European Space Ultra Challenge 2024
Daring to invent
A joint initiative of the Belgian Presidency of the EU & of the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, with the support of the European Commission, the European Space Agency and Eurospace
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What is the European Space Ultra Challenge (ESUC)?
ESUC is a competition to unleash creativity for tomorrow’s EU space sector. It is the opportunity for Belgian secondary students and EU Business & Research Sector to envision the possibilities of the EU Space sector in an era defined by the imperative for sustainable innovation.
Who can participate?
There are two categories of participants eligible to apply:
High schools students
- Students should fall within the age range of 15-18 years old, currently in the last three years of secondary education;
- Teams for the competition can consist of a maximum of 5 members, with the flexibility for individuals to participate alone. We highly encourage collaboration between teachers and students, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. However, it is important to note that the number of teachers involved should not exceed the number of students within a team.
Professionals
What is the topic of the competition?
The competition has a different topic for the different category you are part of:
High schools students
Topic: “Explore the Future: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Space Exploration”
Picture what could propel Europe to new heights in this field and unleash your creativity by proposing innovative solutions to one of the following three thematic questions of your preference:
- Food in Space
- How can we address the challenge of eating in space?
- What options exist for nourishing humans in space stations , settlements, and during extended journeys to Mars?
- Explore innovative approaches to space nutrition and related topics.
- Energy and Circularity in Space
- Given the absence of fossil fuels in space, how can we meet the energy needs of space infrastructure?
- Envision energy generation methods during space travel or within space settlements;
- Develop strategies for efficient waste recycling in low-resource environments.
- Robotic Exploration of Space
- Recognising the high risks associated with human life in space, how can robots assist in pushing the boundaries of exploration?
- Explore the potential for robots to coexist with humans in space;
- Consider the role of AI-powered robots in advancing space exploration and related considerations.
Pro category
When do I need to submit my application, and what is the timeline for the entire application process?
For a participation submission to be deemed valid, kindly utilise the designated COMPETITION UPLOAD FORM below (making sure you link all the necessary documents) by 18th March 2024 (16:00 CET).
Your adherence to this deadline ensures the formal acknowledgment of your entry.
What criteria must my application meet to be considered?
High schools students
- Ensure completion of the participation form using the provided template, available for download HERE
- Present your design concept through a combination of visual sketches and up to three succinct videos, showcasing the essence of your creation;
- Provide a detailed concept of operation, including a technical roadmap, within a document not exceeding four pages;
- Adhere to a data limitation of 20MB for a concise yet comprehensive presentation
- You can submit your ideas in English, French and Dutch.
Pro category
Good to know
Submissions in either category that do not fully adhere to the specified conditions will be automatically rejected, and applicants will not receive prior notification of the rejection.
Should the Jury decide that there are not enough submissions of a sufficient quality in any of the two categories, it may then decide to reduce in whole or in part the number of Finalists or Prizes to be awarded, at either stage of the competition.
What happens next?
Once you have submitted your application, our expert jury will carefully review and shortlist the most exceptional entries.
5 Successful applicants will receive notification and be designated as finalists in their respective categories after the 18th March 2024.
The short-listed applicants will be cordially invited to the “Big Bang Day”, an exclusive ceremony on 25th March 2024, featuring special guests Thomas Pesquet and Secretary of State in charge of Space and Science Policy.
How will I go from short-listed to winner?
Following the initial selection, Finalists from both categories will be asked to provide additional materials to supplement their initial submissions.
Furthermore, individual interviews with the Jury are scheduled between 26th March 2024 and 10th May 2024.
High schools students
Provide an in-depth document elaborating on the concept of operation and the technical roadmap, accompanied by more sophisticated visual representations.
Pro category
What are the awards or prizes available for winners?
- The prestigious Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in each category will be presented during a formal ceremony at the EU/ESA Space Council in the end of May 2024;
- The winners will also benefit from an exclusive visit to the ESA site in Redu, accompanied by carefully curated goodies and a unique meeting opportunity with an astronaut;
- The winning submissions will be broadly communicated and will become high-valuable inputs for the EU’s space budget and the ESA Ministerial Conference.
Who is the Jury?
Additional information/Others
Data/GDPR
All data provided in connection with this competition shall be processed and used by the Jury according to EU and ESA data protection rules (see below “Protection of personal data”). The identities of the Finalists will be publicly disclosed.
With respect to the personal data protection for the purpose of organisation of the ESS Information Session, the collected personal data will be handled in accordance with the “ESA Personal Data Protection Framework” applicable to ESA and available at the following URL:
http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Law_at_ESA/Highlights_of_ESA_rules_and_regulations
The information collected for registration and participation to the Information Session will be retained for the duration necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Information Session as announced herein.
By submitting your registration request, you thereby consent to the collection of personal data for the purpose of the European Space Ultra Challenge 2024.
Info Day & FAQ
Further information & contact
Terms & Conditions