Embedded Files
UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) is the UK’s national student space society. Founded in 1988, it brings together students from across the country who are passionate about space. UKSEDS runs outreach events, workshops, and competitions to inspire, train, and connect the next generation of space professionals.
These are the competitions they run, annually:
Satellite Design Competition (This is one you can take part in as a SunSat member)
National Rocketry Championship
Olympus Rover Trials
In‑Orbit Servicing & Manufacturing Competition (This is one you can take part in as a SunSat member)
Mach‑23 Launch & CanSat Competition
Why it matters for SunSat
Why it matters for SunSat
The UKSEDS In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing Competition (ISAM) is SunSat’s first entry into the competiton, and a beginner-level project for returning or experienced members. It’s ideal for those who want to tackle real-world challenges in satellite servicing, assembly, and repair: while competing on a national stage! Teams develop mission concepts and robotic servicing solutions under real engineering and project constraints.
The competition gives future engineers the chance to:
Tackle cutting-edge servicing problems that reflect emerging industry needs.
Deliver to defined milestones across the year, showing progressive systems engineering and verification.
Model and demonstrate concepts through simulations, CAD, controls/dynamics analyses, and operations planning, culminating in a final pitch to industry judges.
Build transferable skills in systems engineering, robotics, autonomy, project management, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
Engage with industry mentors and careers, with active encouragement for diverse participation and leadership.
What Our Beginners Work On
What Our Beginners Work On
Over a typical 9-month cycle, beginner SunSat teams work through structured phases:
Concept & Requirements: define the mission and system-level requirements.
Milestone Reports: submit a sequence of written deliverables (three staged reports) showing design progress, verification approach, and trades.
Model, Simulate & Demonstrate: build analysis, CAD, and controls/dynamics simulations; create proof-of-concept demos.
Comms & Business Collateral: prepare a technical poster and a concise business one-pager to communicate value, feasibility, and roadmap.
Competition Day: present the mission and results to an industry judging panel, answering Q&A on design decisions, risks, and next steps.
Documentation: prepare professional reports and presentations throughout the process.
Participating will provide our members with a unique opportunity to:
• Tackle real-world business and technical challenges currently faced by the space industry.
• Develop key skills relevant to IOSM by collaborating with industry partners.
• Attend IOSM workshops organised by Satellite Applications Catapult.
Report abuse