The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge Management Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing space education across Canada — inspiring and supporting students to pursue exciting careers in science and engineering.
"The CSDCMS offers space-themed competitions for secondary-school and university students, inspiring and supporting them to pursue exciting and rewarding educations and careers in space missions." — CSDCMS Mission Statement
We provide structured, curriculum-aligned STEM competitions that give students hands-on experience with real satellite technology and engineering processes.
By engaging students from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, we help build the next generation of Canada's science and engineering workforce.
From small rural schools to major universities, CSDCMS programmes are designed to be accessible to all Canadian students regardless of location or resources.
The CSDCMS has been managing the university-level CubeSat Design Challenge for over 15 years, building a track record as Canada's premier space education competition organiser. It was so successful that it inspired the Canadian Space Agency to create the CCP and CUBICS initiatives!
In 2020–21, the organisation expanded its reach by founding the CanSat Design Challenge for secondary school students. From a small mid-pandemic start with just six teams, the CanSat programme grew to include over 80 teams nationwide within just a few years — spanning every region of the country.
Both challenges are sustained by a dedicated volunteer board, industry partnerships, and the generosity of donors and supporters who believe in the power of hands-on STEM education to shape Canada's future in space.
CSDCMS is a registered Canadian charity. CRA Charity Number: 806534806 RR0001.
All donations receive official tax receipts. Donate online via CanadaHelps.org or by cheque.
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with programmes running coast to coast across Canada.