General information

The aim of the workshop Microsatellites and their use in planetary and astrobiology research (Tartu, Estonia, 24-31 August 2024) will enable students and early career scientists to design micro- and nanosatellite missions, tackling scientific themes and target objects they have chosen themselves. The workshop will consist of three parts:

• a lectured part consisting of in-depth talks on the scientific background of the chosen mission themes and on important issues in satellite technology;
• a mission design part where attendees plan their endeavours in detail with the help of satellite technologists;
• a final presentation of all the projects.

To effectively strategize for successful missions involving small satellites, there needs to be extensive collaboration and interaction between scientists and space technologists. However, this essential cooperation is can be improved in certain critical areas .The workshop school aims to:

• highlight the possible potential of microsatellites in exploring different targets like the Moon, small bodies and outer satellites;
• foster the interaction between space researchers and technologists;
• allow participants to start the design and planning of new space missions;
• contribute to the training of a new generation of space researchers.

The work on the mission designs will continue after the workshop, thus ensuring a long-term impact.

The European Astrobiology Institute, Univeristy of Tartu and Stockholm University Astrobiology Centre  will function as co-organisers of the workshop.

The workshop will consist of lectures by leading scientists, planning of different micro- or nanosatellite projects in small groups as well as open discusssions. Participants will also have the possibility to display their own research results at a poster session. Furthermore, a one-day excursion to South-Estonia and a walk around Tartu is included as a social programme.

The event is open to applicants from all nationalities. Nevertheless, recommendation letters for visa applications are only issued for participants selected by the organizers.

PLEASE NOTE: A limited number of bursaries for students and early career scientists (up to 8 years from their first PhD. in a related field) from EAI institutions (see a list here) will be available. We are also working to get some fundings for studets and early career scientist from the US. Participants from EAI Institutions selected by the EAI for bursaries will be offered free lunches, excursions, farewell dinner and accommodation in a shared 2-bedded room at Raatuse Hostel from the 23st of August (arrival) to the 1st of September 2024 (departure). But participants have to fund their travel on their own. There is no special application for the bursaries, just send in your application form and tell us in the e-mail your justification for a bursary. Participants selected for the bursaries will be notified immediately after the application deadline (in good time after the registration deadline).

Check-in
Registration will be at Hotel Dorpat on Friday, August 23rd from 14:00 to 19:00 and at the venue (Biokeskus, Riia 23b) on Saturday August 24th from 09:00 to 09:30. People living at Raatuse student hostel and arriving by bus are encouraged to pass by Hotel Dorpat for registration on Friday before continuing to the hotel.

Participation fees
The following workshop participation fees apply (prices in EUR):

Participant type	Participant fee
Student  or early career scientist from an EAI Institution selected for a bursary	Free
Student or early career scientist from an EAI Institution with no bursary	200
Any other participant from an EAI institution	300
Student or early career scientist from a non-EAI Institution	300
Any other participant from a non EAI institution	400

Payment instructions will be posted here in due course.  Early career scientists are those up to 8 years from their first Ph. D. in a related field. Please note that you also have to pay for your accommodation (only if you need one).