Samara National Research University has kicked off the educational program for the tenth season of its international youth engineering competition, “Sputnik,” at the Artek International Children’s Center in Crimea. The initiative is part of the annual Space Shift, bringing together schoolchildren from all regions of Russia as well as from Belarus, France, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
“The tenth season isn’t just a number—it’s a major chapter in a story we’ve been writing since 2016,” said Sergey Goryainov, Head of the Department for Student Recruitment and Support at Samara University.
“Over these years, more than 65,000 students have joined this vibrant community, discovered Samara University, and later connected with our students and faculty. While each season brings something new, one thing remains constant: through ‘Sputnik,’ we’ve spent a decade proving to young people that science is accessible and open to everyone. This anniversary season features outstanding projects from 89 Russian regions. During our jubilee shift at Artek, participants will enjoy a rich blend of education and culture. Right now, we’re preparing for the highlight of the session—the popular science lecture series ‘Simply Space’, which will welcome students from all Artek camps. In short, we’re energized for a productive and celebratory session!”
This year, 48 finalists from 31 Russian regions and 2 representatives from Kazakhstan arrived in Artek to deepen their knowledge in three core competition tracks: “Rocketry and Space,” “Aerospace Power Systems,” and “Aircraft Engineering.”
Rocketry and Space
This module introduces participants to the fundamentals of designing, constructing, and manufacturing rocket and space technology. Students explore the history of cosmonautics, astronaut training protocols across nations, launch site operations, launch vehicle architecture, spacecraft classification and applications, basic orbital mechanics, and gain introductory experience with the General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT). As a hands-on capstone, they will build and launch their own pneumatic-hydraulic rockets, applying theoretical knowledge in practice. The program is delivered with support from the Inter-University Department of Space Research at Samara University’s Institute of Aerospace Engineering.
Aircraft Engineering
Focusing on aerodynamics and flight stability, this track teaches how wing shape affects lift, principles of longitudinal balance and center of gravity, and the impact of weather on flight performance. Participants also learn to use software for calculating aerodynamic drag. In the final practical session, they present aircraft designs developed in KOMPAS-3D, demonstrating real-world application of their studies. This module is supported by the Institute of Aerospace Engineering.
Aerospace Power Systems
An introductory session traces the evolution of engine design—from early machines to cutting-edge modern projects. Students review global and Russian trends in propulsion, study gas turbine and rocket engines, analyze their structures and applications, and then step into the role of designers, creating layouts for engines tailored to different aircraft and rockets. The module culminates in an exploration of modern manufacturing technologies, including additive (3D printing) methods, and introduces the basics of component design, modeling, and production in aerospace engineering. This track is implemented with support from the Advanced Aerospace Engineering School and the Institute of Engine and Power Plant Engineering at Samara University.
Beyond intensive academic sessions, the jubilee program offers a vibrant cultural agenda. The Samara University team has prepared a science battle for campers at the “Morskoy” unit, a space-themed movie night for “Sputnik” finalists, and interactive quiz games that weave together space, science, and future university life. Career guidance activities include a special meeting with representatives from the University’s Office of Professional Orientation and Gifted Youth Engagement.
The centerpiece of the session will be the “Simply Space” popular science lecture series—an engaging platform where “Sputnik” finalists present their research projects to peers in clear, interactive formats. This event marks the culmination of the shift, combining student presentations with dynamic science communication.
At the closing ceremony in the Suuk-Su Palace, participants will receive a printed anthology of finalists’ works from the 10th season of the “Sputnik” competition. For many, this publication will serve as their first scientific output—a meaningful milestone on their journey into the world of research.
The final stage of the 10th “Sputnik” season offers a unique opportunity to experience Samara University up close. Since 2017, finalists and prize-winners have consistently chosen Samara University for undergraduate studies, research careers, and professional development—continuing a legacy that began with curiosity and grows into lifelong scientific contribution.
