Ascension Catholic School in Melbourne launched rockets during its third annual Space Day on March 13, 2026, despite a scrubbed SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral that same day. The event, themed 'Majesty in Motion: Finding Our Place in God’s Plan for Space, Flight, and Science,' drew students and guests to the school, which was temporarily renamed 'Space Base Ascension.'
The day began with speeches from Astronaut Gretchen Green and former NASA engineer Jon Cowart. Green, a physician who flew on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, told students, 'What I want you to remember is to raise your hand before you are ready. Keep the faith, keep looking up.' Cowart compared avoiding space exploration to never leaving one's house, urging students to 'go outside' to learn more about the universe.
Students participated in activities like coding, science experiments, and building a hovercraft. Rocket launches were a highlight, with the school's own rockets blasting off despite the scrubbed SpaceX mission. The event emphasized hands-on learning, transforming the campus into an interactive space-themed environment.
Green shared her non-traditional path to becoming an astronaut, noting she pursued medicine first before securing a spot on Blue Origin. Cowart, a former NASA manager, stressed curiosity and the importance of exploring beyond Earth. The school's third Space Day aimed to inspire students while connecting STEM education to faith and the broader purpose of space exploration.