An educational platform for science and technology 

 In France, space is an industry of the future. The miniaturisation of satellites represents a paradigm shift for that industry, with the potential to unlock major innovations and open up the entire sector to new players. 

 Inaugurated on 11 September 2015 by Patrick Lévy, Chairman of the Université Grenoble Alpes Foundation, and Brigitte Plateau, President of Grenoble INP, Grenoble University Space Centre (CSUG) aims to become a key player in the development of miniaturised space instruments in France and in Europe. It is positioned as an educational platform for science and technology, striving to promote interaction between research, industry and education players.

Centred around innovative technological projects with identified scientific opportunities, the CSUG takes an original approach to university education, teaching students from the Université Grenoble Alpes and Grenoble INP about space through project-based learning.

A space centre built around five core values 

  • Source of innovation: through the construction of more efficient nanosatellites, thus making them genuine tools that foster scientific progress
  • Spirit of cooperation: between academic, scientific and industrial players and students in the Grenoble area – the key to innovation
  • Easier access to space: offering access to space with shorter lead times at lower costs
  • High-quality education: training students in an extremely high-tech field and helping businesses find future employees
  • Interdisciplinarity: one project, several invested courses and a dynamic approach with discussion and sharing at its core

A region brimming with expertise in miniaturised instrumentation

The main technological complication for nanosatellites lies in the miniaturisation of instruments and, in particular, payloads. Grenoble has developed undeniable know-how thanks to three main factors:
  •  exceptional miniaturisation expertise
  • strong cooperation between academic and industrial players
  • top-quality innovative scientific research

The CSUG is a springboard for strengthening the space industry in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and accelerating the development of miniaturised technology.