The Earth from Space

Your mission: Just like astronauts in their real training, learn about satellites and their role in Earth observation. Then, build your own satellite and determine its unique superpower.

This resource was created by Space Expo, Netherlands 2025

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) spend much of their free time studying the Earth below. They often sit in the Cupola, observing and taking photographs. Studying the Earth from space is incredibly useful and important, as it reveals the planet’s vulnerability. Satellites also observe the Earth – but they do so all day long! A satellite orbits a planet or a moon and observes it in different ways, such as in infrared light, allowing it to see more than the human eye can. Right now, nearly 10,000 active satellites are orbiting the Earth. We live in an era where many of our daily activities rely on satellites. Think about the importance of communication satellites for internet and phone services, navigation satellites for GPS systems, and observation satellites for weather forecasting.

Skills

Collaboration & Organisation

Learning Objectives

Learn about satellites, their importance in daily life, and their role in areas such as Earth observation.
Study and interpret satellite images.
Gain insight into how a mini-satellite can be assembled using simple materials and understand which components are essential for optimal functioning.
Collaborate to build a basic model of a mini-satellite, with special attention to its essential components.

Equipment