When you see a beautiful image of Pluto, do you ever stop to think about how long it takes to get there and what kind of energy would power a spacecraft to take those pictures? It takes a special kind of power to gather data at the extremes of our solar system, and now, as we celebrate 60 years of nuclear power for space flight, NASA wants to hear about what energizes YOU!
If you are a K-12 student in the United States, your challenge is first to research Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), which is a type of nuclear battery, and then write about:
- one or more uses of this special power system in space that inspires you (refer to the BRAINSTORMING section below for examples, from providing power in dark places like a shadowed crater to powering spacecraft that go beyond our solar system), and
- what you think your unique power is and tell us how your special power will help you achieve one or more long-term goal(s) in your life
In total, your submission is limited to 200 words. You must also include a title up to 75 characters which will not be included in the word limit.
Entries will be judged in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts, where students will learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore. Fifteen national winners in each grade category (45 winners total) will receive a NASA RPS Prize pack.
Awards:- NASA RPS Prize Pack
Deadline:- 13-04-2022
Note:- Legal residents of the United States who are registered students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade attending a public, private, or home school in the United States (including U.S. Territories or Possessions and schools operated by the U.S. for the children of American personnel overseas) are eligible to enter (eligible “Participants”).
