“Training of Trainers” program launched within the framework of the Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition

From April 28 to May 1, 2025, the “Training of Trainers” (TOT) program was held within the framework of the Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition. The training program is organized by the Brazilian Space Agency and "IDEIA Space" company.

The training sessions were conducted by Leonardo Souza, the CEO of the Brazilian company "IDEIA Space", engineer Rafael Paiva Lobo, and expert Matheus Six. The program involved 80 teachers from general education centers. The main objective of this four-day program is to enhance the knowledge and skills of teachers and prepare students for the creation of satellite models.

The program covers the following topics:

• April 28: Overview of the first stage, introduction to the educational satellite kit, project design review template (PDR Canvas), and onboard data handling system (OBDH).
• April 29: Introduction to the Electrical Power System (EPS) and Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), as well as the integration of these systems into student projects.
• April 30: Raising awareness about space safety, international guidelines on space debris and satellite operations, learning about payload concepts and their role in missions.
• May 1: Defining space mission objectives, designing mission emblems, integrating satellite subsystems, and finalizing the project design review.

The training will help teachers guide students in the creation of satellite models, develop design thinking skills, and prepare final project presentations.

The TOT program is part of the first-ever National Satellite Innovation Competition held in Azerbaijan. The competition is organized by the SPACE Academy of Azercosmos, with support from the State Agency for Preschool and General Education, the Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, the Brazilian Space Agency, and the "IDEIA Space" company. The competition involves 650 students selected from 41 secondary schools across the country. They will work in teams to create their satellite models, which will be launched into orbit via SpaceX's Falcon rocket as the 101st "PocketQube" pico-satellite.

The goal of the competition is to increase interest in space technologies, develop scientific and technical knowledge, and enhance innovative thinking. Additionally, the project aims to transform young people into future space professionals in an international collaboration environment and strengthen Azerbaijan’s global position in this field.