https://www.soundingrocket.org/sdl-payload-challenge.html
To Enter the SDL Payload Challenge: Submit an SDL Payload Challenge Entry Form (available for download on the SA Cup Documents & Forms page) to SDL. SDL Payload Challenge Forms are available for download from the IREC website; email to: payloadchallenge@sdl.usu.edu
Awards:
- 1st Place Payload Award: $750
- 2nd Place Payload Award: $500
- 3rd Place Payload Award: $250
- Honorable mentions as warranted (judges discretion)
Judging Criteria (1000 points possible):
- Scientific or Technical Objective(s) (400 points)
- How relevant and well-designed is your scientific or technical objective?
- Payload Construction and Overall Professionalism (200 points)
- Includes make/buy decisions, craftsmanship, material usage, poster, handouts, reports, etc.
- Readiness / Turnkey Operation (100 points)
- Will the payload interfere with launch operations? Will the payload operate after hours of launch preparation, rail time, heat, waiting for other launches, etc?
- Execution of Objective(s) (300 points)
- How well did it accomplish the objective(s)? Note that rocket failure results in 150 points (half credit – don’t know if payload would have worked or not)
A downloadable copy of this rules and information page is available on the SA Cup Documents & Forms page.
