Aerospace Engineering
Design, build and launch the avionics stack of a real sounding rocket
- Rome
- Undergraduate & Masters
- 2 weeks
LOCATION
Rome
Level
Undergraduate & Masters
Duration
2 weeks
Partner
Sapienza - School of Aerospace Engineering
Language
English
Formula
Accommodation optional
Program Overview
Aerospace Engineering
This aerospace engineering summer term in Rome runs for two weeks and is designed for undergraduate and master students. A two-week intensive summer term built around the part of a space mission most engineering degrees never let you touch: the flight electronics. At Sapienza’s Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale in Rome, university students work in cross-functional teams to design, build and program the complete avionics stack of a real sounding rocket: power and battery management, IMU and barometric sensors, embedded flight software, custom PCBs, and a live telemetry link. After hardware-in-the-loop ground testing and a formal Flight Readiness Review, each team launches its vehicle at the Rovigo range and defends its engineering choices against real flight data. Deliberately advanced, hands-on, and taught entirely in English. Ideal for Aerospace, Mechanical and Electronic Engineers.
The program takes place in Rome at the facilities of the School of Aerospace Engineering, one of Europe’s most historic institutions dedicated to aerospace research and education. Founded in 1926, the school celebrates 100 years of aerospace innovation and has trained generations of engineers who now work across Italy’s aerospace sector, including leading agencies such as the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Why This Matters
- The School of Aerospace Engineering was founded in 1926 and celebrates 100 years of aerospace innovation.
- It has trained generations of engineers now working at the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Teams design, build and program the complete avionics stack of a real sounding rocket.
- Hardware-in-the-loop ground testing and a formal Flight Readiness Review before flight.
- Each team launches its vehicle at the Rovigo range and defends its choices against real flight data.
What’s Included
- All lessons & labs (60 hours)
- Project materials & software
- Avionics components & custom PCBs
- Rocket launch at the Rovigo range
- Accommodation (optional)
- Meals (optional)
- Internship (optional)
- Certificate of completion
- Liability & Accident Insurance
🏠 Accommodation (optional)
🏠 Residential accommodation
Accommodation Type
Accommodation in Rome is optional and can be arranged through Sportech Academy, in a safe international environment with 24/7 staff supervision.
What’s Included in Residential
- Shared rooms with private bathrooms
- Common study areas and social spaces
- 24/7 staff support & supervision
Accommodation Photos
Photos are illustrative. Actual residence confirmed after booking.
Please note: The specific residence is confirmed after booking and varies by program location and intake date. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies, etc.) are always accommodated - please indicate these during the booking process.
Typical Weekly Schedule
Flight Dynamics & Simulation
Flight dynamics and simulation, aerodynamics, propulsion and structures.
Avionics, Telemetry & Power Systems
Power and battery management, IMU and barometric sensors, embedded flight software, custom PCBs and a live telemetry link.
Build the Avionics Stack & Launch a Rocket
Cross-functional teams build and program the complete avionics stack of a real sounding rocket, then take it through hardware-in-the-loop ground testing.
Special Excursions
Launch day at the Rovigo range, plus the cultural richness of Rome.
Flight Readiness Review & Launch
After a formal Flight Readiness Review each team launches its vehicle and defends its engineering choices against real flight data.
Program Highlight Video
Frequently Asked Questions
A two-week intensive summer term in Rome for undergraduate and masters engineering students, hosted at Sapienza’s School of Aerospace Engineering, built around the flight electronics of a real sounding rocket.
Working in cross-functional teams, students design, build and program a complete avionics stack: power and battery management, IMU and barometric sensors, embedded flight software, custom PCBs and a live telemetry link, then launch their vehicle at the Rovigo range.
Aerospace, Mechanical and Electronic Engineers at undergraduate and masters level. It is deliberately advanced.
In Rome at the School of Aerospace Engineering, founded in 1926, one of Europe’s most historic institutions dedicated to aerospace research and education. The launch takes place at the Rovigo range.
After hardware-in-the-loop ground testing and a formal Flight Readiness Review, each team launches its vehicle and defends its engineering choices against real flight data.
House parents stay on-site every night and Sportech Academy staff are on call 24/7. Residences are secure and vetted, chosen for safety and proximity to the program venue.
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and allergy-related diets are all catered for. Note any requirements during booking and the team arranges them.
Cancellations follow the terms in the enrolment agreement. Contact the admissions team for the current deadlines and conditions before booking.
Dates & Prices
Intake Dates
Intake 1
27 June - 10 July 2027
Intake 2
Available: July 2027
Price
2-week program
€4,000
Per participant. Includes all lessons and labs, project materials and software and professional simulator access. Accommodation, meals and internship are optional.
All programs residential include
- Insurance
- 24/7 support & supervision
- House parents
- Secure facilities
- Meals (residential)
- English teaching
Ready to apply for Aerospace Engineering?
Limited places available for Summer 2027.