Morocco Launches Inaugural AMAZE CanSat Academy to Inspire Future Space Innovators

The Moroccan Initiative for Space Industry (MISI) has launched the inaugural AMAZE CanSat Academy in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Rabat and the Mohammed VI High School of Excellence (LM6E). The academy aims to promote space education, enhance bilateral collaboration on space issues, and inspire the next generation of space innovators.

Based on the mini-satellite model widely used in U.S. high schools, this training programme will incorporate curriculum components adapted from NASA’s systems engineering lifecycle and include virtual masterclasses with space experts from the United States.

A Multi-Phase Educational Journey

The programme represents the first phase of a multi-stage academy that blends in-person workshops with virtual learning, ultimately culminating in a CanSat launch demonstration in May 2026.

Launched at LM6E in Benguerir, the programme begins with scientific demonstrations, expert-led presentations, and motivational sessions. 

The Academy has assembled a cohort of 30 outstanding students, selected for their academic excellence, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential, to take part in an intensive introduction to space science, engineering, and mission design.

Hands-On Satellite Mission Simulation

As the culmination of their training, participants will launch a CanSat, a compact, soda-can-sized educational satellite model equipped with sensors, coding modules, and recovery systems. Through this hands-on project, students will simulate real satellite missions and collect and analyse flight data from launch through to recovery.

By introducing students to NASA’s systems engineering standards, the AMAZE CanSat Academy helps build common technical foundations and strengthen international collaboration for the future of space exploration.

Building on Previous Success

This is not MISI’s first venture into space education. In 2023, the organisation partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Rabat at the 1337 School and, the 1337 School, and the UM6P venue in Khouribga, Morocco, to launch the AMAZE Space Camp. That initiative equipped 30 participants with experience in a wealth of activities, including rocketry, space history, robotics, analogue missions, space technology, team building, and astronomy.