Online Product Assurance Awareness Training Course 2021 gives University students new perspectives

“The significance of ESA Academy's invaluable training courses cannot be stressed enough,” said a participating Spanish student from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. “They provide a workspace where students can interact with top professionals with remarkable experience, who share the wisdom they have accumulated during a lifetime of participating in and leading the most challenging projects in space history.’’

The first two days gave students a thorough introduction to the training course. The importance of Product Assurance (PA) in space-related projects and business was discussed, as well as the knowledge students will need in order to become successful PA engineers. Participants were taught that PA engineers are responsible for failure-proofing missions, and that their duties include ensuring that the materials, mechanical parts, processes, and electrical components used to assemble a spacecraft or launcher are fit for purpose over the entire life of a mission.

The third day was about familiarising students with the tasks of Quality Management and Assurance, stressing how important these aspects are throughout the various stages of a project. The week continued with experts explaining the importance of Dependability and Safety; essential aspects present during every stage of a space project. Real-life stories were given to illustrate the experts’ points, including failed rocket launches and satellite anomalies. The students greatly valued the examples as they helped in understanding the value of PA. The first week was rounded out with Software Product Assurance, a complex topic that was well covered by the expert using plenty of real-life examples.

The second week began with fascinating facts about materials and processes within the context of ensuring reliability when flying into space. The students then enjoyed a lesson on Electrical, Electronic and Electro-mechanical (EEE) components, which are the fundamental building blocks of any spacecraft. Course trainers frankly discussed the anomalies that they have encountered during their careers, while the students considered how PA engineers can take these risks into account and ensure that a satellite will function properly.

This was followed by a session of Radiation Hardness Assurance; vital information considering radiation is a significant contributing factor to the harsh environment of space. It was then time for the course’s final module, analysing PA in Space Business through the lens of project management and the role of a PA manager. Thanks to examples and exercises, the students quickly grasped the type of thinking required for such activities.

“The Product Assurance Awareness Training Course was a fascinating experience,” explained a Polish PhD student from the Space Research Centre - Polish Academy of Sciences. “The experts were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. I think anyone who attends the training, regardless of whether they will be working in a PA related position, can greatly benefit from it. The material covered brought a lot of knowledge and a new perspective on space engineering projects. I am very happy to have participated in the course and highly recommend it to every student interested in the field.”

An online evaluation test was used to rate students’ performance and each participant received a certificate of participation and a course transcript, which can then be used to request ECTS Credit(s) from their respective universities.

To find more information on upcoming ESA Academy training sessions and opportunities, please see the Current Opportunities page. For more information and enquiries contact: tlp@esa.int