The National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) has announced its first industry partner, with Boeing committing to fully fund a student place in the program.

Now in its third year, NISA — a first-of-its-kind initiative delivered through Monash University's Faculty of Engineering and supported by the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO — provides First Nations students with hands-on experience at the forefront of space exploration through placements at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California and RAL Space in the United Kingdom.

Founded by Wadjak/Ballardong man, Professor Chris Lawrence, the academy offers students the opportunity to build expertise across disciplines, including planetary science, space exploration, robotics and astrophysics.

Professor Lawrence, who has recently been appointed Professor of Practice in Space Innovation and Security Capabilities in the Faculty of Engineering, said the partnership with Boeing would have a significant impact on the program and its students.

"NISA is life-changing for our students, empowering them to work on real-life space missions," NISA's Director said.

"The Boeing scholarship will support an Indigenous student to literally reach for the stars and shape their future; perhaps as our first Indigenous Australian astronaut."

He previously told National Indigenous Times: "Can we imagine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people going into space?"

"Can we imagine that we could have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronaut up there working on the International Space Station: Going to the moon, going to Mars, going to other planets? Because that's where we can be," he said.

Michael Edwards, Vice President, Global Technology, Boeing Technology Innovation, said the company was working alongside Monash and NISA to create opportunities for First Nations students pursuing careers in aerospace.

"Alongside Monash and NISA, we are helping create meaningful opportunities for First Nations students who want to pursue exciting careers in aerospace," Mr Edwards said.

"This industry is geared to those who dream about flight and finding new ways to explore our world and beyond. Programs like this will help ensure Australia remains at the forefront of aerospace and innovation."

Students are selected on academic merit, with NISA open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate and postgraduate students studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics at any Australian university.

Monash Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President Professor Robyn Ward said the university is committed to supporting Indigenous excellence and expanding global opportunities in space science and engineering.

"Boeing's partnership strengthens a program that is fast emerging as a flagship for Indigenous excellence in STEM, and reflects Monash's advanced space capabilities and ambitions," Professor Ward said.

Applications for NISA's 2026 program are open until 27 February. Students can apply via the NISA website.