Undergraduate Engineering at Work Underwater
2015-01-07
Students across the country are getting the opportunity to dive right into real life NASA research and development. We aren’t talking about underwater basket weaving here; we are talking student designed technology built to address and rectify authentic, current space exploration problems through a new pilot activity called Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT).
Micro-g NExT challenges students to work in teams to design and build prototypes of spacewalk tools to be used by astronauts for spacewalk training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The pilot developed from collaboration between the JSC Office of Education, the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) and the NBL.
“We are excited about helping provide a new, stimulating opportunity for undergraduate students to not only experience NASA, but to conduct meaningful work that develops the next generation of extra-vehicular activity tools and devices to train our astronauts,” said Steve Stich, Director of Exploration Integration and Science. “It’s a great way to kick-off this year celebrating fifty years of advancing technology, engineering and space exploration through EVA.”
Teams will be selected to come to Houston for 2015 summer and have the chance to test their prototypes real time in the NBL! Similar to today’s virtual gaming world, the student teams will control their tools using computer operated systems and joists from the NBL control room. NBL divers will help the students test their tools and devices by operating them in the simulated microgravity environment of a 6.2 million gallon indoor pool.
We are looking forward to working with the students next summer and having their tools tested in the pool,” said Brian Kelly, Director of Flight Operations. “Collaborating with Education and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate provides a unique experience for students that we have never been able to provide before.”
The overall experience includes hands-on engineering design, test operations, educational and public outreach.
“The more realistic the technical challenge, the better the learning experience for students,” said Bryan Dansberry, Micro-g NExT Activity Manager. “That’s why Micro-g NExT is an exciting activity for us. It’s based on real engineering challenges the agency faces as we move forward in this new era of human deep space exploration. Micro-g NExT will be a great educational experience, while simultaneously generating great ideas and designs for NASA engineers to build upon.”
The deadline for proposals is Jan. 28. Teams will be selected and announced Feb. 2015.
Eligibility Requirements
The JSC Office of Education will be hosting a series of online information sessions to answer your burning questions about this cool, new research and development opportunity.
Information Sessions
Join an online information session to learn more about Micro-g NExT including how to submit a proposal.
Visit the Microgravity website to learn more about Micro-g NExT
Share the news with your classmates, faculty, professors and friends! Here’s your chance to contribute to NASA’s astronaut program by designing and providing tools for training! #MicroGNExT
Ashlé Harris, NASA Jonson Space Center
Micro-g NExT challenges students to work in teams to design and build prototypes of spacewalk tools to be used by astronauts for spacewalk training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The pilot developed from collaboration between the JSC Office of Education, the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) and the NBL.
“We are excited about helping provide a new, stimulating opportunity for undergraduate students to not only experience NASA, but to conduct meaningful work that develops the next generation of extra-vehicular activity tools and devices to train our astronauts,” said Steve Stich, Director of Exploration Integration and Science. “It’s a great way to kick-off this year celebrating fifty years of advancing technology, engineering and space exploration through EVA.”
Teams will be selected to come to Houston for 2015 summer and have the chance to test their prototypes real time in the NBL! Similar to today’s virtual gaming world, the student teams will control their tools using computer operated systems and joists from the NBL control room. NBL divers will help the students test their tools and devices by operating them in the simulated microgravity environment of a 6.2 million gallon indoor pool.
We are looking forward to working with the students next summer and having their tools tested in the pool,” said Brian Kelly, Director of Flight Operations. “Collaborating with Education and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate provides a unique experience for students that we have never been able to provide before.”
The overall experience includes hands-on engineering design, test operations, educational and public outreach.
“The more realistic the technical challenge, the better the learning experience for students,” said Bryan Dansberry, Micro-g NExT Activity Manager. “That’s why Micro-g NExT is an exciting activity for us. It’s based on real engineering challenges the agency faces as we move forward in this new era of human deep space exploration. Micro-g NExT will be a great educational experience, while simultaneously generating great ideas and designs for NASA engineers to build upon.”
The deadline for proposals is Jan. 28. Teams will be selected and announced Feb. 2015.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (junior college, community college, or university) at the time the proposal is submitted
- 16 years of age or older before arrival in Houston
- U.S. Citizen
The JSC Office of Education will be hosting a series of online information sessions to answer your burning questions about this cool, new research and development opportunity.
Information Sessions
Join an online information session to learn more about Micro-g NExT including how to submit a proposal.
- Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. CST
- Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. CST
- Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. CST
Visit the Microgravity website to learn more about Micro-g NExT
Share the news with your classmates, faculty, professors and friends! Here’s your chance to contribute to NASA’s astronaut program by designing and providing tools for training! #MicroGNExT
Ashlé Harris, NASA Jonson Space Center
