Mission Operations

Each of the crews will complete a variety of land based and underwater problem solving challenges in mechanics, engineering, physics and physiology. These challenges will be a preparation for the crew-based competition on the final day of the programme. 

 

Underwater Robotics

Each crew will design, build and operate an Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (UROV) in support of the mission operations and as part of the final competition. 

 

SCUBA

To simulate zero gravity and the environment in the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, each participant will receive training by certified professional SCUBA dive instructors, enabling them to safely and confidently perform experiments, challenges and the final competition underwater. The skills that participants will learn are all aligned with the SSI internationally recognized SCUBA diving qualification. 

 

21st Century Learning and Leadership Competencies 

In addition to specific STEM related learning, the Astronautics Academy makes use of all the activities and experiences to develop the participants Innovation, Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration through a real-world learning experience. This learning will be maximised by professional facilitators who will act as crew mentors to guide and assist the individual crews through their entire 7-day experience. These facilitaors will conduct regular debreifng sessions, assist individuals and crews with challenges they experience and ultimately aim towards developing a growth mindset in all participants.