Viva Voce at Viasat: Behind the Scenes of Satellite Technology
Hosted by global communications company Viasat, this immersive experience gave students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of satellite operations. The day began with a tour of the Viasat facilities, including a visit to the satellite control centre, where students saw real-time data and experienced virtual reality simulations of flying satellites.
Students then had the opportunity to network with Viasat professionals from around the world, gaining insights into diverse career paths in the space industry. The highlight of the day was the Viva Voce presentations, where students confidently shared their favourite parts of the course and answered questions from none other than Viasat’s Vice President of Operations.
To top it off, a satellite coding session led by Stephen Ringler from the Space Store Oxford challenged students to analyse real satellite data and produce visual graphs—an exciting hands-on application of their programming skills.
🤖 AI in Orbit: Edge Impulse at the National Space Centre
The second trip took three of our students to the National Space Centre in Leicester, where they explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and space exploration. In a workshop led by Edge Impulse, students programmed an AI model to identify and classify different types of trees using live camera feeds—an exercise in real-time machine learning.
Later, Po Padilla from Cranfield University delivered a fascinating talk on how AI is revolutionising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sharing cutting-edge research on autonomous flight systems.
The day concluded with a visit to the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium and the museum’s interactive exhibits, offering a broader perspective on the history and future of space travel.
This brings an end to the GDST’s Space Technology Diploma for 2025 and we can’t wait to get started again in September where our next group of Year 12 students will be able to explore:
- 🌌 Module 1: James Webb Telescope Data & Imaging
Simulate how space telescopes process images! You’ll create digital representations of light intensities captured by MIRI detectors, generate pixel-based images, and develop a binary data storage system—just like scientists studying deep space! - 🌍 Module 2: Earth Data Analysis
Become a data scientist for Earth! You’ll query real NASA datasets, process environmental readings from Earth’s different systems, and use Python programming to visualise, model, and predict trends—helping to understand global changes from space. - 🔭 Module 3: Computer Vision for Space Exploration
Train AI to see the universe! Learn how planet tracking, object detection, and astronaut safety depend on computer vision. You’ll apply image masking to optimise machine learning and detect patterns in space imagery—just as AI does for missions beyond Earth! - 🚀 Module 4: Spatial Movement Classification
Predict movement in zero gravity! Using machine learning, capture and graph inertia and motion data recorded through mobile sensors. You’ll explore how AI can predict movement patterns—critical for astronaut safety, spacecraft manoeuvring, and robotics in space. - 🛠️ Module 5: Aerospace Design Optimisation
Design and optimise rockets for space travel! Simulate virtual rocket launches, analyse performance, and refine aerospace components to maximise efficiency. This module teaches the engineering behind modern rocketry, preparing you for future advancements in space travel.
