First Step Innovate will run through to 2028, with activities organised into four-week programme blocks. Each block will provide opportunities for young people to explore engineering interests, research ideas and develop team projects.

Explore the future of space exploration through engineering challenges combining miniature satellite technology and lunar habitat design. Participants will investigate how satellites support space missions, develop scientific experiments and imagine how astronauts could live and work on the Moon.

Young People Lead the Way

This is not a traditional classroom-based course or toy-based play activity. Young people take the lead in their learning, research and project development, with mentors providing guidance, advice and technical support when needed.

Participants are expected to investigate ideas, carry out independent research, solve problems and contribute to team projects. Some research, planning and project development will take place at home between sessions.

The programme encourages independence, teamwork, creativity, scientific thinking and practical engineering skills.

Project Areas

Two connected engineering challenges give young people the opportunity to explore space technology at a level suited to their age and interests.

Ages 8–12: Lunar Habitat Design

Explore the challenges of living in the lunar environment and use creativity, scientific thinking and 3D CAD design to develop a future Moon base.

Young engineers will consider essential needs such as shelter, energy, water, food and protection, while exploring how local lunar resources could support astronauts.

Project activities include:

• Researching the Moon and its environment.
• Investigating how astronauts could live and work on the lunar surface.
• Designing lunar habitats using 3D CAD software.
• Exploring energy, life-support systems and the use of lunar resources.
• Developing, presenting and improving design ideas as a team.

Ages 13–18: Space Engineering & CanSat

Join the space engineering team to explore satellite technology and develop a miniature satellite system inspired by real space missions.

Working in teams, participants will investigate sensors, electronics, programming and telemetry while designing and building a CanSat — a satellite simulation small enough to fit inside a soft drink can.

Teams will plan a scientific mission to measure air pressure and temperature during descent, transmit data to a ground station, and develop a secondary mission of their own.

This challenge introduces the full lifecycle of a space engineering project, from mission planning and design to construction, testing and data analysis.

Project activities include:

• Researching satellites and real-world space missions.
• Designing and building a miniature satellite system.
• Working with sensors, electronics and microcontrollers.
• Programming data collection and telemetry systems.
• Planning scientific experiments and secondary missions.
• Testing equipment, collecting data and analysing results.
• Working collaboratively to solve engineering problems.

Important: Registration and Selection

Registration does not guarantee a place. Places are limited and will be allocated through a selection process, with priority given to young people who face barriers to participation, including those:

• From low-income families or experiencing financial hardship.
• Living in areas of higher deprivation.
• Experiencing social isolation.
• From Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Our aim is to ensure that STEM opportunities are accessible to young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Attendance and Commitment

Participants are expected to attend sessions regularly and contribute to their team's research and engineering projects.

If you are unable to attend, please notify us in advance. Repeated absences without prior notice may result in your place being offered to someone on the waiting list.

Young people should also be prepared to undertake independent research and project-related tasks at home between sessions.

Expectations of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting this youth-led initiative. Families will be asked to commit to supporting at least one First Step Robotics youth event during the programme, or alternatively volunteer to help with practical tasks such as setting up equipment, preparing the venue or tidying up after sessions.

This shared commitment helps create a supportive community around the young people, while allowing them to take ownership of their learning and engineering projects.

Supported by Young Start funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

First Step Innovate provides opportunities for young people to explore engineering, develop practical skills and work together on ambitious projects.

Ready to Explore Space Engineering?

Register your interest in First Step Innovate. Places are limited, and applications will be considered through our selection process.