![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/NASA-story-Luca-Pollack-RPS.jpg\")
For more than 60 years, radioisotope power systems have\nhelped NASA explore the harshest, darkest, and dustiest parts of our solar\nsystem and has enabled many spacecrafts to conduct otherwise impossible\nmissions in total darkness. Ahead of the next total solar eclipse in the United\nStates in April 2024, which is a momentary glimpse without sunlight and brings\nattention to the challenge of space exploration without solar power, NASA wants\nstudents to submit essays about these systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entries should detail where students would go, what they\nwould explore, and how they would use the power of radioisotope power systems\nto achieve mission success in a dusty, dark, or far away space destination with\nlimited or obstructed access to light. Submissions are due Jan. 26, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Power to Explore Student Challenge<\/a> is part of NASA\u2019s ongoing efforts to engage students in space exploration and inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,\u201d said Nicola Fox, associate administrator of NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. \u201cThis technology has been a gamechanger in our exploration capabilities and we can\u2019t wait to see what students \u2013 our future explorers \u2013 dream up; the sky isn\u2019t the limit, it\u2019s just the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judges will review entries in three grade-level categories:\nK-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Student entries are limited to 250 words and should address\nthe mission destination, mission goals, and describe one of the student\u2019s\nunique powers that will help the mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One grand prize winner from each grade category (three\ntotal) will receive a trip for two to NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in\nCleveland, to learn about the people and technologies that enable NASA\nmissions. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate\nand an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts where they\u2019ll learn\nabout what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judges Needed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n NASA and Future Engineers are seeking volunteers to help judge the thousands of contest entries anticipated to be submitted from around the country. U.S. residents over 18 years old who are interested in offering approximately three hours of their time to review submissions should register to be a judge<\/a> at the Future Engineers website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Power to Explore Student Challenge is funded by the NASA\nScience Mission Directorate\u2019s Radioisotope Power Systems Program Office and\nmanaged and administered by Future Engineers under the direction of the NASA\nTournament Lab, a part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing Program in\nNASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n