Viasat Launches Competition to find the UK’s Next Generation of Space Experts
October 3, 2023 | InmarsatEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Viasat, Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, has launched its ‘Viasat Beyond: Space’ competition to support the next generation of UK engineers, artists, space lovers, and scientists.
Students in years 12 and 13 (or their equivalent in Scotland) from schools around the UK will work individually or in groups of up to three and submit their creative ideas to support a safe and sustainable UK space sector. During the final stage of the competition, students will be mentored by Viasat staff with a variety of backgrounds and with diverse specialisms to help build both their ideas and speaking skills – before finalists pitch to a panel of expert judges.
The competition is open for students to register from today, during World Space Week 2023. All entrants must complete the registration process and submit their responses to the first assignment in writing between Nov. 6, 2023 and Jan. 7, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. (British Summer Time). A shortlist of 30 individual participants/teams will then compete in a digital round, before the final five pitch their ideas at Viasat’s new international headquarters in London in April 2024.
Each of the five finalists will receive a range of prizes, including an opportunity to participate in a Viasat sustainable space experience week, meeting international colleagues working or with experience in STEM. The top three will also be awarded education grants: £7,500 each for first place, £3,570 each for second place, and £1,875 each for third place.
Students will be invited to build their submissions around the theme of developing a safe and sustainable space UK space sector. This means students will be able to pitch policy or research topics, technology ideas with prototypes, or commercial or design solutions that could help protect the space environment.
Viasat is working with education specialists Springpod to develop the competition, with a special focus on promoting entries from students from all backgrounds. The competition comes after Viasat’s expansion in the UK following its acquisition of UK-based satellite firm Inmarsat in May 2023. The combined company is now a leader in satellite communications with a global footprint, with its international headquarters set to open in London in 2024.
“Space is a global commons that we all rely on, so it’s incredibly important we use that shared resource in an equitable and sustainable way,” John Reeves, Managing Director of Global Affairs at Viasat, said. “This competition is about engaging, training, and captivating the next generation of space champions - so they can help the UK lead the way in protecting and growing a sustainable space economy.”
“This competition provides an incredible opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts at Viasat,” said Sam Hyams, CEO of Springpod. “We are committed to making this an inclusive program that is accessible to all students regardless of background. By tapping into the creativity and passion of these young people, we hope to uncover innovative solutions that will drive a more sustainable and prosperous space industry in the UK and beyond. We encourage all eligible students to apply and look forward to seeing the exciting ideas they bring to the table.”
Suggested Items
NEOTech Positions Itself as Microelectronics Industry Leader with High-Technology Investments
05/09/2024 | NEOTechNEOTech, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), design engineering, and supply chain solutions in the high-tech industrial, medical device, and aerospace/defense markets, announces a significant investment in acquiring new Palomar 8100 wire bonder machines, enhancing the company’s positioning as a leader of cutting-edge microelectronics assemblies for mission-critical applications.
MKS Instruments Reports Q1 2024 Financial Results
05/09/2024 | MKS Instruments, Inc.MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, reported first quarter 2024 financial results.
America Projected to Triple Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity by 2032, the Largest Rate of Growth in the World
05/08/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), released a report on the global chip supply chain that projects the United States will triple its domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity from 2022—when the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS) was enacted—to 2032.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: The Driving World of e-Mobility with Indium
05/08/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn the competitive EV market, technology plays a crucial role facing the challenges of infrastructure. As Brian O'Leary explains, Indium's e-Mobility product suite includes proven solder and thermal management products for high reliability.
Incap Releases Unaudited Business Review for January–March 2024
05/08/2024 | IncapRevenue for the first quarter 2024 amounted to EUR 51.4 million (1–3/2023: EUR 72.2 million). Year-on-year the revenue decreased 29.3%, as expected.