Dynamic partnership inspires the next generation of space engineers

Space Park Leicester teamed up with the National Space Academy and The Smallpeice Trust as part of a dynamic partnership to deliver an exciting Space Engineering outreach course for young people studying A-Levels this Autumn.

The three-day programme, which took place from Monday 14 August to Wednesday 16 August, provided a unique opportunity for the soon-to-be A Level students to engage in hands-on workshops, lectures and practical activities at Space Park Leicester and the National Space Centre.

The event led by industry experts and educators from the University of Leicester’s Space Park Leicester, the National Space Academy and The Smallpeice Trust, an organisation which supports young people to bring their big ideas to life through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), offered participants a comprehensive insight into various aspects of space engineering, ranging from satellite technology and propulsion systems to space mission design and remote sensing applications.

Josh Barker, Education and Outreach Officer, for Space Park Leicester and the National Space Centre, added: “Collaborative events like these really showcase the UK space industry at its best.

“Utilising the strengths of Space Park Leicester and the National Space Centre, The Smallpeice Trust has engaged students with the excitement of working within the space industry. Courses like this one spark interest and help students develop the skills needed to support their entry into the space industry.” 

Piyal Samara-Ratna, Principal Engineer at Space Park Leicester emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with the National Space Centre and The Smallpeice Trust to bring this immersive Space Engineering outreach course to new A Level students. Through interactive learning experiences, we aim to ignite curiosity, cultivate creativity, and equip young minds with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of space exploration.”

The Space Engineering outreach course is designed to be inclusive and accessible, targeting students from diverse backgrounds who have a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It offered an immersive experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, giving participants a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the space engineering community.

Students were challenged to make a model of a rocket, used software to design and build a 3D space vehicle model and were able to explore the facilities at the University of Leicester, Space Park Leicester and the National Space Centre.

They also learned about a variety of engineering topics, including the design of heat shields, and were educated about the latest developments in Space exploration and Leicester’s role in current research projects.

Bob Duddridge, who attended the course as a supervisor for The Smallpeice Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort: “We are delighted to partner with Space Park Leicester, the National Space Centre and National Space Academy to bring this exceptional learning opportunity to young students. Our mission at The Smallpeice Trust is to inspire young minds through hands-on experiences, and this course is a perfect embodiment of that mission.

“From the start, students were challenged and engaged in activities which encouraged them to think and work as a Space Engineer working in a team.

“My group of students all expressed that the course was great and they had learned a lot about engineering.”

The Space Engineering outreach course is designed to be inclusive and accessible, targeting students from diverse backgrounds who have a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It will offer an immersive experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, giving participants a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the space engineering community.

The partnership with The Smallpeice Trust aligns with the National Space Centre’s commitment to fostering STEM education among young learners. For more information about The Smallpeice Trust and the outreach courses they run visit: https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/about-us.