The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan in cooperation with the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) are looking for students from developing countries to study nano-satellite development. Another round of the post-graduate study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Programme, part of the Access to Space for All initiative, is now open for applications. The partners offer three slots in the Master Programme and three in the Doctoral Programme, covering the tuition fee as well as a stipend to cover living expenses. Students are invited to submit their applications by 9 January 2023 and follow in the footsteps of more than 50 graduates over the years.
The PNST programme contributes to expanding access to space education and research in satellite development, particularly by building capacity for students from developing countries who may otherwise not have access to such facilities. Through the use of the unique facilities at Kyutech, students learn about the entire cycle of satellite development and take part in practical activities.
Students often decide to use the skills acquired to kick-start national space activities as nanosatellites represent an affordable entry point for non-spacefaring nations. Since satellite applications and services contribute significantly to sustainable development, the impact of the PNST programme is much greater than just the individual beneficiaries.
UNOOSA Acting Director Niklas Hedman said: “We are honoured to work with the Government of Japan for more than ten years to bring new experiences to young students from developing nations by opening access to the unique infrastructure provided by Kyutech. Past graduates of the programme are now making a difference in their national and regional space activities supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to nurturing some more future young leaders in space.”
Mengu Cho, Professor of Laboratory of Lean Satellite Enterprises and In-Orbit Experiments (LaSEINE) at Kyutech said: “We are pleased to open the new round of PNST with our long-standing partner UNOOSA. PNST seeks post-graduate students from a wider range of developing and non-space faring countries. The nano-satellite development programme that we provide is an ideal first step to establishing the basic capacity for space technology. Under PNST, students will gain this capacity through on-the-job training, going through the complete cycle of designing, building, and testing a satellite under the supervision of the Kyutech faculty. We thank UNOOSA for their continued support and we look forward to receiving many applications.”
