Ayla McGrath

I’m Ayla McGrath and I live smack bang in the middle of Victoria. I love cars and all things fast. My main interests are Formula One and NHL then followed by some newer interests such as V8 Supercars and MotoGP.

I’ve learnt that if you’re dedicated, and fiercely passionate, you will reach your goal. I never say no to an opportunity to learn or gain experience.
As a Trailblazer I want to demonstrate that being yourself shouldn’t hold you back, it should propel you forward.

My highlight of the Space Tour USA was the California Science Centre. I love space shuttles so much that I have memorabilia dating back to the 80’s. Therefore, going to the home of Endeavour was a dream come true.

On the Space Tour we travelled across LA doing activities such as visiting the Griffith Observatory, going to the local farmers market, spending out last day at Disneyland and walking the halls of multiple museums.

At the Advanced Space Academy, the team bonding we had during our week was amazing. Team Marineris worked as one big machine, calmly and efficiently completing our missions.

We had learnt about the history of space travel and had the privilege of seeing an unused Saturn V.

I have launched my Level 1 certificate rocket, Artemis, named after the Greek goddess with the orange being the colour of the Artemis SLS, twice in late 2025. I am currently building and revising a test to get my level 1 certificate to launch my next rocket, King Krule, named after the artist with recognition to his album ‘6 Feet Beneath the Moon’.

Perseverance. Space industry exposure and experience is hard to find. With One Giant Leap Australia, I couldn’t have ever been more thankful for exposing me to the world of space had really given me an understanding of what I could be in for.

Persistence. It’s hard to persist when you don’t know what your end goal is. I’ve never been awarded a representative role at school, but my persistence has finally paid off and finally I have gained a position on the student board. For any goal I have, I’m not letting anything get in the way.

Ambition. I have the energy to complete a goal. Being ambitious is what got me my scholarship and student ambassadorship for the 2025 Space Tour USA.
Passion. I have been so extremely passionate about space that I flew halfway across the world to be a part of it. Passion is what makes me strive to do my best in any field.