SSP22: An international, dynamic
and interactive experience

The International Space University (ISU) is extremely excited to co-host the ISU Space Studies Program 2022 with the Portugal Space Agency and the Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST) Taguspark Campus in Oeiras, from 27 June to 26 August 2022. 

This will be a wonderful summer for the participants which they will spend in residence close to Lisbon obtaining an intensive training program about the vibrant space sector and future trends in the space economy. 

In the last years we have observed a rapidly evolving space sector, we saw many new emerging space nations and commercial actors contributing to new ventures and witnessed a steadily growing downstream sector that gets more and more integrated with the non-space sector. The last ten years also showed unprecedented investment in more than 1700 start-ups all over the world and it is clear that the growing space sector will need an adequate workforce now and in the next decades. We need in particular a generation that can think out of the box and can support future space economy trends and find new applications for other economies and/or to the benefit of society.  

The International Space University (ISU) is the sole university worldwide devoted entirely to space education since 1987. ISU celebrated its 35-year anniversary in April 2022 and counts to date 5200 alumni shaping the international space ecosystem in 110 countries, including astronauts and entrepreneurs along with current and former space industry and government leaders. ISU is made up of a unique network around the world with a Central Campus in Strasbourg, France and hubs in the USA and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as partnerships with leading space organizations worldwide. ISU is known for its unique interdisciplinary, international, and intercultural educational programs.  

The Space Studies Program (SSP) is an intense two-month course for postgraduate students and professionals of all disciplines and provides a unique educational experience. The SSP offers a unique curriculum designed specifically for professionals starting or changing direction in their space careers or for people working in space-related fields who wish to broaden their knowledge base, including upskilling and reskilling. The SSP provides courses in all space disciplines including space engineering, space science, space applications, space economy, entrepreneurship, policy, and law, as well as hands-on education through workshops and professional visits. The SSP 2022 will also be offered as an online program from 27 June to 5 August 2022. During the SSP, participants will work on team projects sponsored by space agencies and industry leaders, to address current and future challenges in the space sector and contribute to the future of the Portuguese Space sector.

SSP22 participants will be immersed in the Portuguese space ecosystem that is now booming. More than 75% of the Portuguese industry and academia will be involved in the SSP. The participants will also gain a strong understanding of the Portuguese and European space industries and their importance in the global space sector.  

We hope that the shared experience of an international, dynamic, and interactive working environment is an ideal networking forum and support the future careers of our students and leads to life-long friendships.