Estonia’s top universities and the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation launch historic collaboration in space technology

Estonian space education and space technology are entering a new phase. On 22 August, the University of Tartu (UT), Tallinn University of Technology and the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation signed an official cooperation agreement to initiate a joint space programme running for at least three years.

The focus of the collaboration is developing a new student satellite SUTS (Strategic Upgrades Test Satellite), with the broader goal of promoting space technology education and entrepreneurship in Estonia.

“The cooperation is a significant step in developing space technology in Estonia and our student satellite projects. The joint contribution of Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Tartu creates a stronger foundation for developing future satellites and offers students even more opportunities for practical training. Our special recognition goes to our former CEO Katriin Reedo, whose tireless work made it possible for us to celebrate this collaboration today,” said Sirli Sarapuu, the new CEO of the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation.

According to Rector Toomas Asser, the student satellite is an excellent example of how student initiatives can have a far-reaching, international dimension. “Students now have a unique opportunity to diversify their academic journey and gain experience from both the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology. I hope the support of the two universities will create even better conditions for the emergence of a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs,” said Asser.

“The collaboration between Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Tartu in developing the student satellite is a historic step in Estonia’s research landscape. We will not abandon competition, as it inspires and keeps us alert. But it is through cooperation that sustainable research capability is born – a capability that supports the development of all of Estonia. Today’s agreement is so much more than the signatures on paper – it is a promise to jointly build a future where young Estonians have a place in the world,” added Tiit Land, Rector of Tallinn University of Technology.

This marks the first time the Estonian universities are officially collaborating on a space project of this scale. Until now, the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology have led student satellite projects separately. Estonia’s first satellite, ESTCube-1, was developed at the University of Tartu, while the next two satellites, Koit and Hämarik, were completed at Tallinn University of Technology. The previous satellite project, ESTCube-2, was led by the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation, founded in 2016, in cooperation with Tartu Observatory. Now, it was decided to unite forces and involve both universities equally in future satellite projects.

The formal signature ceremony took place in Alma Tomingas Building in Ülemiste City on 22 August. Speakers at the ceremony included Sirli Sarapuu, the CEO of the Student Satellite Foundation, Katriin Reedo, the initiator of the collaboration and Early Stage Researcher at Tallinn University of Technology, Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu, and Tiit Land, Rector of Tallinn University of Technology.

The goal of the collaboration is to:

• promote engineering and exact sciences and increase young people’s interest in space technology;
• provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience from high-level engineering projects;
• support the role of universities in developing research-based entrepreneurship, including setting up student-led and spin-off companies;
• strengthen Estonia’s position in the international space community.

During the agreement period, the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation must build and launch into orbit the satellite SUTS, support the universities’ communication, research and educational activities, and be represented at a minimum of ten public or educational events per year. According to the contract, support is provided for practical training, professional traineeships, supervision of theses, and implementation of technology projects.

Model satellites will be made and exhibited at Tallinn University of Technology, UT Tartu Observatory and UT Delta Centre.

The development of SUTS at Tartu Observatory and Mektory, the Innovation and Business Centre of Tallinn University of Technology, is led by the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation. The project is funded by the state budget resources for research and development. The building of the satellite is also supported by Yolo Group and Stoneridge Electronics. For more information, see the Estonian Student Satellite website.