As part of Career Day, the ACS Athens CanSat teams set their sights on the sky, both in their innovative builds and in an inspiring encounter with Dr. Scott Parazynski, a Hall of Fame astronaut, physician, and innovator. An ACS Athens Class of ’79 alum, Dr. Parazynski shared his journey from the classroom to the cosmos alongside other notable panelists, including ACS alumni, offering students invaluable insights into their fields.
A highly accomplished explorer, Dr. Parazynski has flown on five Space Shuttle missions, conducted seven spacewalks, climbed Mount Everest, and contributed to medical technology advancements. His career embodies innovation, perseverance, and scientific curiosity.
The ACS Athens CanSat teams, SolidSat and SmallSat, had the incredible opportunity to showcase their miniaturized satellite designs, explaining their engineering choices, mission goals, and problem-solving approaches. Part of a European Space Agency (ESA) initiative, CanSat challenges students to design and build functional satellites small enough to fit inside a soda can. These satellites, equipped with essential subsystems like power, sensors, and communication modules, are launched via rockets or high-altitude platforms. As they descend, they collect data, conduct experiments, and deploy recovery systems like parachutes, simulating real-world space missions.
Dr. Parazynski provided expert advice, challenging students to think critically about designing for extreme conditions, optimizing data collection, and solving real-world engineering problems. His insights inspired deeper curiosity and innovation, with many students eager for more time to engage with his wealth of knowledge in space exploration, technology, and problem-solving on a global scale. His visit reinforced the value of mentorship and industry connections in shaping future innovators.
The ACS Athens Institute, in partnership with the European Space Agency, runs the CanSat program to bridge education with industry, equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills and STEM expertise. Through hands-on challenges, students gain practical experience and industry exposure, preparing them to tackle complex global issues.
A big congratulations to both CanSat teams for making it to the finals of CanSat Greece 2025!