Education Archives - UK Space Design Competition

United Airlines and Space Science and Engineering Foundation announce…

by Samantha Hession

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.

SSEF Mourns the Passing of Anita Gale

by Adam Braithwaite

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

Team Announcement 2024

by Bethan Mann

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!)

Students Reach for the Stars

by Samantha Hession

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.

UKSDC National Finals 2024

by Samantha Hession

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!

SSEF’s Stellar Journey to the International Space Settlement Design…

by Bethan Mann

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!

Team Announcement

by Bethan Mann

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

UKSDC Final 2023

by Adam Braithwaite

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…..

UK Space Week 2022

by Adam Braithwaite

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!

UK Team for the ISSDC

by Jenny Lyons

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

UKSDC Finals

by Adam Braithwaite

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” →