Enhacing undergradute studies in Uruguay with aerospace activities

Paper number

IAC-10.B4.1.9

Author

Ms. Maria Victoria Alonsoperez, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), Uruguay

Year

2010

Abstract

This paper presents the work in progress to build Uruguay´s first micro-satellite. It is done as means of improving the education methodology at the Faculty of Engineering of the State University. 

This project, called Project LAÍ, is strictly aimed at undergraduate students. By this, students of all ages can get involved in an activity that demands creativity, responsibility, scientific thought and a lot of research, in a professional team environment. All these are fundamental aspects of education that are currently lacking in the standard academic program. In fact, the long term goal of this project is to change the methodology of education of the Electrical Engineering career. 

Each module of the satellite is done by a team of 3 students, which means that students must learn to work as a team. Furthermore, they must come up with a low cost solution for their task, due to lack of budget. By this students learn how to optimize the use of everything they posses in order to build their module. 

The project so far includes the work of 20 undergraduate students. They have completely developed and tested high altitude balloon platforms which carry telemetry plus scientific payloads. Currently, 10 students are working directly on satellite modules, platform and modeling. There are also many groups in waiting list.

Abstract document

IAC-10.B4.1.9.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.B4.1.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.