Space Faculty is thrilled to announce Singapore’s winning team for the Asian Try Zero-G (ATZG) competition: Team Floating Marshmallows from Catholic High School!
Their innovative and insightful experiment proposal, focusing on the Intermediate Axis Theorem in microgravity, impressed everyone involved in the selection process (including JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa!) and demonstrated a remarkable understanding of complex physics concepts.
A Glimpse into Their Microgravity Experiment
“A crossbar with detachable weights at each end would be used as our rotating object, with the detachable weights allowing us to set up to four different centres of inertia.”
Team Floating Marshmallows’ proposal delves into the fascinating world of rigid body dynamics, specifically exploring the Intermediate Axis Theorem, also known as the Tennis Racket Theorem. This theorem describes the stability of rotation around an object’s principal axes of inertia.
Their experiment aims to study how changing the weight distribution of a spinning object affects its rotation in space. A special device (as displayed above) will be used on the ISS to see how different weight placements impact the object’s stability.
Why This Matters
This experiment holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of rotational dynamics in space. The ability to precisely control and predict the behaviour of rotating objects is crucial for the deployment and operation of satellites and other spacecraft. The experiment could lay the foundation for improved satellite stability and maneuverability, ultimately benefiting future space missions.
Space Faculty is incredibly proud of Team Floating Marshmallows’ achievement. Their passion, creativity, and scientific rigor were evident in the quality of their proposal. We congratulate them on their well-deserved victory and wish them the best as their experiment moves forward in preparation to be conducted on the ISS in the months ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on Team Floating Marshmallows’ journey to the ISS!
When Natalie Ching, a student at River Valley High School, first joined the International Space Challenge (ISC) in 2023, she had no idea where it would take her. Little did she know that this journey would not only earn her a Distinction award at the 16th ISC, but also place her at the heart of Singapore’s growing space sector.
In the first of many remarkable milestones post-ISC, Natalie had the distinct honour of meeting President Tharman last year.
Following this impactful meeting, Natalie’s passion and achievements have since propelled her into the limelight, culminating in a recent feature in this special video by the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), Singapore.
The video, which highlights the next phase of Singapore’s space sector development, showcases how young talents like Natalie are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future in space.
And it all began with the ISC, now in its 19th edition, which continues to serve as a cornerstone of Space Faculty’s mission to empower young minds and foster a vibrant community of innovators for space and deep tech.
Natalie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of space for STEM and the impact that programmes like the ISC can have on youths. We’re incredibly proud to have been a part of her journey and are excited to see where her passion takes her.
As February came to a close, Space Faculty had the honour of co-hosting Dr. Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), for an inspiring ‘Fireside Chat’ with young innovators and space enthusiasts. This special intimate session was an invaluable opportunity for the students to gain insights into the future of space technology, the role of international collaboration, and the immense potential for innovation in shaping a better world.
Key Takeaways
The conversation with Dr. Holla-Maini illuminated several crucial aspects of space and deep tech, particularly its ability to drive meaningful change. Some of the most impactful messages included:
Satellite Communication Connects Communities – Space-based technologies play a pivotal role in addressing humanitarian crises, enabling real-time response efforts and fostering global connectivity in underserved regions.
Technology Empowers Impact – Engaging in technological innovation has real-life implications that extend beyond what one might initially imagine. Young innovators need to recognise the potentially far-reaching impact of their work, from space-based disaster relief to climate monitoring.
Actively Shape the Future – Young innovators carry a responsibility in shaping the future of space technology and must take ownership of their roles as future leaders by actively contributing to advancing the industry for the benefit of all.
Advancing Space Innovation Is a Collaborative Effort
The discussion was further enriched by insights from Mr. Lóránt Czárán (UNOOSA/UN-SPIDER), who highlighted UNOOSA’s global mission in uniting nations through space initiatives, and Chune Yang L. (SpeQtral), who shared how quantum communications will revolutionise space technology in the coming years.
This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of key partners who share our vision for inspiring and empowering the next generation of space leaders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the event’s co-hosts – the Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn) and SpeQtral for their support in bringing to life this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these enterprising students.
Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to engage with industry leaders who are shaping the future.
The space industry has long been dominated by a select few, but Lynette Tan, CEO and Chairwoman of Space Faculty, is working to change that. This commitment was once highlighted in Lynette’s interview with Fortune as part of their “Ladies Who Launch,” series, where she shared how she was opening doors for aspiring space professionals through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Several years have passed since, but this mission continues to drive the organisation.
From space camps to industry-led programmes, Space Faculty has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of space leaders. Alumni of these initiatives have gone on to build their own companies, proving that the future of space isn’t limited to traditional paths. By providing access to top mentors and experts, Space Faculty ensures that young talents—regardless of background—have the guidance and resources needed to succeed.
However, the journey to inclusivity in the space sector is far from over. Lynette highlights the challenges women still face, from underrepresentation to limited opportunities. Breaking long-held stereotypes takes time, but it’s a mission she finds deeply meaningful. As a leader, she is committed to ensuring that bright, passionate young women who aspire to reach for the stars don’t have to fight unnecessary battles to get there.
Through her work, Lynette is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive space industry—one where talent, not gender, determines success.
