trust Foundation and universities including the University of Adelaide.
• Earth Program (Undergraduate Internship Prizes) Internship prizes of $2,500 each for undergraduate university students to undertake 6-week paid internships with Australian space companies.
• Neptune Program (SHSSP Scholarships) Full scholarships valued up to $17,000 for graduates and senior undergraduates to attend the International Space University/University of South Australia five-week Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP).
• Uranus Program (Graduate Scholarships) Three postgraduate scholarships of $10,000 each for students commencing honours or masters programs in space-related research fields.
• Jupiter Program (EOS Space Systems Research Awards) Three prizes of $10,000 each sponsored by EOS Space Systems for Australian researchers or doctoral candidates undertaking research projects in specified space technology fields.
• Saturn Program (PhD Scholarship) PhD scholarship valued at $90,000 ($30,000 per year for 3 years), jointly funded by the Foundation, SmartSat CRC, and DEWC for Australian PhD students in space-related fields.
• Pluto Program (cosine Remote Sensing Project Award) Prize valued at $15,000 for doctoral candidates and early-career researchers focusing on hyperspectral observations and algorithms, including a short-term visit to Europe, delivered in partnership with cosine.
• National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) Joint scholarship program with Monash University supporting First Nations students to pursue careers in space science and technology, including a 10-week research placement at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
• Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (ASCC) Four-day immersive professional development program for teachers and school leaders at the University of Sydney, including workshops, expert panels, and CubeSat construction, run as an official side-event of the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025). Seven scholarships of $1,000 each are offered to educators to attend.
• Dr Peter Woodgate Scholarships for Earth Observation Annual scholarships valued at $35,000 per year in partnership with SmartSat CRC for Masters by Research and PhD students undertaking study in Earth Observation.
• Mercury Program (3D Innovation Challenge) Primary schools program training teachers on space-themed 3D design curriculum in partnership with Makers Empire.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30,000 teachers and students from 300 schools participated in programs over five years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, constellation sponsor, minor and planetary sponsor.

• Australian Space AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Australian Space Agency is a key government partner supporting the Foundation's outreach and education goals. The Agency co-sponsors programs like Kids In Space and participates in joint initiatives including the Kibo Workshop with JAXA.
• South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSASIC is the principal sponsor of the Foundation through the South Australian Government. Provides ongoing support for programs and events.
• SmartSat Cooperative Research CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmartSat CRC is a key partner co-funding scholarships including the Dr Peter Woodgate Scholarships for Earth Observation ($35,000/year), the Saturn PhD Scholarship ($90,000 over 3 years), and supporting education programs.
• Makers EmpiremajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAdelaide-based EdTech company that delivers the Kids In Space program and Aurora Inclusion Initiative, providing 3D design curriculum and teacher training.
• University of South AustraliamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP) and hosts the Executive Space Course. Co-funds Venus undergraduate scholarships with Playford Trust.
• Playford TrustmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly funds Venus undergraduate scholarships ($5,000 each) for high-achieving year 12 students studying aerospace engineering at University of Adelaide.
• Hamilton Secondary CollegemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCoordinates the Mars Challenge Program for South Australian schools, providing access to space education resources including the Giant Mars Map.
• Maras FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGenerous contributor to the Aurora Program: Inclusion Initiative supporting students with disabilities in space education.
• Monash UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint scholarship partner for the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), with Keira Moran as inaugural recipient undertaking research at NASA JPL.
• EOS Space Systemsconstellation sponsorTechnology or IntegrationCorporate sponsor and partner for the Jupiter Program research awards ($10,000 prizes) for space technology research.
• German-Australian Chamber of Industry and CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of Life in Space events exploring collaborations between space and health sectors.
• iLAuNCH TrailblazermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner$180M collaborative program between universities and industry, sponsoring Kids In Space and other education initiatives.
• University of MelbourneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SpIRIT Satellite Internship Prizes (5 prizes of $6,000 each) with internship offers from space companies.
• Adelaide UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts Summer Space Series events and partners for Venus scholarships and other education programs.
• NSW Department of EducationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for the NSW Space Discovery Program and Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (ASCC).
• Clifford ChanceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGlobal law firm providing legal counsel with Julia Dreosti (global space sector lead) serving on the Board.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)planetary sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing cloud services support for the Foundation's programs.
• Saab Australiaplanetary sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and host company for Earth Program internship opportunities.
• Toyota Foundation AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew sponsor and partner for Kids In Space program expansion in 2025.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Challenger Center: US non-profit created in memory of the Challenger crew that delivers STEM education programs to students. Comparable mission to ATSF's Kids In Space and Mars Challenge programs in inspiring students through space-themed hands-on learning.
• National Space Club: US non-profit organization that promotes space awareness through events, scholarships, and awards — closely mirroring ATSF's model of combining industry forums (Australian Space Forum) with student scholarships and prizes.
• International Space University: ISU delivers the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program in partnership with the University of South Australia, with full scholarships funded by ATSF's Neptune Program. Comparable space-education and scholarship delivery model.
• Aldrin Family Foundation: US non-profit that partners with ATSF on the Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (ASCC) scholarships. Similar foundation-led approach to funding teacher professional development and STEM education in space themes.
• Buzz Aldrin Foundation (Giant Mars Map): US space-education foundation partnering with ATSF on the Mars Challenge Program via the Giant Mars Map. Directly comparable STEM-education mission and foundation structure, focused on inspiring students through space exploration.

Broad incumbents

• Space Foundation: US-based non-profit that promotes space awareness and education through events (Space Symposium), teacher programs, and scholarships. Directly comparable mission and structure to ATSF, but operating at much larger scale in the United States.
• Canadian Space Agency (Youth and Education Programs): Canadian government agency running space education and outreach for students and teachers. Similar public-sector-aligned education delivery model, serving a national audience with scholarship and program initiatives comparable to ATSF's Education Fund.
• Space Center Houston (Education Programs): Official visitor centre of NASA Johnson Space Center offering space education programs for students and teachers. Similar space-education focus and partnership-driven delivery model to ATSF, with broader facility-based offerings.
• UK Space Agency (Education Programme): UK government agency that funds space education, scholarships, and outreach programmes. Comparable outreach mandate to ATSF's support of the Australian Space Agency, though operates as a government body rather than independent foundation.

Others

• Makers Empire: Adelaide-based EdTech company that delivers ATSF's Kids In Space and Aurora Inclusion Initiative programs. Functions as an implementation partner rather than peer, providing 3D design curriculum and teacher training that powers ATSF's flagship school programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/theandythomasspacefoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-andy-thomas-space-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/andythomas_space_foundation
• Xtwitter.com/ATSF

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Limited