Over five intense, interactive and insightful days, participants will receive an in-depth introduction to the European Cooperation for Space Standardization ECSS. Experts from the European Space Agency ESA will highlight the critical role standards play in shaping and executing space activities. The programme will explore how adherence to standards impacts various disciplines within ESA and the space sector in general, supporting the development of advanced space technologies.
These standards are applied consistently across project management, hardware and software development, testing, and product and quality assurance. The collaborative development and updating of these standards involve key stakeholders, including agencies and industry partners. ESA contracts with spacecraft manufacturers specify subsets of ECSS management standards, while quality and product assurance standards ensure the reliability of engineering designs and processes for spacecraft and payloads.
Standards in space projects serve two essential purposes: reducing technical risks and costs, while also ensuring compatibility among all components of a mission. As a result, the integration of standards is vital across every aspect of ESA's work.
During this week-long programme, participants will learn from experts in space standardsβa topic often overlooked in traditional university courses. By the end of the course, they will have gained critical knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the space industry and advance their careers in this highly specialized field. As part of the course, students will take part in guided exercises and complete an assessment test.
Throughout the week, they will actively apply their newly acquired knowledge in hands-on activities. To participate, students must fulfil the following eligibility criteria at the time of application:. This sponsorship will cover accommodation and meals as well as up to Euros for travelling to Belgium.
