Often described as the "Lunar XPRIZE Challenge for kids", the MOONBOTS Challenge is an exciting opportunity for children fascinated by space exploration to get involved and engage their talents. And this year, things promise to be especially exciting, with more teams competing than ever before and a Grand PRIZE that is sure to spur them on!
Sponsored by Google and XPRIZE, this on-line competition invites kids from all over the world to design, create and program their own lunar rover. Since its inception in 2010, the Challenge has sought to inspire children to become the next generation of space explorers, while at the same time promoting STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Divided into two phases, Phase One of the Challenge consists of teams of 2-4 members (ages 8-17) and one team captain (at least 18-years of age) writing a story or creating a video essay explaining what inspires them about the Moon. These videos are then judged by a panel of experts, who then select thirty teams to move on to Phase Two.
In this phase, teams receive a robotics kit of their choice (LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3, VEX IQ Superkit or MECCANO Meccanoid G15 KS) to create their own robot. This rover will then be tested on a lunar landscape (which they will also be responsible for creating) based on the story they presented for Phase One.
Since 2010, the MOONBOTS Challenge has brought young people from all over the world together to design and test new lunar rovers designs. Credit: moonbots.org
In addition, the MOONBOT teams must come up with a simulated lunar mission and game for their robots, which they will then demonstrate to children and adults in their own community. In the end, three Grand PRIZE winners will be selected and flown to Japan, where they will have the opportunity to meet with the teams that are currently competing in the Google Lunar XPRIZE.
For those young individuals who dream of one day exploring space, this is an exciting opportunity indeed! In addition to being able to meet people who are likely to become the next generation of explorers, they will also have the chance to witness some of the machines that will surely be doing the exploring.
Phase One of the 2015 Challenge recently concluded with a total of 233 submission being made. This was a new record for the competition, with 30 different nations - ranging from Austria and the US to Vietnam and the UAE - being represented. From this point onward, the judges will be evaluating these team's "Moon Tales" and testimonials, and they expect to announce the 30 winners that will be advancing to Phase Two by July 7th, 2015.
Got ideas for the future of space exploration, or interesting in making an impact in scientific research? Then head on over to the Launch your Challenge page and get ready to make a difference!
Top Image Credit: lunar.xprize.org
