We live in times where new opportunity windows are open even for individual persons. In no other era in history one was able to bring individual knowledge to the benefit for mankind in a way we experience today. One example is Ireland’s first satellite programme that is about to be launched. It was developed by students.
The European Space Agency (ESA) reports Ireland’s upcoming EIRSAT-1 mission is already fulfilling its goal of raising a new generation of Irish space scientists. “For almost six years, dozens of students from University College Dublin (UCD) have been working on the development, assembly and testing of the shoebox-sized CubeSat as part of an ESA-supported programme,” ESA describes. “The mission, which could launch later this year, is packed with novel, purpose-built technology, including an advanced instrument designed to explore the early universe.”
Something that seemed impossible twenty years ago is thus becoming a reality: small groups of people – in this case students – are able to develop, launch and operate satellites. The use of space is thus reaching a dimension that requires better regulation than before.
Dorothee Frank, Head of editorial team
