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Discover Space UK, a partnership between Exotopic and Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC), hosted Mach-24 Launch Competition & Conference between 10-14th July 2024. This thrilling event saw 19 universities, 140 students from the UK and beyond, design, build, and launch rockets and mini satellites in the size of a soda can, reaching heights up to 3km.

Originally launched by Exotopic Ltd during the pandemic, the Mach-series aims to upskill students with hands-on science and engineering experience, fostering teamwork across diverse fields. After a successful debut, the competition evolved from building small satellites to launching rockets each summer from a UK Spaceport.

Participants gain valuable insights into UK Space Industry careers, meet potential employers, and receive hands-on training in safety and technical skills through expert-led workshops. The competition now includes a sustainability focus, urging students to incorporate space-based solar power into their designs.

The competition continues to bridge the skills gap in the space sector by involving students in ground breaking projects and encouraging them to apply a broad range of STEM skills.

Spaceport Machrihanish, operated by Discover Space UK, is focused on advancing R&D skills and capabilities in spaceflight technologies and operations, inspiring and training a generation of space specialists.

 

Student Quotes

Great opportunity to see full design cycle, building skills across engineering.

Sean Reynolds, University of Limerick

 

It has been a fantastic opportunity to launch our second rocket.  We’ve really enjoyed learning all about recovery methods, a beeper was successful!  We’re looking forward to returning next year.

Zoe, University of Southampton