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7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 OCTOBER 2025 COMMERCIAL CanSat Malta Competition 2025–2026 officially launched at Esplora THE CanSat Malta Competi- tion 2025–2026 was officially launched today at the Esplo- ra Interactive Science Centre, bringing together educators, students, and stakeholders to kick off the third edition of this innovative national STEM in- itiative. Organised by Esplora, the competition challenges stu- dents aged 14 to 18 to design, build, and launch a miniature satellite—known as a CanSat— that fits into the volume of a soft drink can. Mary-Ann Cauchi, Senior Di- rector of Esplora, celebrated the spirit of discovery and inno- vation. She remarked that "at Esplora we believe that great science is powered by creativ- ity. CanSat brings STEAM to life: students' prototype, test, fail forward, and try again; just like professional teams do. With guidance from educators and our team, participants gain the technical skills, and the mindset Malta needs for its next genera- tion of innovators," she said. From her end, Deputy Direc- tor of STEAM Engagement, Kiki Mizzi introduced the pro- gramme and outlined this year's timeline. "CanSat is more than just a competition—it's an op- portunity for young people to dream bigger, to experiment, and to see themselves as the scientists and engineers of to- morrow. By bringing STEAM to life through hands-on explo- ration, we're not just launching CanSats, we're launching fu- tures." Carmel Spiteri, Executive from the Space Programmes and En- gagement Unit, delivered a tech- nical overview of the project, highlighting its educational im- pact and cross-disciplinary na- ture. Attendees were treated to a short planetarium film led by Es- plora's Planetarium team, offer- ing a glimpse into the kind of in- spiration that fuels space-related learning among young people. Applications for the 2025– 2026 competition will open today, the 15 October and will remain open until 28 Novem- ber 2025. Applications can be submitted through the following link: https://www.surveymon- key.com/r/HG2HQVP. An online information session will be held on the 21st Octo- ber at 4pm to support potential applicants and can be accessed through this link: CanSat Malta 2025-2026 Com- petition Information Session | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams The CanSat construction and testing phase will take place be- tween December 2025 and May 2026, with educator and stu- dent training scheduled along the way. The highly anticipated rocket launch will take place in April 2026, and the winning team will travel to the European Space Agency's ESTEC facility in the Netherlands in June to participate in the "Space Engi- neer for a Day" experience. Participating teams will re- ceive a CanSat kit, up to €370 in funding for additional compo- nents, and continuous support throughout the project. This competition is funded through Xjenza Malta, and Esplora will provide training and guidance to educators, equipping them to lead their teams through this exciting challenge whilst coordi- nating the project. Now in its third edition, fol- lowing successful competitions in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, CanSat Malta continues to em- power young people to explore space, science, and engineering through hands-on learning and real-world application. For further inquiries and in- formation please contact ste- mengagement.esplora@gov. mt or visit our website https:// e s p l o r a . o r g . m t / c a n s a t - m a l - ta-competition/. ON Thursday 21 August 2025 a new library under the name of Learning Hub 2 Library was in- augurated by Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employ- ment Minister Byron Camilleri. During the ceremony the min- ister unveiled a commemorative plaque which was blessed by Fr Victor Spiteri, CSA priest. Al- so in attendance were officials of the CSA and the CSA Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Siegersma. The National Librar- ian/CEO Malta Libraries, Cheryl Falzon accompanied by members of her staff who were helping in the project were also present for the occasion. The CSA Library forms part of the second facility of its kind within the Correctional Servic- es Agency. The project is de- signed to provide a central space for learning and rehabilitation, equipped with modern class- rooms, a dedicated library, and an art room. Its primary objective is to support persons in prison (PiPs) in their holistic develop- ment by offering access to edu- cational, vocational, cultural and personal growth opportunities. The library within the learning hub aims to create an environ- ment where PiPs can broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skills and cultivate values that support their reintegration into society. With regards to future plans the facility will continue to expand its range of programmes, with a focus on enabling Persons in prison (PiPs) to improve not on- ly their employability prospects but also their overall well-being and personal development. The CSA Library will remain central to this vision by serving as both a hub of resources and a supportive environment where learning and growth can flourish. Ongoing collaboration with educational and cultural institutions will en- sure that PiPs are offered diverse and meaningful opportunities that foster both intellectual and social rehabilitation. In order to ensure that the CSA Library is equipped with the most up-to-date books and services, CSA will continue to collabo- rate with Malta Libraries. This partnership will not only facili- tate access to resources but also enhance the range and quality of library material available, thereby enriching the learning experience for Persons in prison (PiPs). Another important aspect is that the integration with Malta Libraries will provide the neces- sary access to a comprehensive catalogue showing the present holdings of the National and Public Libraries network. Fur- thermore, Malta Libraries will be offering constant technical sup- port, expertise and funds for the purchase of new publications. Overall, the long-term plan for the library and learning hub is to play a key role in the complete transformation of the correction- al environment, supporting reha- bilitation as the primary role of the facility. Inauguration of a new library at the Correctional Service Agency The Minister Byron Camilleri together with CEO CSA Christopher Siegersma taking a look at the books forming part of the Library collection