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. 

CSSS is organised by Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), through the ESA BIC Centro programme, in partnership with the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra (OGAUC), the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Planetary Geosciences - GeoPlaNet, and the Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra.