Based in Newry, Resonate Testing has been involved in a number of high-profile space projects in recent times including the launch vehicle for the James Webb Space Telescope, Ariane 6 and Vega-C. It is also a member of the UK Space Trade Association and the Catapult Centre at Harwell.
Keen to promote an interest in space technology and STEM amongst young people, the company has teamed up with the Scouts to promote space-based activities and to provide the opportunity to take part in its Resonate Space Challenge by designing their own satellites.
The partnership promises to be an exciting challenge for young people, delivering on the Scouts’ goal to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, and Resonate Testing’s desire to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
“There has been a strong Scout connection with space from the early days of space exploration,” explained Ian Stewart, Test and Quality Engineer at Resonate Testing, who also volunteers with the Scouts. “Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, was a former Scout, carrying a World Scout Badge on the inaugural spacewalk 55 years ago. Of the 24 people who have travelled to the moon, 20 were former Scouts. Current UK astronaut, Tim Peake, is a former Cub Scout.
“We are delighted to launch the Resonate Space Challenge, which will give young people involved with the Scouts, an opportunity to learn more about space while designing their own satellite.
“Finalists will then face a panel of space experts and ‘sell’ their idea Dragons’ Den style! Scout teams that also progress to the panel session will complete the requirements for the Astronautics Activity badge. This partnership with the Scouts will motivate the 6,000 members to challenge themselves and learn more about the impact space has on our everyday lives with satellites facilitating weather forecasting, GPS, communications, broadcasting and the internet.
“The space industry is an exciting and ever-evolving sector. The island of Ireland has quickly established itself as a global leader in terms of manufacturing, testing and expertise and Resonate Testing is proud to play our part and hopefully encourage more young people to consider STEM based studies and careers in the future.”
Meanwhile, Trevor Hendren, Scouts NI and Rónán McGibbon, Scouting Ireland added: “We’re very pleased to partner with Resonate Testing on this exciting challenge that will give our Scouts a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of space exploration and satellite technology.
“This challenge will not only ignite curiosity about the space sector, but it will also empower young people to develop critical STEM skills that are essential for future careers. By taking part in hands-on projects like these, the Scouts are building the confidence and skills necessary to shape the future of engineering, science and technology.”
The Resonate Space Challenge is open to teams from across Scouts NI and Scouting Ireland. A team can have up to six members, and there is no limit to how many teams an individual Scout troop can enter. Each team must design and present their case as to why their satellite should be launched into orbit around the earth.
A limited number of teams will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be supplied with a Meccano-style construction kit by Resonate Testing and will be required to design and assemble a structure which they believe would survive an actual launch into space. The finalist teams will be invited to bring their assembled design to Resonate Testing’s facility to be vibration tested for the stresses of launch and to get a broader insight into the field of product testing.
Resonate Testing is one of Ireland’s leading commercial test facilities for high quality testing and certification across numerous sectors with services including space, automotive, battery abuse testing, fire, environmental, vibration, shock and packaging.
