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.
We’re honoured to share that our CEO, Lynette Tan, has been featured by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in an article exploring her journey in the space sector and her vision in nurturing the next generation of space talent.
Read the full feature to discover Lynette’s journey, her motivations and why building the next generation of space talent is at the heart of what Space Faculty does.
Read MoreThe 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 CEO, Lynette Tan, has been honoured with the prestigious Best Business Event Champion award by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Presented by Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, this accolade marks a significant milestone, coinciding with STB’s 60th anniversary, and celebrates Lynette’s exceptional leadership in the business events sector.
The Singapore Tourism Awards celebrate and recognise individuals and organisations in the tourism sector for delivering outstanding experiences and demonstrating enterprise excellence.