Kazakhstani girls will learn how to assemble nanosatellites
NUR-SULTAN, 22 June 2021 – The United Nations Childre's Fund (UNICEF) and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launch the second stage of an educational project to develop UniSat nanosatellites. Girls from 14 to 25 years old can apply for participation at the online training through this link: https://cutt.ly/Xn2FF3y
UniSat is a joint educational programme of UNICEF and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Last year, 20 girls developed nanosatellites and launched them into the stratosphere as part of this programme. The launched nanosatellites took pictures of the Earth and collected data on radiation, pressure, gravity, and the composition of light and gas for further analysis by researchers.
This year, with Dubai Cares support, UNICEF and Al-Farabi KazNU will launch an online course that will cover all regions of Kazakhstan and train more girls. During the course, the programme participants will master the important stages of developing a space vehicle: engineering, design, programming, assembly, testing and launch.
The UniSat goal is to develop the knowledge and competencies of girls in nanosatellite development, and to improve such skills as teamwork, public speaking, time management and creativity.
“The UniSat pilot success in 2020 inspired UNICEF and KazNU to launch the second stage and expand the project’s geography. It demonstrates the great capacity of girls and women who can expand the boundaries of science and technology. UniSat motivates its participants to continue their education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Therefore, I appeal to all potential participants, inviting them to take part in the programme and reach for the stars”, said Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan.
Nanosatellites are a class of small space vehicles which do not weigh more than 10 kg. Today, nanosatellites are developed in the world’s leading universities and commercial organizations. UniSat satellites are designed for educational purposes and are equipped with several cameras. One camera shoots an elliptical image of the Earth with 4K resolution.
As part of the partnership between UNICEF and KazNU, girls will receive knowledge from leading experts on aerospace engineering about 3D modeling, design of software control units, software and hardware development skills, communications and the basics of Linux programming.
The UniSat educational programme also includes a series of webinars by successful women, experts in various fields of activity, who will share their success stories with the programme participants.
The best graduates of the online programme will be invited to a week-long practical course on assembling a nanosatellite and launching it into the stratosphere.
Everyone who wants to participate in the project should register at the link: https://cutt.ly/Xn2FF3y
Registration deadline: 26 June 2021
Notes for Editors
Additional information about the project is available on the UniSat website: https://unisat.kz/
About UNICEF
UNICEF works to ensure the rights and well-being of every child. Together with its partners, UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information on UNICEF's work, visit www.unicef.org. Subscribe to our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. accounts.
Al-Farabi KazNU
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is the flagship of the country’s university system for training competitive, highly qualified personnel. The KazNU Technopark has dedicated research equipment for applied and fundamental research on natural and technical sciences (physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and many others).
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares is a global philanthropic organization, founded in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The organization plays a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning by 2030. For additional information about Dubai Cares, please visit: https://www.dubaicares.ae/
Media Contacts
Elvira Yausheva
Head of Communications and Public Relations
UNICEF
Tel: +7 707 109 8553
Email: eyausheva@unicef.org
