SETU, in partnership with Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia, and Stockholm University, Sweden, hosted the second edition of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).
The event entitled, 'Space Industry and Education Workshop' was held at SETU's Carlow campus from 17–21 August 2026. The programme was also supported by EU-CONEXUSThe programme brought together students, academics, researchers and industry professionals to explore the science, engineering and wider challenges associated with contemporary space missions and the growing European space sector.
David Denieffe, Senior Vice President Operations at SETU, welcomed participants to the five-day intensive workshop:
It was a great privilege to welcome participants to SETU for the workshop. I would like to thank our speakers for bringing such a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, and our participants for the creativity and enthusiasm they brought to the space mission design challenge
David Denieffe Senior Vice President Operations at SETU
The programme covered a broad range of topics, including space mission systems, satellite development, propulsion, artificial intelligence for future missions, astrobiology, space security, Earth observation, space entrepreneurship, human adaptation to microgravity and the European space ecosystem.
Speakers included Prof. Martin Tajmar of TU Dresden, Prof. Lorraine Hanlon of UCD’s Centre for Space Research, Prof. Wolf Geppert of Stockholm University, Prof. Andris Slavinskis of Nanocraft, Dr Robert Conway-Kenny of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, Comdt Niall Fingleton of the Irish Air Corps, Dr Lisa McNamee of RCSI and the Irish Space Life Sciences Research Group, Dr Roberto Del Prete and Jake O’Brien of Setanta Space, Perttu Yli-Opas of Aurora Propulsion Technologies, Laura Corbett of UCD C-Space, Michael Martin of Réaltra Space, Peter Finnegan of ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland, John O’Donoghue of ENBIO, and Alexander Jihun Tajmar of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, alongside contributors from SETU.
Sessions examined topics ranging from building Europe’s space capabilities and the challenges of developing space-qualified products to Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1, artificial intelligence for space missions, astrobiology, space policy and security, entrepreneurship, microgravity research and the humanitarian applications of space-based technologies.
A key element of the workshop was a multidisciplinary space mission design activity, giving students practical experience of early-stage mission development while working across engineering, science and other disciplines. The programme also provided opportunities to engage directly with experts from academia, research, industry and the public sector.
This workshop reflects the SETU Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment’s commitment to connecting students with emerging technologies and real-world engineering challenges. The space sector provides an excellent platform for multidisciplinary learning and international collaboration. I would also like to thank all of the speakers and contributors who shared their expertise and supported our students throughout the programme
Frances Hardiman Head of Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment at SETU
The workshop was delivered with Erasmus+ funding and supported by EU-CONEXUS, the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, of which SETU is a partner. Students from EU-CONEXUS participated in the programme, supporting student mobility, academic exchange and engagement with the wider European space community.