ESA title

Challenges

Designing the next Earth observation technology demonstration mission

Are you working on new technology that could be tested in space? How might your innovation contribute to strengthening Earth observation capabilities worldwide?

Just like arranging a beautiful bouquet involves selecting the right mix of flowers, designing a small-scale technology demonstration mission involves blending trending science topics, societal relevance and filling technology gaps – all to create a cohesive and impactful concept.

Two workshops will be held to gather ideas for potential technology demonstration missions that could be developed within three years and launched around 2030.

Look in the programme for: C.01.17 Missions in the Making: Collaborative Small-Scale Space Mission Ideation Workshop, part 1 and 2.

The sessions will include a series of activities combining individual and group efforts. They will follow the design-thinking approach and apply creative facilitation methods to foster unconventional ideas and maximise innovation. Brainstorming will begin with three key questions to help identify the most promising concepts for further development:

  • How could a mission benefit people and the planet?
  • What current challenges could an Earth observation mission address?
  • Where are current technology gaps and what innovations could fill them?

The top ideas will be showcased on Friday 27 June, and later evaluated by a panel of ESA experts to shape the next YPSat mission.

YPSat, the Young Professional Satellite, is an ESA initiative entirely led by young professionals. It offers a hands-on experience in managing, designing, testing, and launching a space mission.

With a first iteration launched successfully in the summer of 2024 and a second iteration already underway, YPSat provides a unique opportunity to gain practical expertise in the space sector.


For more details see:

Join us as we bring these elements together to identify the most promising concepts for the next YPSat mission, selected for their potential to shape the future of Earth observation!