Students test mini-satellites in municipality of Oldambt 

Two student teams from the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences will test two self-built mini-satellites in the municipality of Oldambt on April 24. They are doing this in preparation for their participation in the global CanSat Competition from May 24 to 26 in Mexico City. 

The students will compete with over a hundred teams from around the world. The Groningers are the only representatives from Europe.  

Mini-satellites

The teams have developed so-called CanSats: mini satellites the size of a milk carton. The satellites simulate coming back from space and landing on Earth. Equipped with sensors and communications technology, they measure data such as air pressure, temperature and altitude during the fall. After the fall, the satellites must still function perfectly. The test flights take place at a specially selected site in the municipality of Oldambt. 

Test

Using a drone, the CanSats are raised to a height of about 120 meters and then released. 'This test is crucial for us to evaluate the performance of our systems under realistic conditions,' says team member Ian Soede, a student of Applied Physics at the University of Groningen. 'We are proud of what we have achieved so far and are looking forward tremendously to the competition in Mexico.'

Press is welcome to attend the test flight. The flight will take place under the condition of proper weather conditions. Contact for more information, interview requests or images: Ian Soede (0616320419).