The Satellites & Payloads Department focuses on designing small satellite systems, scientific payloads, and mission concepts for real space‑related programmes. Students work on electronics, sensing, data collection, software, structures, and mission design, gaining experience with the kinds of systems used in modern space missions. It’s a highly multidisciplinary department, ideal for students interested in space science, engineering, programming, and instrumentation.
The Satellite Design Competition is a national competition where teams design a full satellite mission, including payload, structure, power, communications, and operations. It’s a great entry point for students new to satellite engineering, offering a structured challenge and real mission‑design experience.
The In‑Space Assembly & Manufacturing Competition explores future concepts for building and assembling structures directly in space. Students work on robotics, modular structures, sensing, and mission concepts for orbital construction. It’s a forward‑looking project ideal for students interested in advanced space systems and emerging technologies.
The REXUS/BEXUS Programme is a European programme that launches student experiments on sounding rockets (REXUS) and high‑altitude balloons (BEXUS). Our team will develop scientific payloads designed to operate in extreme environments, giving students experience with real flight hardware, environmental testing, and ESA‑level documentation.
The ESA Design Booster programme helps students develop early‑stage mission concepts with guidance from ESA experts. Our team will work on spacecraft design, payload concepts, and feasibility studies, gaining insight into how professional missions are planned and evaluated