Education
Happy Holidays from the SSEF
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Wishing all our incredible supporters and volunteers a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season! Thank you for your invaluable help and dedication throughout 2024, which has made this year such a success for the SSEF. We truly appreciate your hard work and passion, and we look forward to collaborating with you in 2025 for another fantastic year.
Education
United Airlines and Space Science and Engineering Foundation announce…
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between the Space Science and Engineering Foundation and United Airlines. Starting in 2025, United Airlines will be the official sponsor of the UK team’s flights to the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in Florida. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our foundation, as it will help to ensure that more students can participate in this prestigious event.
Our partnership with United Airlines is not just about flights; it’s about a shared vision. Both SSEF and United Airlines are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. By providing this invaluable support, United Airlines is helping to remove barriers for our students, allowing them to focus on what they do best—pushing the boundaries of space science and engineering.
We are particularly excited about having United Airlines involved in our upcoming events. Their presence will undoubtedly enhance the experience for our students, offering them unique insights into the aerospace industry and the chance to engage with industry professionals.
We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with United Airlines and are confident that this partnership will bring incredible benefits to our students and the broader space science community. Together, we are paving the way for the future of space exploration.
NASA
Team UK Triumphs at NASA
Congratulations to the UKSDC team who travelled to Kennedy Space Center last week to participate in the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC). The 12 students who formed ‘Team UK’ were selected after competing in the UK Regional and UK National Finals in Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024.
The ambitious team were integrated into ‘Vulture’, a company comprising 60 students from around the world, including Australia, America, China, and India. Together, they worked in the state-of-the-art Education Center at Kennedy Space Center, an inspiring environment that provided them with all the tools they needed to succeed.
The competition was intense, and the students were tasked with designing a Data Processing Center on Earth’s Moon, Luna. They had just 36 hours to collaborate, create, and produce a comprehensive presentation. Their efforts culminated in a presentation before a prestigious panel of judges, including Astronaut Chris Ferguson and AEC President Barbara Kennedy.
Despite the pressure and the sleepless nights, Team Vulture demonstrated exceptional teamwork and ingenuity. Their final presentation took place on Monday morning. After delivering their innovative design, the students had the opportunity to explore the Kennedy Space Center. They visited various exhibits, gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and future of space exploration, and enjoyed some leisure time in what is often referred to as the world’s best gift shop.
The experience at Kennedy Space Center was both educational and memorable, allowing the students to not only showcase their skills but also to immerse themselves in the world of space science. The excitement and thrill of being at such a historic and iconic location added to their unforgettable journey.
When the results were announced, Team Vulture emerged victorious. Their exceptional design and compelling presentation earned them the top spot, and they were crowned champions of the ISSDC.
Congratulations to Team UK and all the ISSDC participants for their remarkable achievement. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for space exploration truly shone through, making this a memorable and inspiring event for all involved.
Education
SSEF Mourns the Passing of Anita Gale
SSEF are saddened to hear of the passing of Anita Gale, co-founder of ISSDC, over the weekend. Anita spent her career inspiring young people around the world to pursue careers in science and space, and helped countless young girls discover their potential in technical fields. Anita will be greatly missed and her legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on young people for years to come.
To read about her life, please click here
Education
Team Announcement 2024
In a change from last year, reserves are split into two categories. This will enable us to adhere to an earlier rooming deadline from the US.
The team (in strictly alphabetical order!), is as follows:
Beatrice Nield
Ben Sanderson
Caitlin Stevens
Desmond Zee
Jeremy Truman
Miranda Box
Molly Dathan
Morgan Bleasedale
Naman Malhotra
Nell MclClachlan
Thea Moss
Xavier McKeown-Webster
First Reserve (Female): Anya Brian
Second Reserve (Female): Thara Padmanabhan
Third Reserve (Female): Chantal Cuesta Andoh
First Reserve (Male): Adam Khan
Second Reserve (Male): Olly Hanbly
Third Reserve (Male): Arwen Moscrop
Our thanks to each and every participant, teacher, parent, judge, alumni, and volunteer who helped it all happen….we couldn’t do this without you!
From; Alison, Bethan, Corinne, Jenny and Sam (in strictly alphabetical order!)
Education
Students Reach for the Stars
Last weekend, London buzzed with innovation and determination as 260 students from across the UK gathered for the UK Space Design Competition (UKSDC) National Finals. Split into four companies, these bright minds embarked on an exhilarating journey to create a design for a Lunar Space Elevator and compete to win the contract from The Foundation Society.
