Coimbra Space Summer School 2026

The Coimbra Space Summer School CSSS) returns from 2 to 4 September 2026, for its 12th edition, with the Artemis II mission as its central theme. Registration is now open until 28 August, here. 

CSSS is a summer school aimed at higher education students, researchers, entrepreneurs and anyone with an interest in exploring the potential of the space economy or developing a business idea based on space technology or incorporating space assets. 

Inspired by the Artemis II mission, the first crewed mission to fly by the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, which took place in April this year, the 2026 edition challenges participants to reflect on what it took for humans to return to the Moon and what the next chapter of lunar exploration will demand, convidando-os a desenvolver produtos inviting them to develop innovative products or services that address some of its greatest challenges: human health in extreme conditions, the resilience and reliability of communications, the prospection and use of lunar mineral resources, and the planning and execution of increasingly complex crewed missions. 

Over three days, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams, in a programme that combines thematic talks with national and international teamwork and mentoring sessions, and a business ideas competition with a final pitch before a jury. 

For the first time, one of the days of the Coimbra Space Summer School will take place in Pampilhosa da Serra. On 4 September, participants will have the opportunity to see first-hand the Municipality's space infrastructure, which has been consistently investing in the space sector. 

A CSSS é organizada pelo Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), através do programa ESA BIC Centro, em parceria com o Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra (OGAUC), o Mestrado Conjunto Erasmus Mundus em Geociências Planetárias – GeoPlaNet e o Município da Pampilhosa da Serra.