UNGA76 Science Summit

The Schools Satellite Project (SSP) is intended to enable a cohort of high schools worldwide to design, construct, launch and fly a small satellite – also called a Nano-Satellite or Cube Satellite.
The project will allow high school students to have direct experience building and flying a small satellite and using satellites to collect data for analysis. By creating this enabling environment, students will have the opportunity to gain some experience in the design, construction and operation of a satellite. This will include designing the mission objectives, including designing the instrumentation on the satellite which will collect data to fulfil the mission objectives. A key component of the project will be to allow students to design the projects but the broad domain areas will include satellite navigation and earth observation.

In pursuing its objectives, SSP will engage with key enabling stakeholders including universities, industry bodies including satellite manufacturers and space agencies and others involved in the operation of satellites.

The broad timeframe for the project is as follows:
September 2021- June 2022 SSP satellite design
September 2022- June 2023 SSP construction
1 July 2023 SSP mission launch by Spanish EU Council Presidency
June 2023-May 2024 SSP mission


Participation in the project will be open to schools from around the world. The project will be constructed in a way to allow students to participate in different modules at different times, recognising that a long-term commitment by any one student will be difficult. So the project will be designed to fit in with curricula and provide participation modules providing positive inputs to different areas of school curricula, including science, medications technologies, computer skills, data analytics, coding, project management, team working, English language skills, amongst others.


Project Objectives

• Teach high school students about satellites and satellite operations
• Provide a skills base on all aspects of the project including mechanics, electronics and data analysis and artificial intelligence
• Provide input into school curricula in certain key areas
• Provide opportunities apart from directly working on the satellite for students to benefit from the programme, including specially designed lectures, courses and related activities
• Provide occasions for students to meet active scientists and others working in space-related fields, such as agriculture, navigation, transport and communications
• Support students to understand the global space industry and manufacturers providing the elements and components that comprise satellites
• Help students understand the contribution of satellite navigation and earth observation for the entire society
• Show how space-based applications and assets can support the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Provide occasions for students to meet key personalities
• Provide opportunities for students to learn about related science, and technology and innovation careers
• Expose children to information sources and help them to manage research
• Provide an environment where students can learn coding and other practical skills
• Connect students through operational activities from schools around the world
• The project to key international developments including the European Union Council Presidency Spain will host in 2023, the United Nations General Assembly 78 (UNGA78), including the activities of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union Space Programmes Agency (EUSPA), space agencies from Africa, Latin America and Asia, United States and Canada
• Help children improve their English language skills are the second language and provide opportunities for other language groups to gain exposure to languages where they have an interest
• Provide opportunities for teachers and other mentors to access skills, knowledge and education tools
• Link institutional activities, for example, those of the European Commission, with high school students
• Assist students in understanding key global policies in particular in the area of digital transformation and the green agenda;
• Encourage girls to become interested in space sciences, improve the research gender balance and inclusiveness.