Portugal hosts European rocket competition

The European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) is a competition that challenges students to develop rockets in Constância. Support from the agency strengthens the link between higher education and the European space sector.

The European Space Agency will increase its support for the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC), a competition organised by the Portuguese Space Agency that puts university students in charge of designing, building, and launching rockets in Constância.

The European agency was already participating in the competition through its evaluation team but is now reinforcing this support within the framework of a bilateral agreement with the Portuguese Space Agency, which announced the partnership this Tuesday.

Financial support and career opportunities

In addition to financial support, the European Space Agency (ESA) will also support students' entry into the space job market, public recognition of projects, and international promotion of the competition.

Strengthening links with higher education

In a statement, the Portuguese agency explains that the agreement was signed within the framework of the ESA's “New University Initiative” program, which seeks to strengthen the link between higher education and the European space sector.

“By joining the competition, ESA recognises that EuRoC contributes directly to these objectives,” says Marta Gonçalves, Education and Science programme manager at the Portuguese agency, quoted in a statement.

According to the ESA Director of Resources and Services, “Europe needs talented graduates, ready to contribute from day one.”