The Problem:
Electromagnetic radiation can be incredibly harmful to tissues in the human body, and while the Earth's atmosphere protects us from much of this, astronauts leave that protective barrier when they go to space. Your challenge is to design and build a prototype radiation shield that effectively blocks simulated space radiation using materials that could safely fly in the Orion crew module.
This is an official challenge designed and hosted by NASA. Participants will have their names sent into space within the Orion shuttle. See the video below as an introduction to the topic:
Constraints:
- Must protect a person from electromagnetic radiation, as tested by using UV beads that change colors when exposed to UV light (a type of electromagnetic radiation)
- NASA constraints on payload materials
Adhesive bondings (glue) are limited and must be controlled to prevent contamination of the spacecraft, other experiments on board, cargo, or crew.
Flammable materials are prohibited to avoid fire and/or combustion events.
Materials that deteriorate, creating toxic gases, or outgassing, are prohibited.
No batteries or electric, magnetic, or other power sources, either internal or external, may be used.
All metals, wires, cable, and exposed surfaces of connectors must be insulated to prevent spark and/or interference with onboard systems.
Materials should be fungal-resistant.
Materials used may not create a foreign-object-debris (FOD) contamination or danger issue.
Materials, used in both the shielding and cargo packaging, must be able to withstand the pressure of lift-off, orbital flight and high speed/high energy return.
- Must cost no more than 500 pesos to manufacture
- Must be different from anything else currently on the market
- Must not weigh more than 5 kilograms
Research Tips:
NASA has put together a youtube playlist of "ask the expert" videos. Check this out for more information.
Option 5: Design for ASFM - New Recycling Bins for MSHS Classrooms
The Problem
At the moment, the middle school and high school classrooms only have recycling bins for paper. In an effort to help our campus go green and protect the environment, we need a new recycling system that can be used in every classroom. The best option just may end up in your classrooms next year!
Constraints:
- Must cost no more than 300 pesos to manufacture
- Must have multiple compartments for different types of recyclables
- Must hold 2 days worth of recycling
- Must be within these dimensions in size: 75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm
- Must be something that the maintenance workers could manufacture at school (in case your design is chosen)
Research Tips:
- Research why recycling is so important
- Research what happens to trash in Monterrey
- Research various systems for recycling used in other schools
- Investigate recycling at our school as it currently is
- Research categories within which materials can be divided up for recycling
Option 1: NASA Space Radiation Challenge
The Problem:
Electromagnetic radiation can be incredibly harmful to tissues in the human body, and while the Earth's atmosphere protects us from much of this, astronauts leave that protective barrier when they go to space. Your challenge is to design and build a prototype radiation shield that effectively blocks simulated space radiation using materials that could safely fly in the Orion crew module.
This is an official challenge designed and hosted by NASA. Participants will have their names sent into space within the Orion shuttle. See the video below as an introduction to the topic:
Constraints:
- Must protect a person from electromagnetic radiation, as tested by using UV beads that change colors when exposed to UV light (a type of electromagnetic radiation)
- NASA constraints on payload materials
- Adhesive bondings (glue) are limited and must be controlled to prevent contamination of the spacecraft, other experiments on board, cargo, or crew.
- Flammable materials are prohibited to avoid fire and/or combustion events.
- Materials that deteriorate, creating toxic gases, or outgassing, are prohibited.
- No batteries or electric, magnetic, or other power sources, either internal or external, may be used.
- All metals, wires, cable, and exposed surfaces of connectors must be insulated to prevent spark and/or interference with onboard systems.
- Materials should be fungal-resistant.
- Materials used may not create a foreign-object-debris (FOD) contamination or danger issue.
- Materials, used in both the shielding and cargo packaging, must be able to withstand the pressure of lift-off, orbital flight and high speed/high energy return.
- Must cost no more than 500 pesos to manufacture- Must be different from anything else currently on the market
- Must not weigh more than 5 kilograms
Research Tips:
NASA has put together a youtube playlist of "ask the expert" videos. Check this out for more information.
Option 5: Design for ASFM - New Recycling Bins for MSHS Classrooms
The Problem
At the moment, the middle school and high school classrooms only have recycling bins for paper. In an effort to help our campus go green and protect the environment, we need a new recycling system that can be used in every classroom. The best option just may end up in your classrooms next year!
Constraints:
- Must cost no more than 300 pesos to manufacture
- Must have multiple compartments for different types of recyclables
- Must hold 2 days worth of recycling
- Must be within these dimensions in size: 75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm
- Must be something that the maintenance workers could manufacture at school (in case your design is chosen)
Research Tips:
- Research why recycling is so important
- Research what happens to trash in Monterrey
- Research various systems for recycling used in other schools
- Investigate recycling at our school as it currently is
- Research categories within which materials can be divided up for recycling