Launching our CubeSat is only the beginning. The real journey starts in space and goes beyond space into each industry and rising opportunity. We stand on the shoulder of giants, and we serve to make a step further. The purpose of a research and development project is to explore the unknowns and convert new discoveries into useful creations.
If you’re curious, motivated, and excited by the idea of contributing to real aerospace engineering and taking a deep dive into one area, we invite you to join our ~12‑week Student Research Programme. You will join our Research & Development Department as a High School Engineer/Scientist, contributing directly to blue-sky research or engineering development. Many of the projects will feed into our next generation satellites, and some will contribute to the greater knowledge of human beings.
What You’ll Gain
You will support the core research that shapes our satellite’s design, working alongside our R&D team and receiving guidance from experienced tutors.
Flexible, Supportive Structure
- Weekly ~1 hour online meeting with your assigned tutor
- Flexible research hours to fit your schedule
- Option to work independently or in a small team (Generally Max. 2 students per project; 3 only with special approval)
Weekly Time Commitment
Minimum: 5 hours/week (solo); 4 hours/week (per student in a group)
Expected Total: ~60 hours for solo projects; ~100 hours shared between two students (~50 hours each)
A Community That Supports You
Every Student Engineer receives:
- A technical assessment and project interview to match you with the right level of research depth
- Reserved opportunities to visit our satellite laboratories if the student is in New Zealand
- A business‑grade Microsoft email account provided by PSL
- Your profile displayed on our website as an High School Engineer/Scientist
- A branded jacket/shirt and merchandise pack
Programme Structure (12 Weeks)
Phase 1 — Foundation & Planning (Weeks 1–3)
Build your knowledge base and define your project direction.
You’ll review existing research, set goals, plan your methodology, and create your project schedule.
Phase 2 — Research & Development (Weeks 4–10)
Carry out the core of your project through experiments or simulations.
You’ll test ideas, refine your approach, and document your progress.
Phase 3 — Report & Presentation (Weeks 11–12)
Wrap up your work with a professional research report and a final presentation showcasing your findings and impact.
Categories
New students:
If you have never participated in our main satellite building project before, then you will need at least 2 extra weeks (~30hr) of training before the 12-week research project officially starts.
Your main supervisor, co-supervisors and technical consultants will evaluate the specific background knowledge and skills you will need to complete this project. They will provide training and point you to the relavent learning points. The traning will take your school curriculum into consideration, especially for applicants outside of New Zealand.
The application may be refused if the project is deemed to be too complex for the applicant. For example, when the applicant requires significantly more than 30 hours of preparation to get up to speed.
Programme fee for new student: $7,340
Senior engineering/science students:
If you are participating in 2 phases or more of the student satellite project, then you will have a strong foundation in research and understand many practical aspects of the reality. In this case, you are a senior engineering/science student.
You will be able to start your 12-week project upon acceptance. The additional learning points will be embedded in the project. You will do more in-depth study as the project proceed.
Please note, being an senior student does not guarantee acceptance into the Specialised R&D Projects. The project supervisors will evaluate each application.
Programme fee for senior students: $3,670
How to Apply
To register, please submit:
- Your CV (using the template provided below)
- A cover letter including:
- Why you are interested in this programme
- Why you believe you would be a strong fit for the project
- Which research area you are interested in (Please select the research area you are interested in from the options provided.)
After receiving your application, you will be invited to complete a technical assessment. Following this, an interview will be scheduled within one week. Please refer to the flowchart below for the detailed admission process.
Disclaimer
This programme has limited places. Applications will close once all places are filled.
The programme may be postponed or cancelled if there are insufficient numbers or no suitable applicants. Students will be notified of any changes as early as possible.