This unforgettable journey into the frontiers of space science and exploration was hosted at the Euro Space Center. According to its name, “Space is All Around”, this school aims at raising awareness of university students on broad aspects and societal impacts of the space sector. By bringing together students, teachers, researchers and stakeholders on such a blended intensive program, students are offered an immersive glimpse into their future space career.
From conferences and visits to group concept studies, stargazing, astronaut training, and even a karaoke, students explored space in all its dimensions: from cybersecurity and nuclear power in space to satellite services, space situational awareness, launchers, and astrodynamics.
Inspiration from Experts
Insightful lectures were delivered by a distinguished panel of experts spanning a wide range of disciplines. Speakers included André Füzfa (UNamur), Marc Toussaint (ESA/EPFL), Stijn Ilsen (Redwire), Christine Leurquin (Aldoria), Boris Hespeels (UNamur), Magdalena Teissandier (TBS-Toulouse), Fabienne Delhaise (ESA), Bartosz Sawik (AGH), Alain De Neve (Royal Higher Institute for Defence), Brieux Spindler (TRACTEBEL), Liina Vaabel (ESA), Alexandre de Geradon and Matteo Manieri (Telespazio), Jean-Luc Trullemans (ESA-ESEC), Natacha Callens (ESA Academy) and Cindy Léonard (ESA). Topics included groud segment, astrodynamics, biological experiments, space defense, satellite operations, space situational awareness, new space, and much more.
Behind-the-Scenes Access to ESA Facilities
Students had a unique and exclusive access to two key ESA sites during the week. The first was the ESA Academy Training and Learning Centre, where students discovered how the agency collaborates with universities to share expertise, technical skills, and best practices with the next generation of European space professionals. The second was a visit to ESA’s ESEC-Redu station, the European Space Security and Education Centre, which provided insight into satellite operations, space security initiatives, and the management of Smallsat and Cubesat missions. These visits offered an insider’s view of the infrastructure driving Europe’s space ambitions.
Feedback from Student
Inès, Bachelor in Physics – UNamur
What motivated you to apply to the Spring School?
I thought it would be a great experience. I was really looking forward to meeting new people. What’s more, I was interested in learning more about space, a field I find really intriguing and captivating.
“Three words to describe my experience at the Spring School: Fun, Friends and Learning”. Inès – UNamur.
How would you describe the Spring School in three words?
Fun. We had not only lectures but also space-related activities such as astronaut training or star gazing, and we even got the chance to visit ESA.
Friends. I met many wonderful people, and I’ll always keep memories of them. We worked in teams even if we didn’t know each other. Moreover, even if I was shy at first, this experience really helped me to open to new people and have fun with all of them.
Learning. We had the opportunity to attend interesting lectures given by people coming from many different fields. This was great because it has shown us that space is so much more than calculations. It is a place where everyone can come together around a shared passion.
What did you like the most about the Spring School?
I loved that it was a perfect mix between learning activities and social ones; the fast pace at which our days unfolded prevented us from getting bored!
“Space studies is a field where everyone, from different fields of study, can come together around a shared passion.” Inès – UNamur.
What did you learn during the Spring School?
Of all the things that I learned during the Spring School I think the most important one was the fact that, as I mentioned before, space is not only about very complex calculations. This field is open to so many more areas than you might imagine. I saw people coming from scientific fields such as Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering and so on, but also from Law, Management, Economy, Media and Culture, … It has shown me that just one field can be part of something bigger, bringing together a large number of people driven by the same passion.
Would you recommend students to join UNIVERSEH and participate in events like the Spring School?
Of course I would! I’ll never forget this rewarding experience, and I can only encourage others to participate in this beautiful journey that has been the Spring School.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.