The Challenge: The task at hand was no small feat – designing a Lunar Space Elevator. Charged with the responsibility to overcome the challenges of space travel, each team meticulously crafted their vision for this revolutionary structure. From grappling with the complexities of lunar gravity to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the elevator, every aspect of their designs was carefully considered.
Dedication and Grit: As the competition unfolded, it became evident that the students were not just participants; they were pioneers charting new frontiers in space exploration. Their dedication knew no bounds, with some teams working tirelessly through the night, fuelled by passion and determination. The atmosphere crackled with energy as ideas were refined, prototypes were constructed, and presentations were honed to perfection.
The Winning Team: In a competition filled with outstanding talent, the victory was hard-fought and well-deserved. Emerging triumphant was Team Sapien, whose innovative design captured the imagination of the judges. However, it’s essential to note that the competition was fiercely competitive, with all teams showcasing remarkable creativity and expertise.
Looking Ahead: As the dust settles on this exhilarating event, attention now turns to the future. The success of the UKSDC National Finals serves as a testament to the passion and potential of young minds in the field of space design and engineering. With the next round of Space Design competitions already open for registration, the journey continues for these aspiring space explorers.
Exciting Announcement: Furthermore, the anticipation mounts as the UK team set to embark on a journey to NASA this summer will be announced very soon. This incredible opportunity awaits those students who have demonstrated exceptional skill and ingenuity in the realm of space design. Stay tuned for the announcement, as we eagerly await the revelation of the next generation of space pioneers.
The UKSDC National Finals were a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and unwavering determination. As students from across the UK showcased their ingenuity in designing a Lunar Space Elevator, they demonstrated that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning. Congratulations to all participants, and here’s to a future where the stars are within reach for every aspiring space explorer.
Education
UKSDC National Finals 2024
Greetings, space enthusiasts and champions of knowledge!
We’re absolutely elated to share the extraordinary news – congratulations to the incredible 268 students who have not only excelled but also secured their golden ticket to the highly anticipated UKSDC National Finals!
Buckle up for an exhilarating two-day cosmic journey set against the iconic backdrop of London, as we gear up for the National Finals on 2-3 March 2024. This promises to be an event of astronomical proportions, filled with innovation, collaboration, and the boundless potential that these exceptional students bring to the table.
The path leading to the finals has been nothing short of inspiring, with each participant showcasing their unique brilliance.
Stay tuned for the countdown to the UKSDC National Finals—an extravaganza that celebrates passion, talent, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. To the 268 qualifiers, we look forward to seeing you in London on 2nd March!
Education
SSEF’s Stellar Journey to the International Space Settlement Design…
Report from SSEF’s, Sam Hession who accompanied the SSEF teams to the ISSDC 2023
Hey there, space enthusiasts!
We at the Space Science and Engineering Foundation (SSEF) are over the moon (pun intended) to share our incredible adventure at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC), held in July 2023. Buckle up as we take you on an intergalactic ride to the prestigious Kennedy Space Center in Florida!
**Launchpad Anticipation**
Before the competition officially kicked off, our teams from the UK, EU, and Africa had a blast exploring Florida and the surrounding area, and taking the time to get to know one other. What made it even more extraordinary? Witnessing not one, but two rocket launches!
The highlight was the spectacular Falcon Heavy Rocket by SpaceX on July 28th, lifting off at 11.04 PM. We gathered at William J. Manzo Memorial Park, arriving early to listen to the countdown live from Mission Control. As the rocket roared to life, our hearts soared with it. We even caught the low-frequency sonic booms and watched two boosters gracefully land back on Earth. Talk about a stellar start!
**ISSDC Lift-off**
With the rocket show setting the stage, our students were pumped for the ISSDC. Anita Gale, one of the founding members, welcomed us with stories of the event’s illustrious history and her late husband, the legendary Dick Edwards. We dived into department breakdowns within our companies, getting ready for the lunar settlement challenge.
At lunch, the Request for Proposal (RfP) was released. With hearts pounding and minds racing, our students embarked on the thrilling mission of designing a lunar settlement. Nearly 200 students, split across three companies, worked tirelessly, some joining us online. They had from Saturday lunchtime until Monday morning to craft their designs and prepare presentations for the esteemed Judging Panel.
**A Cosmic Marathon**
The days were a whirlwind of activity, with students shuttling between Kennedy Space Center and our hotel. They tackled the challenge head-on, fully embracing the spirit of competition. Our teams—UKSDC, EUSDC, and AFSDC—were not just competing, they were pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. Sunday night saw most of them burning the midnight oil, adding the finishing touches to their designs and presentations.
