CanSat
An Ireland-based space engineering competition where student teams design, build and launch a miniature satellite inside a drinks-can-sized structure. Open to Transition Year and senior-cycle students through participating schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from electronics, programming, engineering design, teamwork and mission testing.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
5 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
15–19
School level
TY and Senior Cycle (second-level) or equivalent
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Team design/build, mentoring, national competition, then ESA international event for national winners
Fee
Not yet announced by the organiser
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
1 Sept 2026
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition ends
Not yet announced by the organiser
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Competition Overview National competitions are held each year by ESA’s ESERO offices and other partners. The winning teams from each country will attend ESA’s special event, ‘Space Engineer for a Day’, where they will: Explore cutting-edge space facilities and laboratories Meet space experts Present their work during a poster session Participate in space-themed activities and network with other teams Primary and Secondary Missions Primary Mission: The CanSat must measure air pressure and air temperature during its descent, transmitting the data to a computer. Students analyze the data and present it in graphs, such as altitude vs. time or temperature vs. altitude. Secondary Mission: Teams can develop their own creative missions, such as advanced telemetry (GPS or radiation levels), telecommand features, landing systems, or control mechanisms for targeted landings. Supporting Participating Teams Schools participating in the competition receive support from partner colleges, including access to advanced labs, technical mentorship, and industry guidance. Teams are provided with a starter kit, an introductory course, and ongoing technical help from dedicated mentors. See more information about the CanSat project here CanSat – European Space Agency
Preparation support
Recommended resources
ESA CanSat 2025–2026 Challenge Overview
Open resource ↗Official overview of the 2025–26 challenge and progression through national competitions; use it to understand the wider pathway alongside the technical modules.
Official · Free · Challenge and competition pathway overview · Recommended
Getting Started with CanSat
Open resource ↗ESA module on sensors, electronics, voltage dividers, data collection and soldering.
Official · Free · Technical learning module · Essential
Meet Arduino!
Open resource ↗CanSat-focused introduction to Arduino, C++, circuits and atmospheric measurements.
Official · Free · Programming and electronics module · Recommended
Communicating with Radio
Open resource ↗Module on protocols, radio programming and antenna construction for telemetry.
Official · Free · Radio and telemetry module · Essential
ESA CanSat Classroom Resource Collection
Open resource ↗Learning sequence linking primary mission, Arduino, radio and parachute modules.
Official · Free · Resource collection · Recommended