The workshop specifically targeted students aged 13 to 18 from various schools in Kalba. The program's primary objective was to provide students with an overview of Astronomy and Space Sciences as a field of study, allowing them to gain a firsthand experience in this exciting field.
The program lasted four hours, and the participants were immersed in a comprehensive learning experience. The first two hours consisted of an interactive Astronomy and Space Sciences lecture by Ms. Noora Alameri, Research Analyst at the High Energy Astrophysics lab at SAASST. Students actively engaged in the session by posing fundamental questions about the subject matter. The lecture emphasized the significance of Astronomy and Space Sciences in our daily lives, illuminating how this field is deeply intertwined with our existence.
The subsequent lecture, delivered by Eng. Tarifa AlKaabi and Eng. Amal Alhammadi, Space Technology Engineers at the CubeSat lab at SAASST, focused on Space Technology and Satellite Systems. This session adopted a hands-on approach, allowing students to explore the practical aspects of the subject matter. Using Arduino boards, the students gained firsthand experience connecting essential electronic components and programming them using their computers, emulating the operational principles of different satellite subsystems. This has given the students valuable insights into spacecraft technology, enhancing their understanding of this exciting field.
Overall, the "Be an Astronaut" workshop offered students a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating worlds of Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology. The program nurtured their interest in these fields by combining informative lectures with practical demonstrations, encouraging further exploration and potential future involvement.