The CanSat Ghana initiative, sponsored by the OAD, aimed to promote astronomy awareness in Ghana through practical engagement with electronics and satellite design. This educational competition empowered high school students aged 14 to 18 to learn how to construct CanSats (satellites in a can) and compete to demonstrate their skills. The project involved 107 students, with 39.3% representing females, from over 8 schools across 4 regions in Ghana.
Objectives:
– To raise awareness of astronomy and space technology among Ghana’s youth.
– To engage students in practical learning of satellite design and electronics.
– To foster innovation and cultivate problem-solving skills among young Ghanaians.
Activities
The competition commenced with the selection of 6 participating teams, comprising over 30 students, who underwent comprehensive training sessions held in Kumasi and Bolgatanga. These sessions provided students with essential knowledge on satellite design using TinkerCad and electronics with Arduino. A pivotal aspect of the competition was the utilization of the custom CanSat model “Nyarkoa,” developed by Erictronics, which featured an array of sophisticated sensors, including GNSS trackers, LoRa communication, Altimeter, RTC, ESP32, and ports for additional sensors.
Results
The culmination of months of preparation manifested on September 28th, with the commencement of the competition day at Afua Kobi Ampem Senior High School. The event, utilising both physical and hybrid formats with online participation, featured MCs Ferdinand Sam and Jemimah Kwakuyi from Xavier Space Solutions, alongside special guest appearances. Introduction and explanation of rules of the competition were conducted by Jake Yawson and Solomon Appekey, with Eric Obeng from Erictronics leading swift electronics sessions to prepare students for the competition.
Teams were assigned distinct mission statements, focusing on various aspects such as Environmental Data Collection, Atmospheric Turbulence Monitoring, Vertical Temperature Profiling, and Environmental and Altitude Monitoring. Despite weather conditions preventing the launch of the CanSats designed by the students using drones and weather balloons, the competition was determined by a brief presentation on how their CanSats fit the mission plans.
Outcomes
- Knowledge of basic coding, electronics and robotics principles and its application in building experimental satellites (space-based mission).
- Increase the number of students interested in taking up Science/Space/Astronomy courses in university.
- Increase awareness in students and teachers the learning and teaching of STEM subjects in schools using a project-based approach.
- Build a team excited and well-equipped in taking up space/astronomy-based projects in Ghana.
- Build and give local electronics companies and start-ups opportunities to be involved in contributing to Space/Astronomy/STEM development in Ghana.