The main space projects to get involved with as a student are REXUS, MIST and the student association ÆSIR. Outside of KTH, the
Swedish Astronomical Youth Association
(SAYA) is also highly recommended. Founded in 2012, SAYA is a nonprofit organization that promotes interest in astronomy and aerospace among Swedish youth. They regularly organize astronomy camps, star parties, competitions and more.
REXUS/BEXUS
The Swedish National Space Board (SNSB) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), together with the European Space Agency (ESA), arrange each year a student experiment programme called REXUS/BEXUS. This enables students at universities in ESA member countries to submit experiment proposals. Those who are then selected may implement their ideas in practice and fly their experiment on a sounding rocket (research rocket) or balloon respectively. KTH has participated in the programme several times; on each occasion it has done well in the selection process.
The projects with space experiments are interesting, both from the viewpoint of the students’ education and for visibility and contacts within KTH. The projects have attracted students from Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanics, Physics etc. An important part of the REXUS project is “outreach”, where the project has succeeded in reaching out to diverse target groups, ranging from students at KTH and other universities to upper secondary students and the general public.
MIST
MIST (MIniature STudent satellite) is a student-driven CubeSat project initiated at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Launched in 2015, the project is coordinated by the KTH Space Center and led by seasoned space engineer Sven Grahn, a veteran of Swedish space missions. MIST brings together students from a wide range of academic programs who contribute through bachelor's theses, Master's theses, project courses or, most commonly, by voluntary work. The aim of MIST is to provide hands-on experience in satellite development, while also contributing valuable scientific and technological data once in orbit. The CubeSat integrates multiple student-built payloads and is developed to meet real-world mission standards.
ÆSIR
ÆSIR has around 40 members each year, all of whom are students at KTH. About half of the members are international students, and we cover many disciplines and levels of study, with most studying aerospace engineering, computer science, vehicle engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, and mechanical engineering.
The association focuses on rocket development, but it is much more than just a place where rockets are built. It is a community and a meeting place for people with an interest in rockets or space. Members also get the chance to work on advanced technical projects, which can provide them with skills and knowledge that make them stand out from the crowd.
About ÆSIR
ÆSIR was created to provide a forum for students interested in rocket technology, where they can develop their passion and knowledge through practical space projects. ÆSIR’s goal is to educate students in rocket development and technology, and to give members hands-on experience. The association’s activities will further strengthen KTH’s position as one of the leading space universities.
ÆSIR’s mission is to become one of the best student organizations for rocket building in the world by breaking and holding the student rocket altitude record in Europe (which is currently over 30 kilometers). Ultimately, the goal is to reach altitudes over 120 kilometers.
Read more about Æsir:
aesir.se
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