Business (not quite) as usual
December 12, 2017
In early October, I travelled to the Ghanaian capital of Accra for a one week training course. Goonhilly are proud to be part of the DARA project
DARA is collaboration between university and business partners to foster radio astronomy training in several African countries. In this partnership, we deliver training centred around satellite technology and business practice as part of a wider radio astronomy course.
This year, I spent a week with 18 students from in and around Accra to explore satellite technology. With discussed some basic terminology, gained insights into Earth Observation techniques and applications, and thought about entrepreneurship skills. The students were then able to work in teams to come up with their own business ideas based in satellite technology and related topics. It was a very intensive, but highly successful week, and I learned as much as the students - about their motivations and drivers, their backgrounds, interests, and passions. Their business ideas were well thought through, addressed problems worth solving, and with a bit of extra work could be turned into viable businesses.
Many of the students will continue on an academic career path for now, pushing the boundaries of radio astronomy and other sciences. I sincerely hope though that at least a few of them - one day - turn their current or future business ideas into reality and make some exciting contributions to the satellite and technology sectors.
Dr Kat Hickey
Business Development & Training Manager
In 2022, Holly Holmes, a then-Year-10 student from Cornwall, attended our Annual Summer School . Now in Year 12, Holly has kindly taken the time to update us on the impact that her time with us has had on her studies, confidence levels, and plans for the future. Thank you Holly for sharing your experiences in this brilliant blog post! We’re thrilled to hear that the experience meant so much to you!
From supporting new missions to winning awards and even appearing on kids' TV - enjoy a round up of our highlights from 2023!
Interview with Tanya Boardman and Roisin Clear for International Women's Day 2023.
60 years ago today, on 11th July 1962, Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, UK made world history.
The above image, and those below, were acquired from NOAA 18 (on 137.9125 MHz), and NOAA 19 (on 137.100 MHz) during daytime passes here at Goonhilly. In preparation for our annual Summer School programme , Goonhilly’s Deep Space Network Operators have been busy preparing a project that will enable students to receive images from NOAA weather satellites. During the practical demonstration, students will be able to discover what the weather is currently doing across the North Atlantic and Western Europe. By repeating the receiving process several times, as the satellites pass over, the students will be able to track the weather over time, and predict how the weather here in Cornwall will change. In addition to equipping students with the theoretical and practical skills to receive real-time satellite transmissions for themselves, the project will also highlight the diverse ways in which we rely on Low Earth Orbit satellites in our everyday lives. Other projects and lessons planned for the attendees of the week-long programme will help them to learn about the different methods, materials, and techniques that make Goonhilly’s world-leading satellite communications work a reality. Here at Goonhilly, we believe in the value of a hands-on approach to complement theoretical learning. By preparing this project, the Deep Space Network Operations Team hopes to not only train valuable skills but also promote the enjoyment that comes from gaining knowledge via self-discovery. The team looks forward to offering the Summer School students an insight into what training as an Operator entails, and what it means to play a critical role in the UK’s future in space.
In a world first our Deep Space Communications Antenna, GHY-6 , acquired telemetry, including images, of the martian surface.
In collaboration with BAE GES engineers were able to successfully capture the Direct-To-Earth signal 'tones' used by NASA/JPL to indicate the successful operation of the Mars 2020 spacecraft Perseverance, by our GHY-6 Deep Space Antenna.
“Westward Ho! Musing on Mathematics and Mechanics”
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As you play your part in helping stop the spread of Covid-19 by 'staying home and saving lives' allow us to share with you our passion for all things Space related. Every amazing journey starts with a single step, so who knows, maybe yours will start with a single click...
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