Captain Rock's
Kid's Corner
Orion Space Agency Logo

Space Engineering Masterclass

Step into the role of a mission engineer. Our comprehensive online training program pairs an interactive curriculum with a physical Development Kit, empowering you to build, code, and conceptualize your own pico-satellite from scratch.

Dev Kit Architecture
Included Hardware

Pico-Sat Development Kit

Everything you need to complete the course is delivered straight to your door. The kit includes flight-grade components downscaled for educational assembly.

  • check_circle 1U CubeSat aluminum frame architecture
  • check_circle Microcontroller processing board (MCU)
  • check_circle Environmental sensor payload suite
  • check_circle Transceiver module & telemetry antennas
  • check_circle Solar panel array & power management system
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To enroll and claim your kit, please contact us at: mail info@orionspaceagency.com

The Course Comes With All Resources

Everything you need to succeed, delivered right to your fingertips.

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The SatKit

Every student gets their own satellite kit, which includes all the component parts to build the satellite.

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Student Booklet

A comprehensive lesson booklet which takes students step-by-step through each of the ten lessons.

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Tutor Guide

A comprehensive tutor booklet which contains detailed instructions on how to deliver each lesson.

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Online Resources

A wealth of online resources, including a comprehensive step-by-step ‘How to’, code samples and more.

Course Syllabus

A 10-module journey from fundamental concepts to your final mission pitch.

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01

Introduction to Orbital Missions

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  • Mission Briefing: Starting your journey into space and assessing your baseline knowledge.
  • Hardware Reveal: Unpacking your picosatellite kit.
  • Orbital Context: The history and evolution of satellites.
  • The Engineering Mindset: Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and mission resilience.
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02

Assembly Basics & Electronics Practical

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  • Workshop Prep: Assembly overview, required tools, and Health & Safety protocols.
  • Component Deep-Dive: Understanding the mainboard, schematics, and core electronic components (resistors, capacitors, microcontrollers, radio transceivers).
  • Comms 101: Introduction to radio communication systems.
  • Hands-On: Practice soldering techniques.
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03

Sensor Payloads & Mission Design

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  • The Sensor Range: Exploring CO2, UV, GPS, Temperature, Humidity, TVOC, Gas, and Ambient Light payloads.
  • Payload Mechanics: Understanding the specific function and application of each sensor.
  • Mission Architecture: Selecting your primary sensor and documenting your scientific rationale.
  • Goal Setting: Developing an outline for your mission experiments and operational objectives.
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04

Hardware Assembly & Testing

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  • The Build: Practical hardware session to solder the main picosatellite board.
  • System Integration: Adding and soldering the programming pins.
  • Quality Assurance: Using a multimeter to conduct circuit testing and ensure flight readiness.
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05

Introduction to Flight Software

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  • Coding Foundations: Introduction to visual coding using online examples.
  • Environment Setup: Installing and configuring Visual Studio Code.
  • Handshake Protocol: Establishing a secure data connection between your satellite and the computer.
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06

Advanced Coding & Telemetry

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  • First Commands: Programming your first successful action (getting the onboard LED to flash).
  • Sensor Integration: Writing and compiling the code to activate your chosen sensor.
  • Telemetry: Establishing LoRaWAN communications for data transmission.
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07

Mission Control & Data Analysis

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  • First Light: Receiving initial data from your satellite and navigating the Mission Control Dashboard.
  • Data Management: Steps to securely export and format your data sets.
  • Real-World Application: Connecting sensor data to global challenges (e.g., tracking CO2 for global warming, monitoring UV for solar activity).
  • Analytical Review: Viewing, cleaning, and analyzing your gathered data.
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08

Rocket Science & Flight Physics

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  • Propulsion Theory: Understanding multi-stage launch vehicles.
  • Flight Dynamics: How to calculate the center of gravity and center of pressure for stable flight.
  • Launch Readiness: Preparing your payload for the physical stresses and vibrations of launch.
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09

Crafting the Mission Pitch

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  • Framework: Using the supplied template to structure a compelling mission proposal.
  • Deck Creation: Preparing your pitch deck to be delivered to the review board in the final lesson.
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10

End of Course Competition: The Launch Pitch

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  • The Presentation: Deliver your mission pitch deck in a strict 2-minute window.
  • The Defense: Explain exactly why you chose your specific sensor and the real-world impact your mission will achieve.
  • The Prize: Winners are awarded a physical launch slot for their satellite on a partner launch vehicle into Low Earth Orbit.

Course Outcomes

Explore the specific skills, materials, and cross-curricular relevance of each lesson.

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01

Core Outcomes

Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.

Format & Materials

Introduction to the picosatellite concept. Assesses the student’s baseline knowledge of space, engineering, and computing.

Syllabus Relevance

Career Pathways Cross-Curricular Intro
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02

Core Outcomes

Understand Health & Safety protocols. Develop practical soldering skills.

Format & Materials

Video presentation featuring a step-by-step soldering tutorial (can be paused/rewound), followed by hands-on practice.

Syllabus Relevance

Design & Technology (D&T) Electronics
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03

Core Outcomes

Understand sensor applications and make informed mission design choices.

Format & Materials

Overview of the sensor range, their functions, and environmental impact. Students document the scientific rationale for their chosen payload.

Syllabus Relevance

Geography Physics Environmental Science
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04

Core Outcomes

Build teamwork, practical engineering skills, and problem-solving resilience.

Format & Materials

Video presentation detailing the main picosatellite board assembly, followed by the practical hardware build.

Syllabus Relevance

Design & Technology Physics Electronics
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05

Core Outcomes

Learn software engineering basics, code structuring, and debugging.

Format & Materials

Introduction to coding logic. Students analyze problems, write solutions, and correct code errors in real-time.

Syllabus Relevance

Computing & ICT Logic & Languages
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06

Core Outcomes

Advance coding proficiency and complex problem-solving.

Format & Materials

Video demonstrating specific coding requirements for the hardware, followed by a practical software programming exercise.

Syllabus Relevance

Computing & ICT Software Engineering
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07

Core Outcomes

Interpret telemetry data and present findings in graphical formats.

Format & Materials

Introduction to the online Mission Control Dashboard. Detailed breakdown of how to extract and analyze the available data streams.

Syllabus Relevance

Mathematics Statistics Data Visualization
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08

Core Outcomes

Develop team-building, critical thinking, and applied physics knowledge.

Format & Materials

Video presentation on theoretical rocket science, covering flight dynamics, center of gravity, and center of pressure.

Syllabus Relevance

Physics D&T Product Design Aerospace Engineering
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09

Core Outcomes

Build presentation skills, creativity, and business strategy.

Format & Materials

Students use presentation software to design a business use-case and craft a compelling "pitch" for their space mission.

Syllabus Relevance

Business Studies Presentation Skills Drama
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10

Core Outcomes

Improve public speaking confidence and professional delivery.

Format & Materials

Students deliver their final mission pitch using presentation software to a review panel.

Syllabus Relevance

Employability Public Speaking Communications