Imagine seeing a spacecraft you helped build lift off into space? It is an unforgettable experience that will remain with you for the rest of your life, and also one in which you and your university could take part.
Maybe you have never thought about studying science or technology? But now that you can see how rewarding and exciting working in space is, perhaps it is time to think again?
Perhaps science and engineering are not your chosen subjects so you believe there is no place for you in a space mission? Take a look at the SSETI Express team and you will see that science and engineering, although essential, are not enough by themselves to lift a spacecraft off the drawing board and into space.
SSETI needs student teams with skills in science and engineering, but they also needs teams of university students with:
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communication skills: to attract sponsors and partners
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legal skills: to draw up the necessary contracts and patents
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organisational skills: to deal with the many administrative issues, coordinate the work and liaise with industry
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IT skills: to build and programme the computers and programmes needed for the spacecraft, the ground segment and to facilitate communication between the teams
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graphic skills: to design publications and websites to attract members and sponsors and to facilitate the work of the team
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writing skills: to prepare PR brochures and articles for the press
What are the benefits?
SSETI gives you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the space sector while still studying at university. You will have the chance to put your ideas into practice, to benefit from working with students in other countries and to gain from the experience of experts in the space sector.
At the same time you will have the chance to work in a team, improve your language skills, make friends with other students, have fun and maybe travel. Representatives of the team meet twice a year at ESTEC in the Netherlands to discuss progress and gain from the experience of ESA experts.
SSETI offers students hands-on work experience, plenty of satisfaction and a lot of fun. But, it also takes time, determination and a willingness to listen and learn from others, whether fellow students or experts.
For the students that have worked on SSETI Express all the sacrifices have been worthwhile as they have gained in many ways from being part of the Programme, and after all, how many students get to put on their CV that they have built a spacecraft!
If you would like to know more about how a team from your university can join the SSETI Programme then contact:
SSETI Programme Management
ESA-ESTEC, EXR-E
Keplerlaan 1
2201AZ Noordwijk ZH
The Netherlands email: sseti@esa.int
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