Creators in Residence: Space Tech workshops
Designed for everyone aged 14 and up
Space is for everyone!
NottSpace is an exciting interdisciplinary group based at the University of Nottingham, bringing together researchers and students from Engineering, Pharmacy, Law, Physics, Geography, and Computer Science to explore and advance space systems and missions. Their work spans technical innovation, societal impact, and educational outreach, all rooted in the belief that space belongs to everyone!
With the UK’s long history of satellite development and a growing need for diverse talent in space science and engineering, Notts Space is committed to breaking down barriers and making STEM accessible to all.
Through their Arts Council-funded residency at the library, NottSpace aims to spark curiosity and creativity by blending science with public engagement, igniting a new wave of space enthusiasts and changemakers. Their inclusive, hands-on workshops are designed especially with young people aged 14 and up in mind, offering a chance to dive into the exciting world of space tech.
Why get involved?
Ever wondered how satellites actually work? Or how they help us monitor weather patterns, track wildlife migrations, and even combat modern slavery? This workshop series if your chance to find out.
Led by space experts from the University of Nottingham, you'll get hands-on experience building your own model satellite, meet new people, and explore how space technology connects to the world around us.
No space, coding, building or electronics experience needed, everyone is welcome!
You don’t need to know how to code or understand space science to take part. Whether you’re completely new or already tinkering with tech, this workshop is designed to welcome everyone aged 14 and up. We’ll start from the basics and build up to more advanced ideas, giving you real skills and insights that look great on college, university, or job applications!
Breaking Barriers in STEM
STEM has long struggled with diversity, and we’re here to change that. Space isn’t just for white, middle-aged men, it’s for you! The UK’s been launching satellites since the 1960s, and now more than ever, we need engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers from all backgrounds to shape the future of space. This is your invitation to get involved, explore new possibilities, and discover how space can be part of your story.
Learn satellite tech from the ground up
You'll learn everything from the ground up, starting with from the basics progressing to more advanced concepts.
Workshop 1: ‘FlatSat’ Satellite building and testing
Date and time: Saturday 22 November, 11am – 2pm
Overview: Build, code and test the electronics of a working model satellite!
What you’ll be doing:
Part 1: Getting started
- Discover how satellites work
- Build basic electronic circuits using breadboards
- Learn to code or level up your existing skills
Part 2: Troubleshooting
- Don’t expect things to work on your first go – that’s part of the fun!
- Calibrate satellite sensors
- If you make more progress, combine and refine your code
- They’ll be time at the end to wrap up unfinished tasks, ask questions, and possibly take home your own Arduino microcontroller for free!
Workshop 2: Working Model Satellite structural building and testing
Date and time: Saturday 6 December, 11am – 2pm
Overview: Build a satellite body, integrate electronics and test a working model satellite!
Part 1: Build and Integrate
- Learn the fundamentals of satellite construction, integration, and testing,
- Assemble your own take-home satellite model
- Install basic electronics using breadboards (provided if you missed Workshop 1).
Part 2: Test and Troubleshoot
- Dive into fault-finding, because things will go wrong at first
- Have a go at sending real time data back to a ground station wirelessly like a real satellite.
- At the end of the workshop there will be time to finish off anything you did not get chance to finish and ask questions…and you will get to take away your own satellite body for free!