Riga Technical University, in collaboration with Aalto University and Stockholm University, invites students and academic staff to participate in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme - Space Industry-Science Workshop. Starting August 18, this unique programme offers hands-on experience in space mission planning with leading experts. Applications are open until May 31, 2025.
This initiative provides students and academic staff with a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts from the space science and industry sectors, fostering knowledge exchange and hands-on collaboration in space mission planning.
The rapid development of space science and technology has opened up numerous funding opportunities through the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union, and other financial sources. As new space mission opportunities emerge, it is crucial to enhance collaboration between space scientists and industry professionals. This BIP programme serves as a platform for pre-mission proposal development, facilitating discussions between European universities, the European Astrobiology Institute (EAI), and startup companies. The programme aims to equip participants with practical skills, enabling them to explore emerging industry opportunities and scientific advancements.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The Blended Intensive Programme consists of both virtual and physical components:
Physical Component (August 18-22, 2025) – A five-day intensive workshop featuring expert lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions where students will work on mission design proposals in collaboration with experienced space scientists and startup founders.
Virtual Component (Post-Workshop, 3 Days) – Student groups will refine and complete their mission proposals, following a structured template prepared by Slavinskis, Geppert, and Praks. This phase simulates real-world distributed collaboration in space mission planning. Students will submit a five-page mission proposal and deliver a final online presentation, evaluated by professors and industry experts.
OBJECTIVES
Facilitate Collaboration: Bring together experts from space science and industry with a proven track record in university-to-private-sector commercialisation.
Provide Practical Training: Equip students with hands-on experience in space mission planning in cooperation with small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Develop New Models: Establish innovative collaboration frameworks between universities and industry, applicable during both the initial mission design and later implementation phases.
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia
Stockholm University, Sweden (Prof. Wolf Geppert)
Aalto University, Finland (Prof. Jaan Praks)
European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) (Prof. Wolf Geppert, Prof. Andris Slavinskis)
SIA Nanocraft (Latvia) – Industry Partner
INSTRUCTORS
Prof. Andris Slavinskis (RTU, SIA Nanocraft, EAI Industry Liaison), Latvia
Prof. Nigel Mason (University of Kent), UK
Prof. Andris Vaivads (Ventspils University of Applied Sciences), Latvia
Dr. Gunnar Maehlum (IDEAS), Norway
Dr. Laurynas Mačiulis (Astrolight, former Nanoavioncs), Lithuania
Dr. Mihails Ščepanskis (CENOS and Deep Space Energies), Latvia
Prof. Mart Noorma (CCDCOE, former Milrem Robotics), Estonia
Prof. Martin Tajmar (TU Dresden), Germany
Andris K Berzins (Change Ventures and Startup House), Latvia
Prof. Tomasz Zajkowski (Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, NASA Ames Research Center), Poland & US
Prof. Mykola Ivchenko (KTH), Sweden
Janis Dalbins (University of Tartu), Estonia
Perttu Yli-Opas (Aurora Propulsion Technologies), Finland
FINANCES
Participants can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship provided by their home universities to support their travel and accommodation expenses.
There are no participation fees for this BIP.
To secure the grant, students have to consult the Erasmus+ office of their home university regarding its availability and the nominations have to be sent by the responsible coordinators via e-mail to: erasmus@rtu.lv.
ECTS CREDITS
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits.
APPLICATION
Application Deadline: Apply here! By May 31 2025.
Please contact your home university's International Office for nomination details.
*If you are an industry professional interested in attending the workshop but aren't affiliated with any universities, please get in touch with baiba.olehno@rtu.lv to register. Please keep in mind that Erasmus+ mobility funding is only available for students and academic staff, so industry professionals would need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. The participation in the workshop will still be free of charge.
English Proficiency Requirement: Minimum B1 level.
CONTACTS
For organisational matters:
Riga Technical University
Petra Baiba Olehno baiba.olehno@rtu.lv
For academic/course-related questions:
Riga Technical University
Andris Slavinskis andris.slavinskis@rtu.lv
Source: Riga Technical University
Photo: Unsplash.com
