The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge: Building Future Space Capability at the University Level

Paper number

IAC-14,E1,3,10,x24471

Author

Mr. Lawrence Reeves, Canada

Year

2014

Abstract

The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC) is a Canada-wide competition for teams of university students to design and build a cubesat satellite. The primary objective of the competition is to launch the winning team’s satellite, in order to conduct its science mission; however, there are several additional objectives, intended to help build space knowledge and research and development capability, at the university level.

The CSDC also has an Educational Outreach component, whereby each team is required to give presentations to a variety of audiences. Specific among these are pre-university (elementary and secondary) students, with the goal of inspiring and motivating them to pursue post-secondary education in science or engineering disciplines. Recently, the CSDC instituted a prize which will be awarded to a team for outstanding effort and contribution their Educational Outreach efforts.

In this paper and presentation, the author will present results from the first two competitions which have been held, focusing on how the CSDC has helped spawn new space expertise and capability at Canada’s universities, and summarising the extensive Educational Outreach efforts which the teams have dedicated to younger students.

Abstract document

IAC-14,E1,3,10,x24471.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-14,E1,3,10,x24471.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.