Launching experiments into orbit might sound like science fiction, but the Swinburne Haileybury International Space Station Experiment (SHINE) is making the dreams of Haileybury scientists come true.   

SHINE teams Haileybury students with astrophysicists from Swinburne University as they design, test, build and evaluate experiments destined for the International Space Station. Here are some of the significant moments in the Haileybury SHINE program. 

The idea for SHINE is sparked after Haileybury hosts guest speaker Alan Duffy from Swinburne University’s Space Technology and Industry Institute.  

Now in the eighth year, SHINE is Australia’s longest running Australian led International Space Station program. 

Over 50 Haileybury students have been involved in SHINE.  

“You are inspired by what the researchers do when working in astronomy. Space is crucial to our future society and there are many people out there who are working for the benefit of everyone.” Ihaab, Year 11. 

2018 – magnetorheological fluid

2019 – microcavity

2020 – self-sustaining biomes

2021 – space yoghurt

2022 – microgreens in microgravity (The microgreens of germinated clover seeds grew better in space than on Earth.)

2023 – mission mushroom

2024 – microgreens 2.0 

First to send loose teeth to space

First Australian research team to grow plants and culture yogurt in space 

2022 – Finalist for Outstanding Outreach with a Steam Project or Program – Aviation/Aerospace Australia Airspace Awards 

2022 – Vice Chancellor’s Excellence ‘Empowerment Award’ – Swinburne University  

2024 – Finalist, Diversity Initiative Program of the Year, Australian Space Awards 

2024 – Australian Space Awards – Swinburne University wins University of the Year recognising space research (including SHINE) 

2024 – Astrophysicist Dr Sara Webb receives the Rising Star Award (recognising SHINE) at the Australian Space Awards 

2025 – Finalist, Diversity Initiative Program of the Year, Australian Space Awards  

Feature length documentary Fortitude: Forging the trillion-dollar space economy by Director Torsten Hoffman covers SHINE experiments 

A Current Affair screens a story on SHINE and fungi in space 

Together with Swinburne University SHINE has partnered with Rhodium Scientific, Quest for Space, with potential for other USA and Japanese Space-oriented companies. 

“Networking with university personnel and exploring potential pathways in our space industry forms a key part of the SHINE program.” Dale Murchie, teacher in charge of SHINE.