VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize
Cynthia Chen
The VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize offers an Australian undergraduate fourth year or honours student the opportunity to attend the NASA Academy programs at NASA Ames Research Centre, and work with a Principle Investigator on a current NASA project. The NASA Academy is an intensive, select-entry program that provides recent graduates with access to advanced science and engineering R&D, and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social and human issues faced by current and future aerospace programs.
The competition is divided into five categories:
- ENGINEERING
Structural design, orbital dynamics, materials, power systems, rocketry, robotics, etc.
This category incorporates the Engineers Australia Undergraduate Prize in Space Engineering http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/tertiary/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/engineering-category
- SPACE PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS
Space physics, astronomy, astrophysics, theoretical physics, mathematical modeling, space weather, atmospheric science, etc.
- GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY GEOLOGY
Geology and planetary science, astrobiology, etc. - BIOLOGY AND HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Human physiology, astrobiology, microbiology, etc. - DATA PROCESSING AND ELECTRONICS
Data processing systems, applications using space-derived data, data management, electronics, control systems, instrument and sensor design, etc.
The overall winner will attend one of the NASA Academy programs at Ames Research Centre, Goddard Flight Centre or Marshall Flight Centre, or participate in a NASA affiliated summer program in mid-2014. The other category winners will each receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Through the awarding of this prize, an Australian university student will:
- Participate in a ten-week academy program
- Work with a Principle Investigator on a current NASA project related to their thesis topic
- Visit JPL, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Kennedy Space Centre and more
- Create a network for future collaboration and become part of the Academy Alumni
The prize includes the Academy program, flights and local transport, meals and accommodation, as well as all visa expenses.
Please visit http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/tertiary/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/ for more information, including competition guidelines and submission instructions.
Submissions for the Space Prize close at midnight on Friday 6 December, 2013.
E cynthi...@ayaa.com.au | W ayaa.com.au