Paulo Estêvão congratulates Madalena School on its victory in CanSat Portugal and highlights success of Region’s commitment to space sector - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, publicly congratulated the team of students and teachers from Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, in Pico, on their brilliant and resounding victory in the 13th edition of CanSat Portugal.

The winning team, named “Astros Nó Atlântico,” comprises students Sara Oliveira (team spokesperson), Rui Batista, Paulo Gabriel Medeiros, Martim da Costa, Maria Medeiros and Gil Gaspar, and the Robotics Club teachers, António Medeiros and Marta Oliveira.

It is important to note that this was the only Azorean team competing in this national event, which brought together 80 students and 20 teachers from 14 schools throughout the country.

The Azorean school’s qualification to represent Portugal at the CanSat European Championship, to be held in the Netherlands, demonstrates the excellence of the work carried out.

"It is important to emphasise that this distinction and this level of excellence do not happen by chance. They are the direct result of a structured strategy in the Region, underpinned by the work carried out in collaboration with the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço)," stressed the government official.   

He continued: "It was our commitment to flagship projects, such as CanSat Junior Azores – now in its 4th edition – and our solid organisational capacity and technical preparation that gave our students the skills needed to shine now, compete and win at a national level."

The Regional Secretariat reiterates its immense pride in the Azorean youth and the work of excellence promoted by the teaching staff at Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, ensuring that aerospace literacy and investment in science education will continue to be cornerstones of the Region’s future.