Program Overview
The Pulsar Summer Academy is an university prep program for high school students passionate about STEM, offering a 2 week long intensive, hands-on experience in spacecraft design, development, and operations. Held at the Pulsar Labs in Downtown Halifax, the program runs from in July and August. Participants will have the opportunity to work on real satellite systems, tour leading spacecraft manufacturing facilities, and even send a student-built component to space.
General Info:
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In-person, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
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Session 1: July 7 to July 18 - Registration Closed
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Session 2: July 21 to August 1 - Registration Closed
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Session 3: August 11 to August 22
Included:
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Daily lectures on satellite engineering and space subsystems
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Hands on labs, designing and building your own model CubeSat
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Field trips to spacecraft manufacturing facilities
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Daily lunch and snacks
Cost:
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$1400
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Ask us about payment plans! (All payments must be made before the session begins)
Why Join Summer Academy?
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Hands-On Learning: Engage in spacecraft design and build real satellite components.
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Industry Connections: Tour spacecraft manufacturing facilities, work with experts at GALAXIA, and communicate with satellites in orbit
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Launch a Satellite Component: Participate in the development of a sensor system that will be launched into space as part of a real satellite mission.
Program Structure & Curriculum
The Pulsar Summer Academy focuses on providing students with in-depth, hands-on experiences in space technology and aerospace engineering. Each week, students will participate in both theoretical and practical activities.
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Spacecraft Design and Development:
Learn the fundamentals of spacecraft design, building mechanical and electronic systems, and working on satellite projects.
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Subsystem Courses:
Dive deep into satellite subsystems, such as power systems, communication, attitude control, and thermal management.
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Manufacturing and Operations:
Get a behind-the-scenes look at GALAXIA’s spacecraft manufacturing and control facilities, including a tour and live in-orbit satellite communication sessions.
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Building a Nanosatellite:
Over the course of the program, students will collectively design, develop, and build a model nanosatellite. By the end of the year, they will have a working model that demonstrates basic satellite functions.
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Space Launch Campaign:
The highlight of the program is the design and development of a single-board sensor system that will be launched into space as a secondary payload on one of the upcoming GALAXIA satellite missions. Students will have the rare opportunity to be part of the launch campaign and receive live data from space.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility:
The Summer Academy is open to high school students with an interest in STEM fields who live within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who is eligible for the program?
The Summer Academy is open to high school students within the Halifax Regional Municipality who have a passion for STEM and space technology.
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Is the program free?
No, there is a fee to register for the program.
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What is the highlight of the program?
The program culminates in the development of a sensor system that will be launched into space on a GALAXIA satellite. Students also get hands on experience with real satellite sub-systems
