KIBO Robot Programming Challenge 2024 - Space Faculty Singapore

Mission: Missing Tools on ISS!

Astronauts are preparing for an experiment and essential tools are missing aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Help them recover their tools by programming robots to navigate the station and locate the tools using image processing!

What is KIBO Robot Programming Challenge (RPC)?

The KIBO RPC was created by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2020 in partnership with member countries of the KIBO Asian Beneficial Collaboration initiative. Students are challenged to solve complex problems onboard the International Space Station (ISS) by programming free-flying robots (Astrobee) to complete various assigned tasks.

Mission Outcomes

1. Acquire programming skills required to become a free-flying robot expert capable of controlling and orientating robots in the unique setting of space.

2. Gain practical experience in applying programming skills to address real-world challenges relevant to Crew Support Practice, fostering a deeper understanding of astronaut assistance in space.

3. Learn how to create efficient real-world simulation programs and gain industry knowledge through networking opportunities.

4.Gain the exclusive opportunity to represent Singapore and run your program on Astrobee in real-time on the ISS.

Download Mission Guidebook

Activities

1. Guidance sessions conducted by JAXA and Space Faculty that will prep you with the necessary skills for the competition (Limited slots!)

2. Post-competition workshop for participants to share about their experience and learn from other participating teams

3. Networking opportunities with other participants and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region

Team Requirements

1. A team must comprise of 3 – 6 members and must appoint a team leader.

2. Students in the team must be based in Singapore or be Singaporeans based abroad (15 years old and above, to graduate level).

3. Each member is only allowed to register with one team (no individual registration).

4. All team members must have valid a email address.

Can’t join KIBO-RPC but eager to be part of other exciting space experiment activities? Explore more opportunities below:

KIBO-ABC

Game Flow for KIBO-RPC 2025

1. Launch Astrobee from the docking station.

2. Once started, Astrobee will autonomously patrol several candidate sites within the KIBO module, searching for the prepared objects while avoiding restricted areas marked as “Keep Out Zones.”

3. After completing its patrol, Astrobee will return to the astronaut and report the objects (including images) it has found and their locations.

4. To further assist, Astrobee will ask the astronaut to identify specific items by referencing an image they hold.

5. The astronaut will then approach the desired object and take a picture of it.

6. Upon capturing the photo, the signal lights will illuminate, guiding the astronaut to the object’s location, and marking the end of the game.