The ACHIEVED Academy, accessible space education initiative launched by the Space Generation Advisory Council.

Paper number

IAC-23,E1,IP,4,x76567

Author

Mrs. Maria Casanovas Crespo, UPC, Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Bram de Winter, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Mark Angelo Purio, Laboratory of Spacecraft Environment Interaction Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Ms. Rashika Sugganahalli Natesh Babu, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Sapna Rao, Lockheed Martin (Space Systems Company), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Marcos Eduardo Rojas Ramirez, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), France

Year

2023

Abstract

As humanity continues to explore the frontiers of space, the demand for skilled professionals in the space sector continues to grow. As the space sector grows and advances, it becomes increasingly complex and sophisticated, requiring a broad range of specialized knowledge and skills. Therefore, it is essential to provide young students with experiences that equip them with the necessary tools to pursue careers in the space sector. Unfortunately, today such opportunities are only available in a limited number of countries (usually those with a developed space sector), and even then, many students cannot afford their cost. 

In this context, the Space Exploration Project Group (SPEG) of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) has decided to launch a Space Mission Design Training Program to support young students and professionals in acquiring knowledge and experience that can help them start their careers in the space sector. This "Academy" would become part of the Assembly for Concepts in Human Interplanetary Exploration with Various Extraterrestrial Designations (ACHIEVED) Research Team. 

The objective is to develop and manage a free (no cost paid by the participants) and open (available for everyone with an internet connection and a laptop) educational program around the subjects and disciplines needed to design space exploration missions. Ideally, this program would expose the participants to all the significant aspects of space mission design and systems engineering. At the same time, they would have the opportunity to work together on a project that allows them to put what they have learned into practice.

This paper aims to present the first version of the ACHIEVED Academy program and explain the approach taken by the Academy Leadership Team to develop and manage the program. At the same time, the paper will discuss the significant challenges and lessons learned, highlighting the key factors that will lead to the success of these kinds of initiatives. Similarly, the content of this paper hopes to provide a blueprint for any person or entity interested in launching similar initiatives within their respective countries or organizations. 

This work results from the efforts made by the ACHIEVED Academy Leadership Team under the guidance of the Space Exploration Project Group (SEPG) of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).

Abstract document

IAC-23,E1,IP,4,x76567.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-23,E1,IP,4,x76567.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.