The organization \u201cHigh schools United with NASA to Create\nHardware\u201d (HUNCH) conducted the preliminary design review of a NASA Hunch\nDesign & Prototyping challenge at Space Center Houston Nov. 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the challenge?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Area high school students have spent the school year\nresearching and engineering prototypes that could help advance space\nexploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The students examine and attempt to solve some challenging\naspects of space exploration by designing prototypes such as lunar sample\ncollection tools, zero-gravity mouse food dispensers, compact washing machines,\nand Martian rover wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants examined details such as the velocity at which\na capsule enters the atmosphere, the difficultly astronauts have when using\nbulky EVA gloves, and the location where soil is dispersed as a tire moves\nacross the terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants even monitor NASA engineering developments\nthroughout the year to ensure their prototypes are innovative and ahead of\nexisting products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prototypes are created from a variety of materials. One\nteam 3-D printed their entire lunar supply pod while another team used sheet\nsteel to develop an ideal rover wheel. Another group used copper wire to\nincrease the functionality of space tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the preliminary design review on Nov. 13, students\nshared their projects with guests and NASA experts. This review process\nprovides a platform where the students can present their ideas and get valuable\ninsight from NASA experts ahead of the critical design review set to take place\nin February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is HUNCH?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The HUNCH mission is to empower and inspire students through\na project-based learning program where high school students learn 21st century\nskills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the\nparticipation in the design and fabrication of real world valued products for\nNASA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n