How Intelsat is Delivering STEM to Students in Africa

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Intelsat, an operator of the world’s integrated satellite and terrestrial network is expanding its partnership with MaxIQ Space (formerly Xinabox) in delivering its Xinabox Space STEM (space, technology, engineering, and math) program to teenagers across the African continent.

The intensive program culminates in students designing, building, and launching satellites into space. This unique opportunity is entirely virtual, with each student receiving a STEM kit and engaging in virtual workshops delivered by space education specialists.

This is the second year Intelsat has partnered with MaxIQ Space, bringing the love of space to teens across the African continent.

“We are honored to play a role in the MaxIQ Space program for a second year,” said Hans Geldenhuys, Intelsat director of sales, Africa. “Almost half of the world’s population still does not have access to broadband technology. Intelsat is committed to changing this by expanding access to broadband connectivity and investing in STEM programs to prepare children around the globe to participate in a tech-forward future.”

Intelsat will sponsor 30 scholarships for the Space STEM program for candidates who successfully meet the following criteria:

Between the ages of 14 and 18
Live on the African continent
Demonstrate a passion for and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),
Have a clear interest in all things “Space”
Have access to the internet through a smart device with browser capability
Have browser skills
Are proficient in English
To apply, applicants must complete an online form, a space-related quiz and submit a short explanation on why they should be selected for this unique program. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2021.

MaxIQ Space provides the XinaBox rapid hardware development platform, specifically designed and manufactured for STEM applications in schools and universities. Using commercial standard electronics components, students are able to design and build circuits, code using multiple formats and conduct experiments, without specialist equipment or lab.

XinaBox (pronounced “X in a box”) is a product developed to remove barriers to participation in the growing STEM academic field and economy.

Through building, experimenting, and creating working electronic devices, crafters, students, and tinkerers learn critical STEM skills, including coding, electronics, data gathering and analysis, control, and all the principles of Internet of Things (IoT), while engaging with the sensory environment around them.

This approach uniquely bridges the virtual worlds of software, the cloud, and big data, with students’ real-world surroundings. MaxIQ Space is recognised globally as the leader in Space STEM projects having launched over eighty student satellites, with planned launches into the future.


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