UNOOSA and Japan Nanosatellite Development Opportunity

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The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan, in cooperation with the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), are looking for students from developing countries to study nano-satellite development. As a result, another round of the post-graduate study on the Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Programme, part of the Access to Space for All initiative, is now open for applications. The partners offer three slots in the Master’s Programme and three in the Doctoral Programme, covering the tuition fee and a stipend to cover living expenses. As such, interested students may submit their applications by 9 January 2023.

The PNST programme contributes to expanding access to space education and research in satellite development, particularly by building capacity for students from developing countries who may otherwise not have access to such facilities. Through the unique facilities at Kyutech, students learn about the entire cycle of satellite development and participate in practical activities. Students often decide to use the skills acquired to kick-start national space activities as nanosatellites represent an affordable entry point for non-spacefaring nations. Since satellite applications and services contribute significantly to sustainable development, the impact of the PNST programme is much greater than just the individual beneficiaries.

UNOOSA Acting Director Niklas Hedman said: “We are honoured to work with the Government of Japan for more than ten years to bring new experiences to young students from developing nations by opening access to the unique infrastructure provided by Kyutech. Past graduates of the programme are now making a difference in their national and regional space activities, supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to nurturing some more future young leaders in space.”

Mengu Cho, Professor of Laboratory of Lean Satellite Enterprises and In-Orbit Experiments (LaSEINE) at Kyutech also expressed his pleasure. He said: “We are pleased to open the new round of PNST with our long-standing partner UNOOSA. PNST seeks post-graduate students from a wider range of developing and non-space faring countries. The nano-satellite development programme that we provide is an ideal first step to establishing the basic capacity for space technology. Under PNST, students will gain this capacity through on-the-job training. This will be through the complete cycle of designing, building, and testing a satellite under Kyutech” supervision. We thank UNOOSA for their continued support and look forward to receiving many applications.”

Application Requirements

The applicants should:

  • Be nationals of developing countries or non-space-faring nations (countries without an established substantial capability to develop space technology/launch space objects);
  • Be duly nominated by their institutions;
  • Born on or after 2 April 1988;
  • Have the academic and professional background required by the specific fellowship programme. For example, candidates seeking a Master’s degree should have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in engineering-related subjects. Likewise, candidates seeking a Doctorate degree should have completed a Master’s Degree or equivalent in engineering-related subjects. However, the selection committee may consider degrees in different technological fields; and
  • Be able to make professional use of the experience gained in the fellowship programme.

UNOOSA commits to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its programme and ensuring a balanced representation. As a result, this programme intends to select three male and female students for the fellowship.

Application

Interested applicants are first to complete the electronic registration form using the link. After the registration, applicants will receive a confirmation email with the link to download the .doc-versions of the application forms.

Applicants are to submit the fully completed application form and other necessary documents in electronic format. However, this requirement does not extend to the referee report forms. Applicants’ Referees are to send their Referee report forms by email to PNST themselves on or before 9 January 2023 (JST).

The confirmation e-mail applicants receive after registering above will contain the submission link. Applicants must complete their applications on or before 9 January 2023 (JST). As a result, the selection committee will deem any incomplete application at the deadline to not qualify.

Interested persons can visit here for more information on the application.

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