International collaboration to launch students into real-life space mission

Adelaide-based space education start-up Robinson Aerospace Systems has joined forces with Space Elevator in France and The Exploration Company in Germany to launch seven international schools into orbit.

Project Space Call is enabling secondary students from Australia, Rwanda, Singapore, Ukraine, Colombia, the UAE and the United States to participate in a real space mission scheduled for launch in early 2025.

Over the past eight months, these international students have designed, manufactured and programmed small modules, each containing a microcontroller, LED and light sensor.

The modules are now securely installed inside Robinson Aerospace’s first orbital payload, the RASCube-1, which is set to launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California in 2025. Once deployed, they will communicate with each other in orbit using morse code to engage in a game of ‘Telephone’ in their respective native languages.

CEO and founder of Robinson Aerospace Systems Edward Robinson is excited to play a key role in this cutting-edge global space project.

“We’re honoured to be providing the payload bus and structure that will host Space Call during its launch to orbit,” he said.

“It’s been incredible to work with the students involved as they develop their electronic modules and work towards the goal of reaching space.”

CEO and co-founder of The Exploration Company Hélène Huby explained that the project aligns closely to the company’s three key principles.

“We are thrilled to be partnering on Space Call because it brings to life three principles that we hold very dear at The Exploration Company – the importance of global collaboration in space, the need for space to be accessible to all – including the younger generations worldwide – and the power space offers for science and technology.”

Pierre Bertrand President and founder of Space Elevator is proud to partner with Robinson Aerospace to bring the project to life.

“Space Elevator is extremely proud to partner with The Exploration Company and Robinson Aerospace to bring our ambition as well as that of our students in orbit.”

Now that the RASCube-1 payload has been assembled with project Space Call inside, Robinson Aerospace will work with the University of Adelaide and South Australian-based manufacturer REDARC Electronics to help conduct a series of tests including vibration testing, shock testing and EMC/ EMI testing.