Students launch miniature satellites in CanSat competition at Majjistral Park

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, attended the CanSat competition launch at Majjistral Nature and History Park. This event culminated months of intensive work as students from across Malta and Gozo designed and built fully functional miniature satellites. The CanSat competition, coordinated locally by Esplora within Science Malta, challenges students to create a satellite the size of a soda can. During the event, these student-built satellites were launched via drone to conduct specific mission objectives, allowing students to apply real-world space engineering processes. Participating teams included CANAIR (MCAST), Sacred Stars (Sacred Heart), Material Girls and Unofficial NASA (San Anton), and ASTRO_POLARIS_26 (Gozo College Secondary School, Ninu Cremona). In his address to the participants, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasized the importance of experiential learning. He stated, "Initiatives like CanSat provide students with the opportunity to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a real-world context, while developing key skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Your journey to today's launch reflects great dedication and perseverance." The parliamentary secretary further explained that this initiative is part of the Government's broader commitment to investing in youth and strengthening the links between education and research. "Through these opportunities, we are encouraging more students to explore careers in STEM fields and the space sector, which are crucial for the future of our country," Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti remarked. The winning team in the national competition will have the unique opportunity to represent Malta at the international 'Space Engineer for a Day' event. This will take place this coming June at the European Space Agency (ESA) technical center in the Netherlands, where the Maltese students will collaborate with peers from across Europe. Through projects like CanSat, Science Malta, and Esplora, we inspire the next generation to pursue innovation and applied science.