**Lunar Sunrise**
Come Monday morning at Kennedy Space Center, you could see a few bleary-eyed faces, but spirits remained high. Students, dressed in their finest, arrived armed with their final presentations, ready to impress the Judging Panel.
The presentations were out of this world! Each student company had collaborated seamlessly to produce innovative and exceptional lunar settlement designs, worthy of any space industry contract. It was a nail-biting finish, but only one company could secure the coveted contract, and it was Dougledyne Flechhel company, which included the members of our EU team, so there was much to celebrate.
**Cosmic Congratulations**
To all the students who participated in the ISSDC from the UK, Africa, and Europe, we tip our astronaut helmets to you! Your diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives shone brightly throughout the event. The journey to the ISSDC is paved with dedication, teamwork, and an unbridled passion for exploring the cosmos. We, at the SSEF, are incredibly proud to have met and got to know this extraordinary group of young space enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more cosmic adventures, and remember, the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning!
Education
Team Announcement
We are pleased to announce that the following students will represent the UK at the International Space Settlement Design Competition to be held at the Kennedy Space Center in the summer – congratulations to the following students…..(N.B. all are listed in alphabetical order!)
From Olympus Mons Trading Company (Winning Company)
Sai Batchu
Max Dawkins
Maia Guo
Libby Paine
Ieuan Underdown
William Wang
From DaVinci Meccanica
Ximena Harrington
Magnus Murphy
From Earhart Advanced Industries
Soumil Sahjpall
Daisy Taylor
From Kepler Automation
Leo Carey Read
Twisha Khandelwal
First Reserve: Nell McLachlan
Second Reserve: Alexander Sinani
Third Reserve: Lye Williams
Education
UKSDC Final 2023
UKSDC Finals 2023 Blog post
The UKSDC Finals took place this weekend at the iconic Imperial College London. 248 15-18 year olds from more than 25 schools around the UK qualified last Autumn at one of the Regional heats for this exciting and challenging competition. Twelve students will be selected to represent the UK at the International Finals which are held annually at NASA, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
A huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who gave up their weekend to bring their skills, experience and knowledge to the event. Our volunteers worked as CEOs, Technical Advisors and Judges to make sure that the weekend ran smoothly, and we couldn’t have done it without them.
Each company, made up of up to sixty students, was given twenty four hours to design ‘Dias’, an orbital settlement around the sun. The companies had to use their technical knowledge and work collaboratively to produce their final presentation by 8.oo am on Sunday morning. We can confirm that there were a few sleep deprived and bleary eyed students (and volunteers) on Sunday morning !
The Judges had a very difficult decision to make about who the winning company would be and one of the Judges was overheard saying “this was one of the closest competitions yet”. Despite this, we would like to congratulate the students from Olympus Mons Trading Company on winning the competition, and all the other teams for producing such innovative and creative designs.
Well done everyone, and watch this space for announcements about the team going to the International Finals in July…..
Education
UK Space Week 2022
Our friends over at the Galactic Challenge have teamed up with the very inspiring and creative team from Baker Ross to celebrate Space Week 2022.
This year World Space week is celebrating sustainability in space and sustainability from space and the competition is all about reusing and recycling your waste from home and using it to design a space related item. If you are in school Years 3 – 9 and would like to enter our competition and be in with a chance of winning some Baker Ross craft goodies then this challenge is for you!
More information about the competition can be found on the Galactic Challenge website along with all the rules and judging criteria. Entry deadline is 28th October 2022, so embrace your waste and getting cutting, sticking and creating. We cannot wait to see all of your creative space designs!
Education
UK Team for the ISSDC
It was a really tough job to select who should go through to the ISSDC – so many of you have worked incredibly hard and put your heart and soul into the competition. We talked to the CEO’s, re-ran the presentations, and trawled through the Teams dialogue. We were lucky to have so many amazing candidates to choose from – a big thank you from all of us at UKSDC for your dedication and hard work.
Finally we have come to our decision, and we list the 12 candidates in alphabetical order. We have also listed 6 reserves
Education
UKSDC Finals
Thank you to all the students, teachers and volunteers who helped make the UKSDC Finals such a fun event – especial gratitude goes to Theo and the RfP Committee for such an innovative scenario to work with; it is safe to say that they pushed your creativity to new boundaries, ‘where no man (or woman) has gone before!’ Read more “UKSDC Finals”
2021 Finals
UKSDC Finals and UK Team announcement for the ISSDC
Well done to all the participants at the UKSDC finals – your excellent presentations gave the judges a most difficult task. They said that this was the closest marking they had ever known on any UKSDC event. Read more “UKSDC Finals and UK Team announcement for the ISSDC”
2021 UKSDC National Finals
