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17 Sep 2026 | views: 33 |
For this competition, we're challenging Primary and Secondary school students to let their imaginations take flight and design their very own satellite.
It can be realistic, futuristic, funny, edible, hand-drawn, modelled, digital — anything you like!
There's just one important rule: It must have a specific purpose.
Your satellite could be designed to:
There are no limits to your creativity.
Your satellite could be a carefully engineered spacecraft or a model made from cardboard. It could be a drawing, a digital design, a sculpture, or even something made from food.
Think big. Think differently. Think like a space engineer!
Your Challenge
1. Design your satellite
Create your satellite in any way you like.
You could draw it, build it, model it, photograph it, digitally design it — the choice is yours.
2. Give it a mission
Every satellite needs a purpose.
Tell us what your satellite does and why it is useful.
Your explanation can be as creative as your design. You could write about its mission, make a video explaining how it works, label what it can see or measure, or tell us what problem it is solving in another creative way.
3. Upload your entry
When you're ready, upload your satellite design along with your explanation.
You can upload more than one file if you need to. For example, you could upload a photograph of your model and a PDF explaining its mission.
Your total upload size must not exceed 50MB.
4. Judging
There will be separate competitions for Primary and Secondary students, with prizes up for grabs!
Entries will be judged by a panel of STEM Ambassadors and industry professionals.
We're looking for ideas that show creativity, imagination and a passion for STEM — so don't be afraid to think outside the box or, in this case…outside the satellite!
Entries close: 4 December
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
If you are school age, you are welcome to enter! You do not need to be attending a school. There are two competitions: one for Primary age students and one for Secondary age students.
If you are not in the UK, you are welcome to enter, however we are unable to send prizes outside the UK, but we will be able to send you a certificate.
What does my satellite have to look like?
That's up to you! Your satellite can be realistic, futuristic, funny or completely out of this world.
You could make a model, draw a picture, create a digital design, use food, or come up with something completely different.
Does my satellite need to be realistic?
No! We want to encourage creativity and imagination. Your satellite doesn't have to be something that could be launched tomorrow.
Have fun with your idea!
What do I need to include with my design?
Every entry must include an explanation of what your satellite does. But this can take shape anyway you like. It could be a detailed written report, labels on your prototype or a video explanation, we don’t mind just tell us about its mission and what makes your satellite special.
What format should I use?
Common file formats are welcome e.g. .doc, .docx, .pdf, .mp3, .mp4, .mov, .avi, .ppt, .jpg, .jpeg, .png
If you want to send CAD/3D printing files, please export/convert them to .pdf or jpg/png for 2D images and .gltf, .glb or .pdf for 3D models.
If you have problem uploading your files, please contact thestemhub@canterbury.ac.uk
Can I upload more than one file?
Yes! Multiple uploads are permitted.
For example, you might upload a photograph of a physical model and a separate document explaining your satellite's mission.
The total size of all uploaded files must be no more than 50MB.
When is the deadline?
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 on 4th December.
Who chooses the winners?
Entries will be judged by a team of STEM Ambassadors and industry professionals, and they think about things like:
Creativity - Is your satellite design imaginative and original?
Purpose - Does your satellite have an interesting or useful mission?
Innovation – Have you used new and exciting ideas within your satellite?
What can I win?
Every entry will receive a certificate celebrating your innovation and creativity. There will also be prizes for the winning entries with more details will be announced soon.
If you win, we will contact your school to deliver your prize. If you are home educated, there is a place to put a contact email address on your entry form.
