The New Zealand Space Agency has launched Patch to the Future, a national competition inviting students in Years 1–8 to design their own space‑themed mission patch. The initiative builds on the excitement generated by the Artemis II mission and aims to inspire young people to imagine New Zealand’s role in space exploration.
Mission patches are symbolic designs worn on astronaut uniforms to represent the purpose of a mission. Students are encouraged to create bold, original designs, either hand‑drawn or digital, though generative AI tools are not permitted.
One winning design will be selected from each of three categories—Years 1–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8—with certificates awarded to the winners. An overall winner will then be chosen, whose design will be produced as an official New Zealand Space Agency patch. The prize also includes a jacket featuring the patch, a certificate, and a school visit from a Space Agency representative.
The competition is open now and closes on Friday, 5 June 2026. It forms part of the New Zealand Space Agency’s 10‑year anniversary celebrations, encouraging creativity and engagement with space among the country’s youngest learners.
