International Space University Tuition

I love making robots, and now have the opportunity to extend this to space applications at the International Space University SSP19!

Hi everyone!

I have been accepted to the International Space University - Summer Studies Program 2019 .

This intensive and competitive program brings together people from around the world to learn the breadth of topics surrounding space. Leaders in the space sector and future astronauts have participated in this program. The 2019 edition takes place in Strasbourg, France from mid-June to mid-August.

This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm searching for scholarships and sponsors who would be interested in helping make this possible.

By backing my Gofundme campaign, you're going to help make it happen.

I've been fortunate enough to receive a generous half scholarship from the European Space Agency. (Thank you, ESA!)

After the scholarship, now the total amount required for tuition, lodging, and food, is 8250 Euros ($12,558.25 CAD) before April 30th.

I'm asking for your help to raise $1000 CAD towards this amount. I'm pitching sponsors and applying to scholarships to (hopefully) supplement for the remainder... as well as working my tail off to self-fund for the transportation costs.

To be completely transparent: Going to ISU requires a lot of funds to raise in a very short amount of time. It's possible that this may or may not work out. Right now, we're planning for this to work. If it doesn't, then we'll make a new plan, and the funds would go towards Robot Missions.

Above: Presenting the robot's AI demo at the Season Finale Field Test. Photo by Petr Maur.

I love making robots and teaching people about them. This lead me to start Robot Missions, where we develop low-cost 3D printed robots to tackle the plastic pollution challenge. We've engaged with hundreds of participants on beaches in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada. Including demonstrating the robots with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna, Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan, and even more. It's even lead to testing the robots at the Canadian Space Agency and presenting at the Rockefeller Foundation.

Above: Working on the robot's power supply. Photo by Petr Maur.

I've built my skills in design, electronics, programming, and fabrication to make these robots - and still learning every day. So the opportunity to be able to learn about applying these to space, by gaining a broad knowledge of the space sector, is truly a dream.

Above: The robots on the beach at the Season Finale Field Test. Photo by Petr Maur.

With the launch of the new space strategy and announcement of the Lunar Accelerator Program, it's an exciting time to be part of space in Canada. ISU SSP19 would provide a phenomenal opportunity to apply my robotics expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. It would enable me to meet those likeminded people who are not daunted by challenges and have the desire to push the boundaries.

Above: Me and my robot Bowie. Photo by Petr Maur.

I'm really looking forward to this, if it works out! (As well, I've never been outside of North America before, this will be quite an eye-opening experience!)

Thank you for your time to read this, and can't wait to share the journey with all of you!