Statement of Purpose

My fascination with space began in childhood, when my parents gifted me my first telescope for my birthday. In my country, space education is rare, and resources are limited. Motivated by my passion to change this reality, I joined the Dominican Astronomical Society to promote astronomy nationwide, reaching high schools, universities, and vulnerable communities so that space becomes more accessible to all.
During my bachelor's studies in Electronics and Communications Engineering, I discovered the potential of small satellites. I realized that they are not only powerful tools for advancing scientific research but also for addressing social challenges and inspiring the next generation. This revelation fueled my desire to contribute to the development of the space sector in my country.

I decided to apply to this program to deepen my understanding of small satellite subsystems, gain hands-on experience by building my own prototype, and multiply this knowledge through education and outreach. Participating in the program has allowed me to learn directly from experts and pioneers in the field, further strengthening my commitment to bringing the benefits of space technology to my community and beyond.

Feedback from CLTP14

The program has far exceeded my expectations. It not only provided me with the theoretical foundations of small satellites but also gave me the opportunity to apply these concepts in the laboratory, both in controlled and—at times—unexpectedly challenging environments. I was able to conduct experiments with each CubeSat subsystem, gaining a deeper understanding of their individual functions, potential, and limitations. Later, I integrated all the subsystems into a complete model, applying systems engineering principles that are essential in high-level space projects.

After building my own CubeSat prototype, I had the chance to collaborate in a randomly selected team of professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Together, we developed a functional CubeSat mission aimed at analyzing structural damages caused by earthquakes using IoT technology. Working on this mission allowed me to learn a great deal from my peers, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and opening my eyes to new perspectives and possibilities. Our mission was successful, and I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained throughout this program.

Vision for the future

My next step is to continue deepening my knowledge of CubeSat technology by enrolling in a Master's program, where I can further develop the skills needed to eventually design, build, and launch my own satellite.

In parallel, I plan to collaborate with government agencies in the Dominican Republic, local universities, and the Japanese Embassy to bring this program to my country. I strongly believe that the growth of the national space sector depends on fostering knowledge and training opportunities such as this one. This program has been transformative in my own life, and I am convinced it can have the same impact on others if I can secure the necessary support to make it accessible in the Dominican Republic.

Message for future CLTP participants

The beauty of this program lies in its structure: the knowledge you gain during the online lectures will be directly applied in the hands-on training. For this reason, it is essential to pay close attention to the lectures, as they provide the foundation for understanding CubeSat technology.

This program is both challenging and rewarding. You will be pushed outside of your comfort zone to tackle complex problems, but you will not face them alone. You will have the support of your peers, the professor, and the teaching assistants. Over time, the challenges that once seemed overwhelming will gradually become manageable and even exciting.
Do not worry if you come from a non-technical background or have little programming experience. With the guidance and support you will receive, you will be able to learn quickly and turn any initial weaknesses into strengths. Embrace the experience fully, take advantage of every opportunity, and you will come out transformed, both personally and professionally.