Ayla Eggins

Growing up in a regional area means opportunities can be few and far between, so discovering a passion wasn’t always easy. Luckily, One Giant Leap Australia (OGL) ran an event near my hometown when I was younger and that single experience sparked my curiosity for space.

I’ve been supported by and involved with OGL since 2023, starting with my first event at their Aerospace Academy in Wauchope. That day was packed with practical activities like building habitats, launching bottle rockets, and designing rovers.

In 2024, I was accepted into the Aerospace Camp Inverell. We explored VR simulations, designed insulation protection, launched bottle rockets and dynamite rockets. This camp pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me grow my confidence, and taught me how to present data. This ultimately helped me realise I wanted to become a Space Educator.

Just two weeks later, I was selected to attend the first Space Teams Academy at Western Sydney University as the student mentor. The week was filled with designing space habitats, learning orbital trajectory and descent, and hearing from special guests. The support I received from OGL strengthened my communication skills and helped me learn how to guide and encourage the next group of students coming through the program.

In 2025, I was chosen to join the Space Tour USA. Those two weeks genuinely changed my life. Huntsville Space Camp was mind blowing. Every day was full of missions, space talks, SCUBA, rocket building, and constant learning. Being surrounded by like minded people (both participants and staff) was uplifting and inspiring. It made me more confident, more curious, and even more determined to become a Space Educator. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity I will carry with me forever.

I want to thank Electro Optic Systems (EOS) for giving me the opportunity to take part in these life changing experiences. Their support opened doors I never imagined possible.

I am also deeply grateful to One Giant Leap Australia for every opportunity, every challenge, and every moment of encouragement. OGL has shaped who I am becoming, and I wouldn’t be on this pathway without them.

I have plans to become a Space Educator as I seek to support the future of Australia’s space workforce and to educate and empower those from all areas, gender and socioeconomics.

I plan to become a Space Educator so I can help build Australia’s future space workforce. I want to support and inspire students from all backgrounds just as OGL supported and inspired me. My goal is to give future students the same opportunities that changed my life.