ASPiRE
Aerospace Research Engineering Team
Welcome to the webpage of the aerospace research engineering team of the University of Western Macedonia
About us
ASPiRE is now the largest team at the University of Western Macedonia with 54 members – students from the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
In addition to cutting-edge research in the field of aerospace, the implementation of demanding projects, as well as participation in national and international competitions, the team also has educational and training activities to demonstrate with a core audience of ME students and students of the University of Western Macedonia as well as other Universities.
Construction (Mechanical)
The Construction sub-team is responsible for the complete development of the final product, from initial design and technical analysis to manufacturing and assembly. It starts by creating detailed component models in SolidWorks, ensuring that the geometry and overall configuration meet the project and competition requirements. The designs are then evaluated in ANSYS to verify key aspects such as mechanical tolerances, structural integrity, and aerodynamic performance. After the design and simulation stages are finalized, the sub-team coordinates the production of parts in collaboration with external partners and takes an active role in the assembly process. Throughout these steps, it focuses on precision, quality control, and the reliable operation of every individual component.
Avionics
The Avionics sub-team is responsible for the electronic backbone of each project, covering system control, onboard support, and data acquisition. It designs and builds custom PCBs to handle essential functions such as power distribution, communication with sensors, and control of key subsystems. In parallel, the team develops the microcontroller’s embedded software, which ensures reliable operation of the electronics, continuously gathers sensor measurements, and enables the execution of critical decisions during flight. A central element of the Avionics work is telemetry: the wireless, real-time transmission of data from the vehicle to a ground station. Using transceivers and dedicated ground software, the team monitors incoming data live, supporting continuous tracking, supervision, and system verification throughout testing and flight operations.
Promotion
The Promotion sub-team is responsible for the team’s outreach and external communication with the public, supporters, and—most importantly—potential sponsors and partners. Acting as the team’s representative to the outside world, it helps shape and maintain a strong public image while building relationships with individuals and organizations that can actively support the project. A key objective is securing sponsorships, both financial and in-kind, to cover the budget needs of each project. To achieve this, the sub-team identifies potential sponsors, prepares sponsorship packages and presentations, and manages communication and negotiations. In addition, Promotion handles the team’s social media presence, creates promotional content, and organizes events or outreach activities, keeping the community informed and engaged and strengthening the support network around the team.
Timeline
With the initiative of some Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering (now Electrical and Computer Engineering) students, the first rocketry engineering team of University of Western Macedonia was founded in October 2017.
First participation in the Panhellenic Aerospace Competition CanSat in Greece.
First place in the Panhellenic Aerospace Competition CanSat in Greece 2019
Third place in the 2021 Spaceport America Cup international rocket competition. Finalist for the Modeling and Simulation Award (Charles Hoult).
First rocketry Research & Development project of ASPiRE.
Modeling and Simulation Award at the international aeronautical competition UAS Challenge 2023, in England, with ASPiRE's first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Payload award at the European rocketry competition EuRoC 2025, in Portugal. Ranked 14th/28 teams overall, and 3rd in the Solid COTS Motor at 3000 meters category.
Second project of ASPiRE for the EuRoC competition in the Solid COTS motor at 3000 meters category.
Contact and Sponsoring
Would you like to support us or are you interested in a possible cooperation with our students? Simply contact the teams directly by e-mail or our general contact. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact
Office BΠ1_2
Building A
Dpt. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
UoWM Campus, ZEP
Kozani, Greece, 50100