The African Space Agency (AfSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are jointly inviting applications from African students and early-career professionals for the Spacecraft Testing Workshop, organised as part of the Africa-Europe Space Partnership Programme capacity-building activities.
This call is open exclusively to African nationals and offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in spacecraft testing, led by ESA engineers, at one of Europe’s premier space training facilities.
About the Workshop
The workshop is designed for university students and early-career professionals with backgrounds in engineering and science. Led by ESA experts, it introduces participants to the rigorous processes and methodologies used to ensure satellites operate reliably in the harsh conditions of space.
Selected participants will attend lectures by ESA engineers on key topics, including product assurance, systems engineering, and environmental testing methods used in spacecraft development.
A core component of the programme is its hands-on approach. Participants will apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings at the CubeSat Support Facility, conducting real hardware environmental tests using a specially designed educational test unit, supported by the ESA Education Office.
During the group project phase, teams will design and execute a comprehensive environmental test campaign, including vibration testing, thermal vacuum testing, and electromagnetic compatibility testing, gaining experience with industry-standard spacecraft verification and validation processes.
The workshop will conclude with group presentations to a panel of ESA experts, who will offer valuable feedback and insights into careers in the space industry.
Beyond technical training, the initiative strengthens academic and industrial cooperation between Africa and Europe in the space sector, supporting the development of the next generation of African space professionals.
Programme Details
- Title: Spacecraft Testing Workshop
- Dates: 31 August – 4 September 2026
- Location: ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility, ESEC-Galaxia, Belgium
Eligibility
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and must be one of the following:
- A university student enrolled for the academic year 2025-2026 in a BSc, MSc, or PhD programme with a background in engineering or science; or
- An early-career professional with no more than two years of professional experience, endorsed by their institution.
Requirements
- A letter of endorsement or recommendation from the applicant’s institution or academic supervisor is mandatory to confirm institutional support for the candidate’s participation.
- The workshop will be conducted in English; a good level of English comprehension is therefore required.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 15 May 2026, 23:55 CEST
- Notification of selected candidates: 31 May 2026, 23:55 CEST
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official application link. Email submissions will not be considered.
AfSA will oversee the selection of 15 participants, along with 5 candidates on a reserve list. Selection will take into account regional representation and gender balance where possible.
AfSA will cover all participation-related costs, including visa fees, travel insurance, air tickets, and a daily subsistence allowance for the duration of the event.
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