A team of three talented students from the School of Science and Technology (SST) achieved remarkable success in the prestigious KIBO Robot Programming Challenge (KIBO-RPC) 2023. They impressed with their programming skills, securing an impressive second-place finish in the international competition.
Organised in Singapore by Space Faculty in collaboration with JAXA, the KIBO-RPC challenges students to program free-flying Astrobee robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to complete various tasks, simulating the real-world challenges faced by astronauts.
Dave Seah Yong Sheng, Champion of the 17th International Space Challenge (ISC) and a five-time participant, is a perfect example of what happens when passion meets opportunity.
ISC equipped him with the skills and experience to secure an internship at Airbus and pursue his current role as an Officer in the Digital and Intelligence Service of the Singapore Armed Forces.
Now in its 19th edition, ISC continues to stand as a beacon of inspiration, drawing students from across the globe into the captivating realms of STEM. More than just a competition; it aims to be a thrilling journey designed to spark curiosity, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders.
Discover why innovators like Dave keep coming back.
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.
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.
Space Faculty’s manager, Gillian Chin and ISC Distinction winner, Natalie Ching, had the honour of meeting President Tharman last week during his visit to NTU’s Satellite Research Centre (SaRC).
Gillian and Natalie shared with him how programmes like the International Space Challenge (ISC) cultivates an interest for space and STEM amongst youths and allow them to develop the relevant skills needed to pursue careers in the exciting field of space.
The ISC, now in its 17th year, is a homegrown initiative with students from over 40 countries participating annually. This year, we’re tackling the theme “Living in Space,” exploring the challenges and opportunities of human space exploration and its potential to improve life on Earth.
ISC17 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with over 500 students from across the globe as they tackle these challenges head-on.
Miss Khiu Yi Wen and Miss Lau Shi Yun, both graduates of the National University of Singapore’s Physics Department and currently Physics teachers at River Valley High School, were each awarded the Best Mentor Award at the 16th International Space Challenge (ISC).
Prior to her role as a mentor, Shi Yun had participated in the competition back in 2013 when it was formerly known as the Singapore Space Challenge. A decade later, she has come a full circle with her colleague Yi Wen to be mentors of the best and brightest STEM students in Singapore.
Read on to find out more about Yi Wen and Shi Yun.
Having participated in the then Singapore Space Challenge (SSC) many years ago, how has the competition evolved in terms of the challenges presented, student approaches, and overall experience for participants?
Shi Yun: My participation in the Singapore Space Challenge 2013 remains a cherished memory. Our project focused on preserving bone mineral density, prompting us to delve into independent online research beyond our classroom curriculum. Crafting a simulation and compiling a scientific report proved both challenging and rewarding. Today, the SSC has transformed into ISC, offering a dynamic learning platform accessible to all students. This evolution includes an innovative online portal with workshops and webinars led by global industry experts.
What sets ISC apart is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. In addition to scientific exploration, students are encouraged to develop skills in business report writing, logistical planning, and financial management. This holistic approach equips individuals for success in our increasingly complex world, where interdisciplinary thinking and STEM expertise are essential.
What first sparked your interest in space? Did you have a personal “Eureka!” moment growing up?
Shi Yun: The concept of space always seemed distant and unattainable to me until my friends invited me to join them in participating in the Singapore Space Challenge. This experience was my first memorable encounter with the idea of space. It was then that I realized space is not just a fictional or idealized notion but something potentially accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of where they are on Earth.
Subsequently, space-related movies such as Interstellar, The Martian, and Hidden Figures further piqued my interest in space. These films fascinated me and sparked a deeper curiosity about the vast universe beyond the confines of our planet.
As a mentor, what’s your favorite way to spark creativity and help students come up with innovative solutions for their projects?
Yi Wen: I encourage students to envision groundbreaking innovations, whether it’s a novel process or device. By reverse engineering, they analyze existing technologies to support their concepts, pinpointing gaps to assess feasibility. For those struggling with creativity, assembling current solutions serves as a foundation to engineer innovative approaches, fostering out-of-the-box thinking.
What do you hope students will take away from their experience participating in the ISC?
Shi Yun: Through this challenge, my aspiration is for students to stretch their imaginations beyond familiar boundaries, fostering open-mindedness and creativity in their approach to the task at hand. I encourage them to remain inquisitive about the world, both within their reach and beyond, recognizing that science and technology possess the remarkable ability to transcend all boundaries and unveil answers to the mysteries of the universe.
Do you ever find yourself wishing you could have participated in the ISC (or SSC) back in the day? If so, what aspect of the competition particularly piques your interest?
Yi Wen: I was not aware of the ISC competition in the past. However, having mentored the students, I can see the appeal and the learning opportunities that it brings with it. ISC offers abundant chances to glean insights from experts, with flexible learning via uploaded videos. It’s a platform brimming with opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and delve deeper into scientific realm.