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CanSat
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CanSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students from all over Europe to build and launch a mini satellite the size of a soda can.

The challenge for the students is to fit all the major subsystems found in a satellite, such as power, sensors and a communication system, into the volume and shape of a soft drinks can. The CanSat is then launched by a rocket up to an altitude of approximately one kilometre, or dropped from a platform, drone or captive balloon. Then its mission begins. This involves carrying out a scientific experiment and/or a technology demonstration, achieving a safe landing, and analysing the data collected.

Who can participate?

Participation is open to teams of 4-6 young people aged 14 to 19 years old. You must sign up with a teacher/mentor. Participants must be from an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia or Slovenia. Students enrolled at a post-secondary/tertiary institution are not eligible to apply.

  • What is CanSat?

    CanSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students to build a mini satellite, integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drink can. Thousands of students participate every year in CanSat National and European events, where they launch their CanSat on a rocket that goes up to 1km high.

  • What are the opening and closing dates of CanSat?

    This will depend on your home country. If your home country is hosting a CanSat National Competition, you will have to see the corresponding website for information on the opening and closing dates. If your home country is not hosting a CanSat National Competition, you must submit your application directly to ESA between 15 September 2022 and 30 November 2022. To find out if your country is hosting a National Competition, and for each of the National Competition websites, have a look on the 'Apply' page of the website.

  • How do I submit the CanSat application?

    This will depend on your home country. If your home country is hosting a CanSat national competition, you will have to submit your team’s application through your country’s host organisation website. If your home country is not hosting a CanSat national competition, you must submit your application directly to ESA. To find out if your country is hosting a national competition, and for each of the national competition websites, have a look on the 'Apply' page of the website.

  • How many applications can I submit?

    You may only submit 1 application per team. Each participant can only be part of one team and can only submit one application.

  • I am a teacher / mentor, can I have multiple teams?

    Teams from countries that are hosting national competitions should check this information with their national organiser. Each of the national competition websites can be found on the 'Apply' page of the website.

  • Who can participate?

    Participation is open to teams of 4-6 young people aged 14 to 19 years old. You must sign up with a teacher/mentor. Participants must be from an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia or Slovenia. Students enrolled at a post-secondary/tertiary institution are not eligible to apply.

  • Does my entry need to be in English?

    Applications submitted to ESA must be in English. Submissions to national CanSat competitions may be submitted in your native language, depending on the national guidelines.

  • Will I get an email acknowledgement that my entry has been received?

    Yes, for teams submitting directly to ESA, the teacher/mentor supervising each team will receive an e-mail confirming that their team’s entry has been received.

  • When will I find out if I’ve been successful?

    Teams from countries with no national competition should expect to hear from ESA’s Education team by 16 December 2022. Teams from countries that are hosting national competitions should refer to the relevant website. Each of the national competition websites can be found on the 'Apply' page of the website.

  • If I have a problem with my entry, or a question about the competition, whom should I contact?

    Please use the CanSat email: cansat@esa.int

  • Can I withdraw my submission?

    You may withdraw your submission by sending an e-mail to cansat@esa.int.

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