SpaceLab

What is SpaceLab

SpaceLab is a focused R&D program designed to train and equip young innovators who want to work in space technology, exploration, and science. Unlike traditional educational programs, SpaceLab emphasizes hands-on building, systems design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you’re interested in spacecraft engineering, orbital systems, or founding your own space tech company, this is where you begin.

Participants will work on high-impact missions that mirror real challenges faced by organizations like NASA, SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and the growing space startup ecosystem.

How SpaceLab Works

SpaceLab isn’t a space science class. It’s a deep research and development experience for people who aim to build the future of space technology.

You’ll engage in structured, challenge-based missions, each grounded in real-world technical problems. These missions are designed to push your understanding of aerospace systems, autonomy, robotics, and data-driven decision-making in space contexts. Cross-disciplinary work is a core part of the model, with participants pulling knowledge from AI, physics, robotics, systems design, and more.

The Process

1. Onboarding & Training:
   All participants undergo an intensive onboarding phase where they are introduced to the principles of interdisciplinary research and innovation. Training covers advanced methodologies in research and development, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership.
   
   

2. Mission Phases:
   Each cohort works on a series of structured "missions" that are designed to push the limits of their skills and knowledge. These missions are focused on creating tangible outcomes—prototypes, published research, tools, or solutions that can be applied to real-world problems.
   
   

3. Cross-Disciplinary Teams:
   Participants are grouped by interest areas such as spacecraft systems, robotics, space-AI, or data visualization, but they work across disciplines to develop holistic solutions. The diversity of ideas and perspectives allows for robust, systems-level thinking, just like in the space industry.

   
   

Core Areas of Focus

Participants will specialize in one of the following tracks, while staying engaged with the broader space-tech ecosystem through collaboration and shared missions.

• AI for Space Systems
  Use machine learning to analyze space data, optimize missions, or support autonomous decision-making in space environments.
  
  

• Space Robotics & Autonomy
  Build and program robotic systems for planetary exploration, repair missions, or autonomous space operations.

  
  

• Satellite Imaging & Earth Observation
  Explore how satellite data is used for planetary science, environmental monitoring, and real-time response systems.
  
  

• Space Startups & Entrepreneurship
  Explore how to turn space technologies into real ventures—design services, build MVPs, and pitch startup ideas aimed at the space economy.
  
  

• Hardware Prototyping & Space Builds
  Design and prototype hands-on projects like CubeSats, mini landers, sensor payloads, and basic satellite systems. Learn how real missions start—from breadboards to space-ready designs.
  
  

  
  

The Outcome

• Practical, Impactful Work

  Every participant contributes to a high-level output: a prototype, research paper, systems design, or space-tech tool. These deliverables are meant to go beyond the lab, applying to real research, open-source communities, or early startup concepts.
  
  

• Ongoing Collaboration

  Graduates of SpaceLab become part of Dyne’s global network of future technologists and builders. This network supports ongoing mentorship, team formation, and exposure to global space challenges through competitions, hackathons, and publication.

  
  

The Structure

SpaceLab is by invitation or selection only. It’s built for students, builders, or young professionals who demonstrate ambition and capability in fields related to science, technology, and systems design. Whether you're a first-year university student obsessed with launch telemetry or a self-taught space sim builder in high school, you’re welcome to apply.

Phases of the Program

• Phase 1: Orientation & Mission Kickoff
  Participants undergo an orientation and meet their teams. Initial training covers systems thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
  
  

• Phase 2: Research & Development
  This is the core phase where teams focus on executing their missions. Participants will conduct research, develop prototypes, and create practical solutions.
  
  

• Phase 3: Showcase & Impact
  At the end of each cohort, participants present their work to the Dyne network. Projects are reviewed not just for creativity, but for feasibility and technical sophistication. Exceptional work may be submitted to international space competitions or featured in our ecosystem.

  
  

The program allows flexibility for participants to balance their personal schedules while ensuring that each mission has clear deadlines and milestones. The digital-first model ensures that members can collaborate across time zones and borders.