How students can participate in NASA's 'Power to Explore Student Challenge'

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Published  January 10, 2025 8:35am EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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NASA's Power to Explore Student Challenge

NASA is inviting U.S. students from kindergarten to 12th grade to participate in its fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge. Students are asked to write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system.

The Brief

    • NASA is calling on U.S. students from kindergarten through 12th grade to take part in its Power to Explore Student Challenge, centered on nuclear-powered space missions to explore moons in the solar system.
    • Participants are asked to submit an essay describing their mission, including the chosen moon and how they would use radioisotope power systems.
    • The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, and three winners will earn a trip to NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

NASA is inviting U.S. students from kindergarten to 12th grade to participate in its fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge.

What is the Power to Explore Student Challenge?

 What we know: The challenge focuses on the use of radioisotope power systems to explore harsh environments such as dark, frozen moons, which require specialized power for successful missions. 

Students are asked to write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system.

The essay should describe where the students would go, what they would explore there, and how they would utilize radioisotope power systems to ensure mission success in a remote, dark, or challenging moon environment.

Entries will be judged in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. 

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What is the prize? 

One grand prize winner from each grade category will receive a trip to NASA’s Glenn Research Center. 

Each student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts, where they will learn about the inspiration behind NASA's groundbreaking work.

When is the deadline?

Students have until Jan. 31 to submit an essay. For more information about the challenge, click here. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared on NASA's website. 

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