"Space science has led to innovative technologies (e.g., coatings, scratch-resistant lenses and ‘space food’) and many smaller-scale projects. In this contribution, we present several small projects – largely driven by students inspired by space – to show how a need in the space sector can have impact in other areas. Characterising the materials found on a planetary surface is essential to ensure that spacecraft are fit-for-purpose, resources are identified and utilised, to avoid potential health hazards, and to search for environments habitable for life. However, standard X-ray and infrared techniques are not straightforward to use on bodies beyond Earth; in part due to porosity, coatings, and mixtures of small grains. We undertook a series of analogue experiments to test different ways to analyse realistic materials. Our laboratory analyses provided data to improve asteroid characterisation; measure the chemistry of Mars (including the finest martian dust); and to model the effects of grainsize and mineralogy/glass variations, and salt coatings. The broader science impact surprised us - our work influenced conservators identifying coatings on historic monuments, archaeologists preserving indigenous rock art, and physicists monitoring mineral carbonation reactions to drawdown atmospheric CO2. Unravelling the geologic history and likelihood for habitability on a planet/moon are the primary goals of many missions. The science payload needs to meet these goals and allow for appropriate in situ experiments. Analog samples are key in this preparation thus we are examining rocks that reacted with high temperature gases (Kilauea volcano and underground), formed in salt lakes, and meteorites. We undertake synthesis experiments and apply thermochemical models as a basis for evaluating the best mission approaches. These same studies apply to volcanic hazards, environmental remediation at mines, water resources, and the formation of copper deposits. Graduates develop expertise in materials synthesis and analysis, geology and modelling in the context of space exploration."