Report on the 2017 and 2018 KOSEN Space Camps: Mission CanSat to Model CubeSat

Abstract

This paper describes the “2017 and 2018 KOSEN Space Camps.” These camps offer introductory space technology programs for students enrolled in the various KOSEN technology colleges in Japan. Since 2015, we have hosted this camp at the Marine Park Niihama. Over the last two years, we evolved and refined the camp's contents to develop a more effective space technology and science education program. In 2017, we successfully held two CanSat development courses: One for beginners to learn how to use onboard computers and sensors and one that is driven more by the participants' imaginations. We tried to make our camps stand out in terms of content variations and load balances including competition. In 2018, we attempted to introduce advanced content such as model CubeSat development and competition. This new trial included online preparation materials from KOSEN's space academia. We will continue to improve the Space Camp content so that in the future, this program may be established as an annual space event in Niihama City.