"We want to affirm the Azores in the context of Space," assures Regional Director for Science and Technology
The Regional Director for Science and Technology conveyed in Vila do Porto that the Azores are "immensely proud" to host, for the first time, the European edition of the competition promoted by the European Space Agency (ESA), CanSAT.
Bruno Pacheco stressed that "the Azores have been hosting the regional and national CanSat competitions since 2015," adding that "it would make sense that this year's European final could also be held on Santa Maria Island."
The Regional Director spoke at the opening session of the European "CanSAT 2018" competition. On the occasion, he stated that the Regional Government "acknowledges the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Space," stressing the work to ensure that these subjects become "a reality in everyday life."
In this context, he pointed out measures and actions that allow the regional students to come into contact with this reality, namely through the creation of Robotics and Programming Clubs that have already been implemented in some schools and that will be extended to all Azorean schools.
In his speech, Bruno Pacheco stressed that the Government of the Azores "is working so that teachers may have in the near future a more intensive training on space education and that STEM areas may be increasingly widespread among young people."
"This event that begins today on Santa Maria is another step that the Regional Government takes to create conditions to turn the field of space into a reality in the everyday life of Azorean society," the government official said, adding that "we intend to affirm the Azores in the context of Space."
"We can only take root in these matters if we understand the importance of these investments in our economic reality and their potential to create qualified employment. They will make the Azores more attractive for Azorean and foreign talents," added the Regional Director.
At the opening session of the competition, also attended by the Director of ESA Education Unit, Monica Talevi, the Regional Director for Science and Technology addressed a word to participants. He praised the fact that "so many young people realise that space is a wonderful subject and a curriculum area that inspires us to do so many different jobs."
"As important as winning the first, second or third place, you will show what you can do, enjoying your adventure in this Atlantic archipelago and sharing your knowledge and culture," said Bruno Pacheco.
Directed to students attending secondary and vocational training schools, the initiative comprises the construction, setting and launch of a minisatellite in the size of a soda can.
There will be 18 teams in competition, making up a total of one hundred and fifty students and teachers from various European countries, in addition to a guest team from Japan.
Austria, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Greece, Czech Republic, Poland, United Kingdom, Holland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Romania and Belgium are the countries in competition.
Organised by the European Space Agency in partnership with the Government of the Azores, "CanSAT 2018" ends Saturday, June 30.