Are you a seasoned professional in the European CubeSat or PocketQube industry? Do you want to inspire and support the next generation of space engineers? The Fly Your Satellite program is looking for mentors to guide student teams as they develop and launch their own satellites!
With the industry mentorship initiative, ESA Academy is strengthening ties between education and industry to better prepare future space professionals. This effort is part of ESA’s Space for Education 2030 vision, which fosters collaboration between ESA, academia, and industry to equip students with the skills and network needed to thrive in the evolving space sector.
Why Become a Mentor?
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Direct Industry Connection: Provide technical support from an industry to talented student teams working on real space missions.
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Site Visits: Engage in hands-on collaboration through company visits and reciprocal team visits.
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Talent Cultivation: Identify and connect with bright young engineers for the future of the European Space industry.
By joining the program, you contribute to Europe’s growing space ecosystem while gaining fresh perspectives from the next generation of aerospace innovators.
How It Works
We are looking for passionate professionals to guide student teams through an exciting mentorship journey:
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Step 1: Call for Mentors – Industry experts express their interest in mentoring a team.
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Step 2: Matchmaking – We carefully pair mentors with teams based on their expertise and project needs, ensuring a great fit.
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Step 3: Mentorship Phase (6 months)–
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We suggest a baseline of monthly 1-hour virtual mentorship sessions to provide guidance and insights.
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Opportunities to meet the student team in person, subject to available resources and feasibility.
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If possible, a visit from the student team to the mentor’s company to gain firsthand industry experience and strengthen their understanding of professional workflows.
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Step 4: Progress Review & Next Steps – After six months, mentors and teams meet for a feedback session to reflect on achievements and decide on any continuation in the mentorship.
The mentorship programme is a new element of Fly Your Satellite programme, with this new industrial collaboration coming in addition to the tailored and guided support provided by ESA Education and ESA technical specialists.
Get Involved
This is your chance to help shape the future of the space industry. If you or your company are interested in mentoring a team, reach out to us today and be part of this incredible journey! We aim to kick off the pilot cycle in spring 2025.
You can notify your interest by filling out this form before 25 April 2025.
Eligibility
We’re looking for industry professionals working in the CubeSat or PocketQube industry from ESA member states or associates.
About Fly Your Satellite!
Fly Your Satellite! is ESA’s educational satellites program that empowers university student teams to design, build, and launch their own nanosatellites. With guidance from ESA specialists, students navigate the various development phases of spacecraft design and receive technical and managerial support tailored to real-world space engineering challenges.
By participating in the programme, students implement standard practices for spacecraft development; receive support from experienced ESA specialists; attend tailored training courses; and have access to state-of-the-art test facilities. To date, 50 nanosatellite projects from 20 countries have received support at different stages of their development. Of these, 15 satellites have successfully reached orbit, benefiting from the launch opportunities provided by Fly Your Satellite! More than 2,000 students have already taken part in this invaluable learning experience, strengthening Europe’s future space workforce.
Join us and help shape the next generation of space professionals!
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