STEP UP STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN ASTRONAUTICS THANKS TO ASSOCIATIVE ACTIVITY DEVELOPMENT - FOCUS ON ESO (ESTACA SPACE ODYSSEY) CASE

摘要

The space sector is facing new challenges. Taking into account the satellite market changes, and the necessity of a more efficient cost control in space projects, there is a need to change the way we approach our projects. The arrival of private companies in the development of U.S. space program is a perfect illustration. This trend requires developing new skills and qualities among young engineers, implementing methods of project management that encourage creativity and collaborative work. ESTACA Space Odyssey (ESO), the ESTACA's students aerospace association has built a model and a methodology to develop cost efficient and innovative projects. The aim of our association is to give engineering students the opportunity to get involved in real small scale space projects entirely managed by them. It allows everyone to master every conception steps and give them a good overview of the similar processes existing in the space industry. This integrated organization provides practical sense which develops skills required to design cost-efficient projects. One of the key challenges to overcome is the knowledge transmission. As there are no permanent members to transmit the information, a specific platform has to be developed to manage and store the information. The ESO organization has developed a large range of tools answering this issue such as an online management system and a Wiki platform. Moreover, we encourage the collaborative work between all ESO projects, and we ensure the training of new members who will be in charge of future projects. This organization has proven its ability to make the association move forward and evolve over the last twenty years, members increasing each year. The association has been able to capitalize on its experience and finalize numerous projects. Over the last twenty years, our association has established partnerships based on concrete projects with industrial companies, students and academics research centers. This experience plays a key role in the young professional insertion as it allows students to make their proof in a semi-professional environment. The earlier the students get conscious of the operational reality and difficulties, the easier it will be for them to take up new challenges. This is why we would like to share our experience and our vision of the evolution of the space industry in a medium term. We hope this will help developing more student organizations in the aerospace sector.