Mastering the Art of Space-Grade Soldering
When it comes to space exploration, precision and quality are paramount. To prepare the next generation of space engineers and scientists, the European Space Agency (ESA) runs its Fly Your Satellite! (FYS) programme, which supports university students in building educational CubeSats. As a part of this groundbreaking initiative, the recent Soldering Course illuminated the path to mastering the intricate art of soldering space-grade electronic components.
The Soldering Course took place over three intensive days from 10 to 12 October, and hosted six students hailing from three university teams participating in the 3rd edition of Fly Your Satellite:
- SOURCE (University of Stuttgart)
- SpaceDot (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)
- UCAnFly (University of Cadiz)
The participants embarked on a journey that not only broadened their understanding of space-grade soldering but also provided them with an exclusive glimpse into ESA's biggest establishment, ESTEC.
The course was designed and delivered by experts from ESA’s of Directorate of Technology, Enginering and Quality (TEC) in cooperation with ESA Academy and provided guidance forstudents through the nuances of soldering space-grade electronic components using soldering irons and other professional equipment. Each day of the course offered a unique focus.
Day 1: Quality Resistor Soldering
The students delved into the world of quality and qualification, honing their skills in soldering resistors on printed circuit boards. With precision as the watchword, they learned the art of soldering to ensure the high standards in space missions.
Day 2: Harnessing the Power of Connection
The second day was dedicated to harnesses - how to strip, connect, and solder cables in accordance with ESA standards. These essential skills are vital in ensuring the seamless functioning of spacecraft and the data transfer between various components.
Day 3: Mastering SMD Components
The grand finale of the course saw students diving into the intricacies of surface-mounted devices (SMD). These tiny, high-tech components are used extensively in modern electronics, and our students learned how to connect and solder them with precision.
A key highlight of the course was the meticulous evaluation of each student's printed circuit board, which was subjected to expert scrutiny under a microscope. This rigorous assessment ensured that each participant was well-prepared to handle the demanding soldering requirements of space missions.
The Soldering Course offered a unique opportunity for aspiring space engineers to gain hands-on experience and expertise in soldering, a skill that is indispensable for any successful space mission. It's yet another testament to ESA's commitment to nurturing the talents of the future space industry leaders and ensuring the highest quality in space exploration.
Interesting in more FYS opportunities? Have a look here.
