What is Space teams?
Space teams is a multi-day, international, competition for students that hosts epic virtual space missions led by astronauts, scientists, and engineers. Space teams is dedicated to producing a platform and ecosystem that will engage and connect people in an interactive exploration of the cosmos while inspiring students to become the next leaders that will continue efforts to explore space. Space Teams prepares students for a future in space through activities that require a fundamental understanding of physics, engineering, and mathematics as well as teamwork, communication, and innovation.
How does Space teams work?
Space Teams offers several competitions each year. During these competitions students will be given the opportunity to collaborate with a team to compete in a series of activities in hopes of earning the highest score. Each day of the competition includes a seminar presented by an expert in the space industry, such as an astronaut or NASA engineer. Through these seminars, students will gain insight as to what it takes to lead the future into space. Space Teams utilizes SpaceCRAFT, a platform for collaborative space systems and mission design, to provide students with an engaging environment to expand their knowledge of space mission designs. SpaceCRAFT provides a high-fidelity simulation of the universe, including real planetary data from NASA/JPL and correct physics for models of space and planetary environments.
What kind of activities will I work on?
Each activity is paired with a lesson to help guide students with the theory and technical knowledge to make critical decisions in the planning and conduct of their mission. Below are some of the lessons and activities students have completed in the past and a sneak peak of the activities planned for future Space Teams Competitions.
Planet Builder
Learn about the universe, solar system, planets, and other astronomical objects. This lesson covers basic concepts about planet formation, atmospheres, gravity, radiation, and composition.
Using SpaceCRAFT, each student creates and explores their own planet!
Spacecraft Builder
Learn how to design a spacecraft! This lesson covers basic concepts of power systems, life support, guidance and control, thermal management, propulsion and more.
Students will use SpaceCRAFT to create their own interplanetary ship. A multifaceted scoring system helps guide their work by giving them feedback on their design.
Trajectory Designer
Learn about the motion of the planets and traveling in Space. This lesson covers basic concepts of orbital mechanics, trajectory design, and remote sensing using various spacecraft instruments.
As a team, students will use SpaceCRAFT to design their interplanetary trajectory to make the interplanetary leap to a planet called Vulcan.
Orbital Descent
Learn how spacecraft are controlled in space and in other planets’ atmospheres. This lesson covers basic concepts of aerodynamics and flight control, flight instruments, atmospheric entry and landing.
Students depart from their interplanetary ship and fly the lander into Vulcan’s atmosphere to their desired landing coordinates. Using guidance cues and flight instruments they can obtain higher scores depending on the precision of their approach and accuracy of their landing.
Habitat Builder
Learn how to design a habitat that can support human life on another planet. This lesson covers basic concepts of space system architecture, protection from radiation and other hazards, utilization of local resources and sustainability.
Students will use SpaceCRAFT to create their own surface habitat on Vulcan.
Surface Operations
Learn about planetary rovers, tele-robotics, and EVA (extra-vehicular activity). This lesson covers basic concepts of mission operations on a planetary surface for purposes of science and resource utilization.
As a team, explore the region around your habitat and identify resources that can be used to extend the life of your habitat. Use rovers and EVA crew members to gather data while competing with other teams to find the most resources.
Space Teams sounds awesome, how can I join!?
Space Teams is excited to host ongoing competitions! The next ones in 2022 will be...
Location: Online
July 3 - 8, 2022 US
Time: 5:00 pm PST (Los Angeles, CA)
July 4 - 9, Australia
Time: 10:00 am Australia (Sydney)
Price: $500 AUS, $380 US per young astronaut.
Open to explorers ages 11 and up
Registration deadline: June 25, 2022
Location: Online
August 14 - 19, 2022 US
Time: 5:00 pm PST (Los Angeles, CA)
August 15 - 20, 2022 Australia
Time: 10:00 am Australia (Sydney)
Price: $500 AUS, $380 US per young astronaut.
Open to explorers ages 11 and up
Registration deadline: July 25, 2022
Stay connected with us!
Twitter - @space_teams
Instagram - @spaceteams
LinkedIn - Space Teams International
Facebook - SPACE TEAMS International
Youtube - Space Teams
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