At Space Faculty, we’re strong believers that being a great technologist means being able to understand human beings—not just technology. That’s why we were thrilled to welcome Break the Code SG for a ‘Tech Tasters’ session, connecting with young, curious minds over dreams, education, and the limitless possibilities of deep tech.
Our journey with Break the Code SG began at Expand Space 2024, where they played a key role in inspiring young girls to explore the ever-evolving world of STEM. Their passion and commitment to making technology accessible and exciting left a lasting impact, and we were eager to continue that momentum through a more intimate and hands-on engagement.
During their visit, the girls had the incredible opportunity to hear from our CEO, Lynette Tan, who shared her personal journey in the space industry—one paved with curiosity, ambition, and a willingness to venture beyond conventional paths. Though she never initially saw herself as a mentor, her experiences and insights resonated deeply with the participants, reinforcing the power of representation and role models in STEM.
One of the most valuable takeaways from the session? Don’t limit yourself to traditional career paths—because sometimes, the best opportunities come from simply pursuing what excites you. The world of technology is vast, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making an impact.
This workshop is for anyone interested in AI applications for satellites and we will have the opportunity for a closer look at the technologies required for these applications from both a hardware and software point of view.
Unibap will demonstrate some of these applications using the iX10 edge computer and we look forward to looking at how the platform can support your missions.
Keen to host similar workshops? Contact us to find out more.
At Expand Space 2024, Space Faculty and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Engineering (NP SoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Minister Tan See Leng (Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry). This agreement cements our commitment to advancing robotics and STEM education in Singapore.
Building on the success of hosting Singapore’s World Robot Olympiad (WRO) National Finals at NP in September 2024, NP SoE will continue to support Space Faculty in organising next year’s National Finals. This collaboration enhances opportunities for young innovators to develop technical skills and gain hands-on experience in robotics and engineering.
NP SoE will also play a key role in supporting the WRO International Finals 2025, organised by Space Faculty. Taking place in Singapore from 26–28 November 2025, this prestigious global event will welcome more than 3,000 young innovators from nearly 100 countries, showcasing the brightest minds in robotics and deep tech on an international stage.
This partnership fosters meaningful learning experiences, knowledge exchange, and skills development for students and staff alike. Together, Space Faculty and NP SoE are cultivating a vibrant innovation ecosystem, equipping the next generation of STEM leaders with the tools to thrive in an evolving technological landscape.
Space Faculty is excited to announce the launch of our STEM Foundation. This non-profit initiative is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young minds, particularly those from underserved communities, to pursue careers in STEM fields.
The STEM Foundation is committed to providing young learners with hands-on experiences in cutting-edge fields like coding, robotics, AI, and space technology. By connecting them with industry experts, we offer mentorship opportunities that provide valuable insights and guidance.
The announcement and launch of the STEM Foundation took place on 22nd November 2024 at Space Faculty’s Expand Space event and was officiated by the Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Tan See Leng.
The launch ceremony was covered by a wide range of television and radio outlets including Channel News Asia (CNA), Mediacorp’s Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Vasantham, Capital 958 Radio, 96.3 Hao FM.
Watch this video for the full report by CNA.
The entire Expand Space event was also covered by Tech Edition (Tech EDT).Space Faculty had the privilege of hosting esteemed representatives from Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) at Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) this week, where an insightful exchange with the NTU School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) took place. This brilliant exchange is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and building meaningful connections within space and deep tech.
During the visit, students from NTU EEE showcased their cutting-edge designs and prototypes, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity in their engineering projects. Their boundary-pushing work reminded us of the importance of nurturing the next generation of tech pioneers.
A highlight of the day was the engagement with the NTU Satellite Research Centre (SaRC), where they shared their extensive knowledge in satellite technology and engineering. The tour of their impressive facilities reinforced the critical role that research institutions play in advancing the frontiers of STEM.
In a move poised to accelerate advancements in space education, Space Faculty and CONTEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement was inked by Space Faculty CEO Lynette Tan and CONTEC CEO Dr. Sunghee Lee during the International Space Summit (ISS) 2024 held in Seoul, Republic of Korea on June 11th.
This collaborative effort aims to inspire the next generation of space leaders and entrepreneurs in the future economy by fostering new opportunities for the advancement space education, including:
- Facilitation of knowledge and experience exchanges between Singaporean students and their Korean counterparts through collaborative programmes and activities by Space Faculty and/or CONTEC
- Support and promotion of Space Faculty’s established space education programmes such as the International Space Challenge and Expand Space, in the Republic of Korea, broadening their reach and impact
- Collaboration in hosting Space Faculty’s space education programmes at CONTEC’s Asia Space Park located on Jeju Island, South Korea. This unique environment will provide students with firsthand exposure to cutting-edge space technology and facilities.
With initiatives ranging from developing national-level STEM 2.0 learning roadmaps to working with governments to leverage space for the future economy, Space Faculty is committed to unlocking the full potential of the space industry through its global network of partners and looks forward to a fruitful partnership with CONTEC, an industry leader known for its comprehensive solutions and innovative technologies.
The MOU marks a significant development for both organisations, with Space Faculty gaining a valuable foothold in the South Korean space education landscape, and CONTEC securing the opportunity to contribute to the development of a global talent pool in the space sector.
For a deeper dive into the importance of programmes like the ISC and Expand Space, and their impact on shaping future space capabilities, read Lynette Tan’s full interview with the Seoul Economic Daily.