SFL Missions Inc. Establishes SFL Academy of Small Satellite Design Offering Elite Apprenticeship Program
TORONTO, Ontario, Canada, 26 August 2026 – SFL Missions Inc. today announced the establishment of the SFL Academy of Small Satellite Design (“SFL Academy”) to manage the SFL Apprenticeship Program. Launched in 2025 as an elite training curriculum for aspiring spacecraft engineers, the SFL Apprenticeship Program will now be administered by the SFL Academy, a not-for-profit division of SFL Missions.
SFL Missions made the announcement today at the 2026 Small Satellite Conference being held August 23-26 in Salt Lake City, Utah, where SFL Missions and SFL Academy are exhibiting in Booth 819.
“We established the SFL Academy of Small Satellite Design to continue delivery of world-class spacecraft engineering training after the Space Flight Laboratory formerly at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) became SFL Missions Inc, a separate corporation,” said SFL Missions Director Dr. Robert E. Zee.
The SFL Apprenticeship Program is a paid two-year program designed to develop highly skilled spacecraft engineers through hands-on experience and focused technical training. Apprentices gain a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced spacecraft engineers in small integrated teams participating in the development of real small satellite missions from concept and design through testing and launch.
Apprentices accelerate their careers by contributing to the development and implementation of innovative spacecraft technologies, solving real engineering challenges that support missions destined for space. Throughout this intense training, apprentices acquire the hands-on skills and knowledge that top space companies are seeking.
The SFL Apprenticeship Program at the SFL Academy of Small Satellite Design is built on the collective knowledge of SFL’s 28 years developing 98 distinct and successful small, micro, and nanosatellite missions for customers in the commercial, government, and research sectors.
Submissions for the 2027 Apprenticeship cohort began on August 1, 2026, and end March 31, 2027. Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline. For more information, visit SFL Missions in Booth 819 at SmallSat 2026 or go to the SFL Academy website to begin the submission process online at https://sflsmallsat.academy.
About SFL Missions Inc. (https://sflmissions.com)
SFL Missions Inc. generates bigger returns from smaller, lower cost satellites. Small satellites built by SFL Missions consistently push the performance envelope and disrupt the traditional cost paradigm. We build quality small satellites at low cost that work the first time and enable NewSpace companies to mass produce through our Flex Production program. Satellites are built with advanced power systems, stringent attitude control and high-volume data capacity that are striking relative to the budget. We arrange launches globally and maintain a mission control center accessing ground stations worldwide. The pioneering and barrier-breaking work of SFL Missions is a key enabler to tomorrow’s cost-aggressive satellites and constellations.
Dr. Robert E. Zee
SFL Missions Inc.
info@SFLMissions.com
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