CubeKraft in partnership with the Association of Mechanical Engineering Students, recently conducted a 2-week hybrid training on CubeSat (nanosatellite) technology, to students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.The training , facilitated in partnership with The Kenya Space Agency, together with the Italian Space Agency, covered CubeSat Technology including the different Subsystems in Satellites, Mission planning, Payloads & ArduLIMo integration amongst other topics, coupled with hands-on physical training.
A total of 15 students successfully completed the training and were awarded certificates.
CubeKraft is a social enterprise founded by 3 Aeronautical Engineering students from the University. According to Gifton Ndemo, one of CubeKraft founders, the enterprise seeks to bridge the gap in space knowledge among learners in the country, as well as other developing countries, empowering the next generation of engineers to take bold steps in the global space race.
“With the recent establishment of the Department of Aerospace in the Government, and the renovations that are happening at the Malindi Space Center there are signs everywhere. Kenya is headed to space. So, we are strategically positioning ourselves and even positioning our institution as a technical institution in aeronautical engineering,” explained Emmanuel Githinji, one of CubeKraft founders.
He further added that their goal is to have more trainings like this, and hopefully create a club that is well known.
“We are starting on a small scale with this cohort. We trained them and we hope they plant this seed and keep it going, so that they can develop nano satellites and launch them to space,” said Githinji.
Speaking at the awarding ceremony, Mr. Dominic Kipkorir Rono, an Assistant Lecturer, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said the potential of youth-led innovation is limitless. He thus encouraged the students to keep on reskilling themselves to give them an edge in the Aerospace industry.
“You cannot join the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. And so in this intervening period, build your skills relentlessly, it will all make sense in future.”
“I can attest that you are on the right path, and I hope that your engagement with CubeKraft is just the start of your journey,” added Mr. Rono.
Kevin Gitau, one of Cube Kraft founders admitted that the training was thorough and successful.
“We tasked the trainees to come up with space missions that can be undertaken. They presented them in teams and we vetted them. Beyond that, they also undertook an online test, which they passed,” he affirmed
“We are therefore sure that they have met the threshold.”
The event was also attended by Andrea Lentaaya, the President of the Association of Mechanical Engineering students.
