The European Space Agency reinforces support for the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC), the competition organized by the Portuguese Space Agency that puts university students to design, build and launch rockets in Constance.
© ESA
13/10/2026
by
Lusa
A European Space Agency will strengthen support for the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC), the competition organized by the Portuguese Space Agency that puts university students to design, build and launch rockets in Constance.
The European Agency was already taking part in the competency through the evaluation team, but it now strengthens this support under a bilateral agreement with the Portuguese Space Agency, which announced the partnership today.
In addition to financial support, the European Space Agency (ESA) will also support students' rapprochement to the space labour market, public recognition of projects and international promotion of competition.
In a statement, the Portuguese agency explains that the agreement was signed under the ESA “New University Initiative” programme, which seeks to strengthen the link between higher education and the European space sector.
“ By joining the competition, ESA recognizes that the EuRoC contributes directly to these objectives ", considers the manager of Education and Science programs of the Portuguese agency, Marta Gonçalves, quoted in a statement.
By ESA, the Director of Resources and Services stresses that “Europe needs talented graduates, ready to contribute from day one.”.
“ With demanding projects and practical application, EuRoC helps students transform academic knowledge into skills, experience and trust needed to launch successful careers in the space sector,” adds Marco Ferrazzani.
The seventh edition of the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) takes place from 15 to 21 October in Constance, Santarém district, with about 600 participants.
The competition created in 2020 received 64 candidates from teams from 26 countries this year, and 25 teams were selected.