CanSat offers a unique opportunity for students to have a first practical experience of a real space project. They are responsible for all aspects: imagining the CanSat, selecting its mission, integrating the components, testing, preparing for launch and then analysing the data. Do you want to know what it is like to take part in a real space project? Work together as a team to imagine, build and launch a CanSat!
What is a CanSat?
A CanSat is a simulation of a real satellite, integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drinks 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 this minimal volume. 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.
Timeline
The CanSat project consists of multiple phases spread over one academic year. Have a look at the timeline to see what a CanSat year looks like.
From this moment onwards, national organisers will start to open their competitions for registration. Please note: they do not open all at the same time.
In this phase, your team must design a CanSat that will achieve the pre-defined primary mission and a secondary mission of your choice.
Bring your CanSat to life by building it, ensuring that it meets all the technical requirements. Also, make sure to test, test, test!
The CanSat will be launched to an altitude up to 1 km by a rocket or dropped from a platform or captive balloon, at which point its mission begins.
The finals of the national competitions take place and the winners that will be invited to the European learning and celebration event are announced.
The national winners are invited to ESA ESTEC (Netherlands) for a multiple-day learning and celebration event called "Space Engineer for a day".
How to take part?
Due to the success of the project, many countries host national CanSat competitions every year. If this is the case in your country, you should first participate in your national CanSat competition. The national winners are invited to ESA ESTEC (Netherlands) for a multiple-day learning and celebration event called “Space Engineer for a day”.
How to apply?
The applicants will need to present their investigation plan by answering a series of questions in the registration form of the national organiser regarding their CanSat project. Teams will be judged according to the clarity and quality of their proposals.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to teams of 3-6 young people aged 14 to 19 years old. You must sign up with a teacher or mentor. Participants must be from an ESA Member or Associate State. Students enrolled at a post-secondary/tertiary institution are not eligible to apply.
How to build a cansat?
Please review the technical info about the basic components and requirements of a CanSat. Supporting materials such as classroom resources and educational videos can be accessed through the link below.