Adelaide space spider lands global spotlight
In 2023, Fleet Space Technologies in Adelaide launched a competition that would put a South Australian student’s artwork on a piece of space hardware traveling beyond Earth. The winning entry, created by Vatsal Jigneshkumar Thakkar, has since been 3D printed onto SPIDER — the Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery, Exploration, and Research.
From the classroom to a lunar shell
Vatsal’s design blends biology, chemistry and astronomy motifs, reflecting a fascination with how space science connects disciplines on Earth and beyond. For his prize, Vatsal and his school were awarded a custom SPIDER mockup featuring his artwork, and he and 20 guests earned a tour of Fleet Space’s new global headquarters and manufacturing facility as Fleet celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The SPIDER mission to the Moon’s South Pole
SPIDER is set to travel to the Moon as part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 2. The mission aims to collect seismic data to better understand the lunar surface and to search for ice deposits, a critical resource for sustained exploration. The plan aligns with broader efforts to map the Moon’s interior and to identify habitable environments for future crews and robotic explorers.
How SPIDER contributes to lunar science
Seismic measurements help scientists interpret the Moon’s structure, detect hidden layers, and assess the stability of potential landing sites. By pairing SPIDER’s data with other instruments on the Blue Ghost lander, researchers hope to build a more complete picture of what lies beneath the Moon’s crust and where ice might be found near the South Pole.
Journey to space: deployment and collaboration
SPIDER will hitch a ride aboard Firefly’s two-stage spacecraft. The Elytra orbital vehicle will deploy the Blue Ghost lander into lunar orbit, after which SPIDER will be transferred to the lunar surface. The mission marks a notable example of international collaboration, with Fleet Space’s work alongside NASA and other global partners highlighted at the Horizon Global Summit in Adelaide.
A milestone for South Australia
Fleet Space marked its 10th anniversary with the opening of a 5,300 square metre global headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility at Adelaide Airport’s Catalyst Park. The Horizon Global Summit brought together international leaders in space, resources and technology, reinforcing Adelaide’s role as a growing hub for space innovation and education.
Looking to the future
As SPIDER makes its journey to the Moon, the event also shines a light on the impact of local youth on space exploration. Vatsal’s story demonstrates how regional students can contribute to high-profile missions and how schools benefit from strong industry ties. The mission is also a reminder that the Moon continues to be a destination that inspires scientists, students and engineers alike in Australia and around the world.
