City of Pori, University of Turku and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences launch space technology collaboration

The City of Pori, the University of Turku and the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences signed a letter of intent in Pori on 27 June. From left to right: Jari Multisilta, President and Managing Director of the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Marjo Kaartinen, Rector of the University of Turku, and Lauri Inna, Mayor of Pori.

A new form of co-operation between the City of Pori, the University of Turku and the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences was launched when the representatives of the parties, Mayor Lauri Inna, Rector of the University Marjo Kaartinen and the President and Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences Jari Multisilta signed a letter of intent.

The PoriSat collaboration will use, among other things, small satellites to produce data for education, research and societal applications. The aim is to build a multidisciplinary small satellite programme that crosses different degree levels, enabling students to participate in activities such as designing and implementing satellites.

The City of Pori is the coordinator of the collaboration.

“The collaboration will help us to develop the regional appeal, to support young people’s career paths, and at the same time ensure skilled workforce for high-tech industries. The current agreement makes the collaboration a visible part of the development work of Pori and the Satakunta region,” says Mayor Inna.

The rapid development of satellite technology offers opportunities for multidisciplinary research and educational development.

“In the collaboration, the University of Turku is a scientific driver and developer of research and University-level education. Satellite data has multidisciplinary uses and it can be utilised, for example, in combination with artificial intelligence for analysing space weather, climate change, water and security,” says Rector Kaartinen.

“The Satakunta University of Applied Sciences will be responsible for the practical implementation and, as an expert in engineering education, will develop the laboratory facilities, among other things. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for business collaboration, for example, as student projects and theses,” says President Multisilta.

The new collaboration creates opportunities for seeking cooperation and funding from international space agencies, such as NASA and ESA.