Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Entrepreneurs: Seven CASSINI Space Camps Unite Youth Across the EU
A Summer of Discovery Across the EU
The CASSINI Space Camps were hosted by local organisers and Each of the local camps designed its own dynamic experience while following a common curriculum.
Through seven residential camps held in Cyprus, Czechia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Spain, students discovered how EU space technologies such as Copernicus and Galileo can be used to address real-world challenges on Earth. The camps combined hands-on workshops, outdoor exploration, and teamwork to turn curiosity into creativity and ideas into action.
Cyprus
Over thirty participants explored entrepreneurship, space data, and planetary science through interactive sessions and astronomy nights under clear mountain skies. Guest speaker Dr Michaela Musilova, a NASA astrobiologist, inspired participants with stories from analogue missions.
Czechia
Thirty students followed an intensive nine-day programme mixing innovation challenges, excursions to laser centres, and evening science shows as well as science and innovation talks.
Greece
Twenty young participants joined an eight-day residential camp hosted at the American Farm School. The curriculum combined CASSINI modules with hands-on experiments such as plant growth under simulated microgravity and satellite-tracking activities with Aristotle University.
Italy
Twenty participants immersed themselves in the world of space entrepreneurship. Supported by H-Farm’s Startup Centre, they developed business ideas linked to space data applications, explored VR simulations, and built LEGO rovers before presenting their pitches to a jury of mentors.
Latvia
Thirty-five participants explored the connection between space and the environment. Highlights included visits to the VIRAC Irbene Radio Telescope and Cēsis Space Centre, where students learned how Earth observation supports sustainability.
Poland
Twenty-five participants joined an eight-day journey across Rzeszów, Lesko, Stalowa Wola, and Kraków. The camp featured lab visits, a session at the Polish Space Agency Observatory, and participation in the European Rover Challenge, bringing theory to life through real-world robotics.
Spain
Twenty-five participants attended a seven-day camp at El Anillo, a natural innovation hub. The programme blended kayaking, GNSS-based geocaching, and astronomy nights with entrepreneurship crash courses, illustrating how space connects science, innovation, and outdoor exploration.
Learning by Doing
Participants followed a six-module curriculum covering the EU Space programme, entrepreneurship, and space careers. Practical workshops, hackathons, and collaborative team challenges enabled participants to apply what they learned to real-world problems.
Each camp concluded with a final event, where teams presented their project ideas addressing topics such as precision agriculture, disaster management, urban mobility, climate resilience, and environmental monitoring. Expert juries of scientists, entrepreneurs, and educators provided feedback, turning learning into celebration.
A Milestone for Youth Engagement in EU Space
The CASSINI Space Camps pilot has shown that immersive, hands-on education can spark genuine passion for space entrepreneurship among young people. By bridging education, innovation, and inclusion, the initiative contributes to building a skilled and inspired generation ready to take part in the EU’s growing space economy.
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