Rocket and satellites to soar into Laois sky for Irish space competition

Space enthusiasts have a treat in store in Laois in May, when they can count down to see a real rocket take to the sky.

Emo Court is the venue of the Cansat Ireland National final for 2023.

The grand Laois house and demesne which welcomes thousands of visitors every week, announced the event on April 12, which is International Day of Human Space Flight.

"On a smaller scale CANSAT 2023 finals are held in Emo Court on 4th May," their social media page announced. 

CanSat is a European Space Agency competition for 2nd Level Students (Transition Year and upwards) run by ESERO Ireland in association with CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory and third level colleges.

A CanSat is a simulation of a real satellite, built inside a empty soft drink can. The cans are loaded inside a real working rocket that is then blasted into the air, deploying the CanSats which must survive the journey. The teams must analyse the data gathered and present it to a judging panel.

Below: a CanSat feature on RTE’s programme, INSIDERS.

The teams of school students compete to design, build and test a mini-satellite or CanSat. The competition gives students a feeling of excitement and technological achievement by launching their own satellite and gives them their first practical experience of a real space project.

Each of the colleges has trained teams from local schools, and regional finals are now taking place. 

Winners from each region will participate in the CanSat Ireland National Final on May 4 and 5 in Emo Court.

Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise approved to go to tender

Laois low energy streetlights on the increase but 'not safe'

The Irish national winner will then represent Ireland in the European competition in June 2023.