Satellite Design Competition: The Guardian (1)

Earth Observation Satellite Design Competition: The Guardian

This competition challenges university students to design a theoretical Earth Observation (EO) satellite, focusing on environmental monitoring and sustainability solutions.

Competition Goal: Design a small satellite (CubeSat format) to gather critical data to address a specific environmental challenge.

Challenge Categories:

1. Climate Change Monitoring: Design a satellite to track greenhouse gas emissions, monitor deforestation, or measure global ice cap health.
2. Natural Disaster Management: Design a satellite to predict and monitor wildfires, floods, or landslides to improve disaster preparedness & response.
3. Sustainable Resource Management: Design a satellite to monitor water resources, track illegal deforestation, or map land cover changes for sustainable development.

Team Formation:

• The team should not be more than 4 students and there is no restriction on minimum number of students.
• Every person on the team must be a university student.
• We encourage interdisciplinary teams (engineering, physics, environmental science).

Phase 1: Proposal Submission (1 page max)

• Define the chosen environmental challenge.
• Explain how the satellite design addresses the challenge.

Phase 2: Design Submission (15 pages max)

• Detail the chosen CubeSat format (e.g., 1U, 3U, 6U).
• Describe the proposed payload instruments (cameras, spectrometers, etc.).
• Explain the data collection plan (resolution, frequency, etc.).
• Discuss the chosen orbit and its suitability for the mission.
• Include preliminary power, communication, and thermal management plans.
• Briefly explain the data analysis and dissemination plan.
• Briefly elaborate on the debris management at the end of the mission.

Phase 3: Presentation Submission

• Shortlisted teams will present their detailed design along with the simulation and supported graphs in front of the judging panel.
• The presentation should cover technical details, innovation, mission feasibility, and potential impact.
• Judging criteria will focus on:                                        
•  
  • Scientific merit and alignment with the chosen challenge category.
  • Technical feasibility and design rationale.
  • Innovation and uniqueness of the proposed approach.
  • Clarity and effectiveness of data collection and analysis plan.
  • Presentation quality and team communication.

      

 

Awards & Recognition

• Cash prizes  or gifts for the top teams in each challenge category.
• Opportunity to present winning designs at a relevant conference, industry event, or Journal.
• Opportunity to work with the company.
• Certificates for every participant.

Key Dates for Different Phases of Competition:

 

        15/3/2024          Competition Registration Opens

         21/4/2024          Competition Registration Closes

         21/4/2024          Competition Launch Event

         30/5/2024          Submission for the Phase 1

         15/7/2024          Submission for the Phase 2.

         15/8/2024          Presentation Submission

         20/8/2024          Winner Announcements

Additional Considerations:

• Allow teams to submit a one-page budget breakdown (not mandatory for judging but if submitted get bonus points).
• Encourage the use of open-source satellite design tools and software.
• Provide online resources and workshops on CubeSat design basics (optional).

This competition design is focused on theoretical aspects, fostering creativity and technical problem-solving skills in students. By focusing on environmental challenges, it also connects space exploration with real-world issues, making it an engaging and relevant competition for university students.

Registration Procedure:

• Add Tickets according to number of students in a group.
• Price for registration will be INR 250 per student.
• Select one ticket for one group member. Maximum 4 tickets are allowed.
• Tickets are non refundable.
• Download detail information and guidelines from the bottom of the page.

For more information contact us on +91 8888762399 or mail us on brahmandexploration@gmail.com