Training the next generation of space scientists and engineers with a little help from ESA

Over the years, UCL-MSSL has played a vital role in advancing space exploration. It has contributed to 71 orbital space missions and 200 rocket launches and powered three of the largest astronomical focal planes in space: Euclid, Gaia, and PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (Plato).  MSSL instruments are operating on nine current international space missions (including Solar Orbiter, with two more (SMILE and Plato) set for launch within the next year. Research is also underway for upcoming projects, including SOLAR-C, Vigil, and the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars rover. As well as the featuring state-of-the-art instrumentation, all these recent and current projects have something else in common: they all form part of European Space Agency (ESA) missions or missions of opportunity.

Another key role for the Department is training the next generation of space scientists and engineers through our taught Masters programmes, particularly the MSc Space Science & Engineering. The MSc has two pathways. Space Science and Space Technology. Students on the programme get to learn from the experts leading these ESA mission developments, which provide a rich variety of case studies to illustrate concepts and real-world applications.

This strong and positive connection to ESA was recently further strengthened by the award of 3 ESA Academy Scholarships to support students studying on the MSc Space Science & Engineering this year: Rita Birra, Dawid Pedzisz and Matas Vertelka. Successfully securing this competitive scholarship has been transformational for all of them. Rita shares:

"The MSc in Space Science and Engineering is a unique opportunity to enhance my engineering expertise in Space Technology and prepare for complex projects in the Space Industry. It aligns with my passion for Space Systems Engineering and Mission Operations Management. So far, the course has exceeded my expectations, as I have gained many technical skills essential for the roles I aspire to. Similarly, my research project allows me to deepen my interest and knowledge in space sustainability, aligning with new guidelines from ESA and other space agencies. As a woman from state school education in Portugal, the ESA Academy scholarship has been essential in allowing me to focus exclusively on my studies and a career in Space, without the added pressure of finding income to cover living expenses"

 

 

 

 

 

For Dawid, it has meant being able to scale back on work commitments and really focus on his studies:

"I am pursuing the MSc in Space Science and Engineering as it aligns with my career aspirations in the CubeSat electronics sector, but balancing work and academic life can be challenging. As the first person in my family to attend university, it is of great importance that I complete the MSc and ensure I make the most of it. Receiving the scholarship has had an immense impact on achieving this goal and on my ability to pursue my professional aspirations."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for Matas, the scholarship is particularly exciting:

“In 2021, Lithuania became an Associate Member of ESA, and as a Lithuanian myself, I was ecstatic, because this event has put a stepping stone for space enthusiasts to pursue a career in the space sector. In the future, I would love to go back to Lithuania and play a part in expanding the field nationwide and bringing other nationals closer to space. I chose MSc studies in Space Science and Engineering at UCL to surround myself with great academics and space sector experts and take advantage of opportunities such as visiting MSSL, attending Global MilSatCom Graduate Space Careers Stream and a 6-month ESA internship at Spaceship ECSAT in Harwell Campus. The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies, which I love and want to excel in."

 

 

 

All our scholarship students are keen to share their experience and passion for space in support of the ESA Academy objectives.

---