Developing a space mission in five days? Yes, it’s possible. Among hundreds of candidates from European countries, Rodrigo Soares and Mariana Dias, Master’s students in Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), were selected to participate in a workshop at the European Space Agency (ESA) facilities in Belgium, which took place at the beginning of March.

Over five days, Rodrigo and Mariana developed a space mission for a CubeSat nanosatellite from the initial concept, applying the Concurrent Engineering methodology.

“This methodology promotes a collaborative, cooperative, and simultaneous working environment, significantly optimising the decision-making process and ensuring integrated development across all involved subsystems,” explain the students, who travelled to Belgium representing the Porto Space Team—a student group at FEUP dedicated to Aerospace Engineering.

The proposed mission for the 6U CubeSat—a nanosatellite that uses a specific standard size and shape, offering a cost-effective platform for a wide range of applications due to its simplicity, low cost, and standardisation—aimed to orbit a binary asteroid system. The goal was to study its physical properties in detail over three months, using various scientific instruments on board the satellite.

With daily support from ESA engineers, the students deepened their understanding of the challenges associated with satellite development and explored strategies to overcome the inherent difficulties of such projects.

The students were divided into different subsystem teams to develop the prototype while simultaneously planning the mission and defining the various operational modes.

“I was part of the Configuration team, responsible for the physical and geometric positioning of all subsystems within the CubeSat structure, ensuring the efficient distribution of essential components. This process required a detailed analysis of the constraints of each subsystem, guaranteeing compatibility between the elements and compliance with the mission requirements,” explains FEUP student Rodrigo Soares.

Mariana Dias, on the other hand, was part of the Thermal Control team, where her main challenge was to ensure that all nanosatellite components remained within safe thermal limits, regardless of the extreme conditions faced in space.

“This experience broadened our technical horizons, allowing us to absorb the benefits of this multidisciplinary approach while understanding the real challenges involved. I would highlight the importance of constant communication, flexibility, and close cooperation between all subsystems to quickly address setbacks and ensure the overall success of the mission,” concludes the student.

The workshop took place at the European Space Agency (ESA) facilities in Belgium.

Towards Space

Participation in this workshop takes on a new – even spatial – dimension as the students highlight how the knowledge gained will drive progress on the ICARUS Project.

This is the latest project by the Porto Space Team, based at the Faculty of Engineering, which involves developing a 1U CubeSat (10x10x10 cm) to be presented at the ‘CubeSat Portugal’ competition, organised by…

“As the main scientific mission of the ICARUS Project, the CubeSat nanosatellite will carry a Langmuir probe to conduct detailed measurements of various ionospheric plasma parameters at an altitude of approximately 500 km,” describes João Silva, president of the Porto Space Team.

Through the development of this prototype, the Porto Space Team members will have the opportunity to “develop not only technical skills but also soft skills,” building on the Concurrent Engineering methodology used in the European Space Agency workshop.

Next steps? “We want to move on to the production phase, win the ‘CubeSat Portugal’ competition, and see our satellite launched,” envisions the Faculty of Engineering student.