ATLAS ACADEMY

Program Design

ATLAS is a two week intensive summer program for high school youth in Grades 10-12

Experiential Learning

ATLAS will feature real satellite hardware and an interactive, hands-on design and build structure

Digital Design

Participants will learn about the process of digital design using virtual circuit builders

Artificial Intelligence

ATLAS will introduce students to concepts of AI and machine learning through interactive curriculum and projects

solar filter
Program Design

Intensive Summer Academy

Interested applicants can apply to attend

  • On either July 10 - July 21 or July 24 - August 4, 2023
  • Hosted on Dalhousie University’s Sexton Campus
  • Grade 10-12 students
  • Financial support for travel arrangements
  • Accommodations for those travelling from further afield
Experiential Learning

Build a working satellite

Participants will learn to work with real satellite hardware and circuitry

  • Soldering workshops and techniques
  • Parts machining
  • Wire harnessing
  • and more!
Satellite
Xplode
Digital Design

Computer modelling techniques

ATLAS will introduce students to CAD and other virtual design techniques

  • Circuit design
  • Digital simulations
  • CAD modelling
  • Simulate circuitry
Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning and Computational Thinking

Learn fundamentals of AI, and machine learning

  • Machine learning
  • Satellite Guidance Systems
  • AI environmental modeling
  • Applications of AI in space research
Curiosity

Program Curriculum

Learn more below

Explore the details of ATLAS daily curriculum themes. Keep an eye on this page for curriculum updates and opportunities.

Day 1: Launch Systems, Mission Planning and Payload

    Morning:

  • Introduction to various spacecrafts and missions
  • Intro to Space Engineering - difference between design and operations engineers.
  • Intro to Mission Planning - Launch Vehicles and Various Orbits

    Afternoon:

  • Payload Briefing - Lab-On-Chip Payload briefing
  • Flight Dynamics and Mechanics - Attitude Dynamic and Control Subsystem (ADCS)

Day 2: Power Systems and Communication in Space

    Morning:

  • Spacecraft Power Systems – Electrical Subsystem (EPS)
  • In-Flight Data Handling – On-Board Computer (OBC) and Edge-AI

    Afternoon:

  • Telemetry & Telecommunication – SATCOMM
  • Ground Station systems & the Global Deep Space Network

Day 3: Spacecraft Software and AI Applications in Space

    Morning:

  • Introduction to AI Software Development
  • Guest Speaker – DeepSense

    Afternoon:

  • Hands-on AI Software Development Workshop

Day 4: Electronics Design and Manufacturing for Space

    Morning:

  • Introduction to Electrical and Electronics
  • Guest Speaker – Dalhousie Electrical & Computer Engineering

    Afternoon:

  • Hands-on Electrical and Soldering Workshop

Day 5: Mechanical Design and Manufacturing for Space

    Morning:

  • Introduction to Mechanical Systems & CAD
  • Guest Speaker – Mechanical Engineering

    Afternoon:

  • Hands-on Mechanical Shop & CAD Workshop

Day 6: Workshop 1, Satellite Integration

    Morning:

  • Workshop with DeepSense: Ocean Data and AI

    Afternoon:

  • Hardware & Bus Integration

Day 7: Satellite Testing and Verification

    Morning:

  • Bus Testing – Pre-Flight Check

    Afternoon:

  • Bus Testing – Pre-Flight Check

Day 8: Workshop 2, Satellite Testing and Verification

    Morning:

  • Workshop 2

    Afternoon:

  • Bus Testing – Pre-Flight Check

Day 9: Workshop 3, Launch Campaign and In-Orbit Operation

    Morning:

  • Finishing touches

    Afternoon:

  • Site Visit / Guest Speaker

Day 10: Wrap up Party

    Morning:

  • Wrap Up / Conclusion / Evaluation Forms

    Afternoon:

  • Closing Event / Pictures /Certificates