Perse students win National Space Design competition
Thirteen students from The Perse, spanning Years 10 to 13, have emerged as winners of the National Final of the UK Space Design Competition.
Having already proved themselves at their regional heat, the students joined the national final as part of a company of around 60 students, called ‘Sapien‘. The challenge was to design a fully realised lunar settlement from scratch in less than 24 hours, then present their technical solutions to a panel of expert judges. Sapien was judged to have produced the best work of the competition.
Leading his team to victory was Sai, Sapien’s company president, and no stranger to this stage. Competing at the ISSDC for the third time, he came prepared and determined for the challenge. Earlier this week, we asked Sai what it was really like to lead the team to victory.
What did the role of company president actually involve?
“Primarily, my responsibility was to create an overall company vision and ensure that our design philosophy aligned with that as much as possible. I also had to manage teams to make sure people had fun, and chip in myself wherever needed. The leadership team also had to take strategic calls on various technical and presentation decisions, to try and do what was best for the company.”
What was the highlight for you?
“At this year’s nationals, I really enjoyed the technical challenges we had to overcome during our design processes, such as ensuring we aligned with the concept and RFP but also the new challenges we had, such as handling press relations, which was really fun. I also really enjoyed leading the team, who were all really passionate and talented.”
What did you find most challenging, and how did you overcome it?
“The most challenging part of the competition for me was trying to make decisions which might inevitably be disliked by some people. As a president, and member of the leadership team, we had to make the final decision on certain design ideas. For example, at the structural department, everyone had great ideas, but one had to be finalised as the rest of the company needed progress to be made in Structural, so that they could contribute to their part of the settlement,”
“Having to take the final call on some technical decisions meant that some people were of course happy, but others disappointed, and those decisions were difficult to make. I learnt a lot about how to communicate with the people who were disappointed and motivate them to keep voicing their ideas and ensuring them that we made decisions which we thought aligned with the vision the most.”
How are you feeling about the possibility of competing at the ISSDC at NASA this summer?
“I’d be delighted if I was selected again, as I mentioned, I’ve had the privilege at competing three times at the ISSDC over the last three years, and every year I have learnt lots of things, and my excitement has only grown.”
What would you say to younger students thinking about entering the competition?
“I’d say that there’s a role for everyone, if you’re interested in Art, Design, Engineering, Physics, Maths, History, Geography, Politics, or any subject, there are great opportunities available. I would also advice people to ensure they have fun, because enjoying the competition is as or more important than winning, and to try and make an impact wherever they can in the company,”
“People may be in the Mission Systems Department by role, for example, but the design process is inherently interdisciplinary and they can contribute everywhere.
“Finally, I would also say to be confident, express their ideas and use this opportunity to learn more about the Space industry, and of course make friends along the way.“
The 13 Perse students now wait to find out whether they will individually be selected for the approximately 20-strong team that will represent the UK at the International Space Settlement Design Competition, held at NASA this summer. We wish them well on their journey and will be following along. Congratulations to all.