NASA Power to Explore Challenge

Are you interested in attending a virtual event hosted by NASA experts? 

• If you submit an entry to the Power to Explore challenge, you will have the opportunity to do just that! 
• This challenge is open to all students, so don't miss out on this amazing opportunity.

NASA is employing Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to power its space exploration missions. RPS technology uses heat to generate electric power. NASA is now inviting all students in grades K-12 to propose a mission idea that uses RPS to explore a location with low light. The possibilities are endless! 

Power to Explore Challenge:

Your task is to plan a mission that uses Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS)  to explore a location with limited light. RPS enables exploration to the deepest, darkest, and dustiest places, and NASA wants to hear where you would go, what you would explore, and how you would use this special power to achieve mission success.

If you are a K-12 student in the United States, your challenge is first to research Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) and dream up a new RPS-powered space mission to a destination with limited or obstructed access to light. Your entry should address all three topics below:

1. Dark, Dusty, or Distant Mission Destination: Tell us where your RPS-powered space mission will go and describe your mission goal(s). Keep in mind that your mission can either flyby, orbit, land, or rove. Refer to the  BRAINSTORMING  section below for examples of actual RPS-powered missions that NASA has flown.
2. Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS): Explain the importance and advantages of using RPS for this mission. How does this technology overcome the limitations of solar power in environments with limited light?
3. Your Power: NASA missions are also powered by people–from mission planning and development to designing, launching, and operating a spacecraft. Tell us what you think your unique power is and how your special power will help you achieve mission success. Your power could be a skill, personality trait, or other personal strength that is uniquely you.

Entries will be judged in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. In total, your submission is limited to 250 words. You must also include a title, which will not be included in the word limit.  Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts. Students may submit their entry on their own at Future Engineers. If you would like more information, please check out all the details.

Please contact Julie Ward, Director of Supplemental Services, with any questions at jward@scit.org.