CADSat

CADSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students to 3D design a mini satellite the size of a soda can.

Plan a groundbreaking scientific mission and 3D design your very own mini satellite! CADSat is an initiative that challenges students to create a 3D design of a CanSat; a simulation of a real satellite that is integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drinks can. The CAD in CADsat stands for Computer Aided Design. Your mission is to design a CADSat using a 3D design tool which has the ability to complete the primary CADSat mission set by ESA, and a secondary mission devised by you. Your CADSat must meet the specifications as defined in the guidelines, and can be as complex or as simple as you like. You can work as a team or individually, but the key to a great design is to have fun!

Who can participate?

Participation is open to individuals or teams of up to 4 members of young people aged 11 to 15 years old. A teacher, educator or parent must register on the CADSat online platform and submit the project for minors. Participants must be from an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Slovenia or Malta.

Submit your project

What are the opening and closing dates of the CADSat?

Opening: 18/09/2020 Closing: 14/05/2021
What is CADSat?

CADSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students to 3D design a mini satellite the size of a soda can. Participants will be asked to submit a 3D design made with the design tool of their choice, along with a description of their mission objectives. CADSat is a ‘spin-off’ project of CanSat and is suitable as a beginner project to prepare students to participate in CanSat.
How do I submit the CADSat design?

You can submit your design using the online submission platform, at the top of the page.
How many designs can I submit?

You may only submit 1 design. Each participant can only be part of one team and can only submit one project.
I am a teacher / mentor, can I have multiple teams?

Yes. The teacher/mentor can have multiple teams.
Who can participate?

Participation is open to young people 11-15 years old. You may submit a project as an individual or as a team of up to 4 members. A parent, guardian or teacher must register on the CADSat online platform and submit the project on behalf of each participating individual/team. Participants must be from an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Slovenia or Malta. Students enrolled at a postsecondary/tertiary institution are not eligible to apply.
Does my entry need to be in English?

No, you can submit your proposal in any language. However primary communication about the programme will be in English.
Can I use any modelling tool?

Yes, you are free to use any modelling tool your wish. Learn about some free modelling 3D tools in the '3D Design Tools' section of the website.
How can I get access to the modelling tools?

We have provided a list of free online modelling tools in the '3D Design Tools' section of the website, however you are free to use any design tool you wish.
Will I get an email acknowledgement that my entry has been received?

Yes, the teacher/mentor supervising each team will receive an e-mail confirming that their team’s entry has been received. You can revise your entry via your account.
Where will my design be displayed?

If your design is approved, it will be displayed in the Project Gallery of the CADSat online platform.
If I have a problem with my entry, or a question about the competition, whom should I contact?

Please use the CanSat email: cansat@esa.int
Can I withdraw my submission?

You may work on your project and delete your project anytime before the closing date of the programme via your account. However, once the project has been submitted, it cannot be withdrawn. You can also delete your account so that all your data is deleted from our servers.