IMPORTANT - unfortunately the summer school is cancelled this year, we will be back next year in 2024!

General information
The aim of the workshop Microsatellites and their use in planetary and astrobiology research (Tartu, Estonia, 01 to 08 August 2023) will be to enable students and early career scientists to design micro-and nanosatellite missions tackling scientific themes and target objects they have chosen themselves previously.  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 designing part where attendees plan these endeavours in detail with the help of satellite technologists
• a final presentation of all the projects

In order to plan missions involving such small satellites successfully, intensive interaction and cooperation between scientists and space technologists are necessary, which is still lacking in some potential key applications.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 for 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 in 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 orgsanisers.

PLEASE NOTE: A limited number of bursaries will be available covering meals and accommodation in 2 bedded rooms at RAATUSE Hostel (and some other items mentioned on the Registration webpage) is also available for students and early career scientists (up to 8 years from their first Ph. D. in a related field) from EAI institutions (see a list here). 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 for at Raatuse Hostel from 31 July until 9 August 2023, but 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. 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 Monday July 31st from 14:00 to 19:00 and at the venue (Biokeskus, Riia 23b) on Tuesday August 01st 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 Monday before continuing to the hotel.

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

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.