IMPACT OF THE ESA EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON DEVELOPMENT YOUNG SPACE WORKFORCE IN POLAND

摘要

From a long time there were no professional specializations dedicated straight to space technologies at polishtechnical universities. From a couple of years number of space related courses were initiated. However, quantity ofthe courses, organization and methodology still did not prepare graduate student to start work in space sector. Skillsexpectations imposed from research institutions, business entrepreneurs towards a young graduate are utmostdifferent. Time required to train inside a company a new hired employee is high.From students, space enthusiasts point of view, the only opportunity to have hands-on, practical experience in spacedisciplines was to apply for foreign educational programmes, like projects organized by ESA Education Office.Polish students have started to participated in ESA projects in 1995 and from this time they took part in almost everyavailable mission.Except of the personal benefits, participation in ESA projects gave students technical and management knowledgewhich is required to start small space projects at their local universities. One of such projects was first polish satellitePW-Sat, was launched on 13th February 2012. An idea of starting PW-Sat project was made after participation inone of the European Students Earth Orbiter (ESEO) workshops.In last two years the results of students participation in ESA Educational programmes can be seen more clearly thanever before. Alumnes of projects such as Parabolic Flight Campaigns, YES-2 satellite, REXUS/BEXUS campaignhave already worked in all space-related institutions, universities and SMEs. They cooperate in creating nationalstrategy of space industry development, effectively promote space in public and launching theirs owns SMEs. Mostof the youngest engineers who were participated in ESA Educational projects are working in Centre of SpaceResearch Polish Academy of Sciences where were developed another polish scientific satellites: Lem and Hevelius.This paper will show on a Polish example, what impact can have an international educational programmes onprogress of young space workforce and on space industry in ESA non-member state, which for long time did nothave strong national space structures and space policy.