Using Can-sized Satellite (CANSAT) Systems with Problem-Based Learning for Interdisciplinary Education - Lessons Learned

This research presents first-hand implementation and feedback/findings from a novel, interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning (PBL) project developed by lecturers across the Aeronautical and Electronic and Computer Engineering departments at the University of Limerick. The CanSat (can-sized satellite) is a mock-up of a real satellite system, integrating all of the key components of such systems (power, sensors, communications, control, etc.) within the confines of a soft drink can. Using such a platform for third-level education across the different engineering disciplines allows students to realise all of the main satellite components and sub-systems in a format which would have been here-to-for impossible. Now, students from the aeronautical engineering space design course can work collaboratively with electronic engineering instrumentation students to engage in this interdisciplinary PBL assignment to build a “satellite” system. This work shows how these CanSat kits have been used to pivot the real-world, discipline-relevant PBL goal of designing, building and testing such a CanSat system (including payload) from a traditional module-based setting to an interactive, group-driven PBL project. Lecturers' impressions and feedback on the process, associated benefits and challenges identified and student feedback at the end of the project is considered. Overall, both students and staff found the project highly beneficial and rewarding. It provided an interesting and rewarding platform for the development of space design and electronic engineering skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the project and groups appealed to both students and lecturers, motivating them to address any challenges and difficulties encountered, with novel solutions developed between the students and facilitators to overcome these also discussed.