BARCELONA ZEROG CHALLENGE
We are back again with another parabolic flight opportunity to experiment in microgravity!
The competition challenges young students’ teams of 2-3 people (maximum) between the ages of 18-35 in the space sector to submit proposals for experiments to be conducted in a zero-G environment. Undergraduate, Master and PhD students from any part of the world are encouraged to apply. The top team with the best proposal, endorsed by an academic professor will actually get to fly in zero-G to test their experiments. Flights with a certified aerobatic plane will be conducted at the Sabadell Airport (30 minutes drive from Barcelona, Spain) and media will be present to cover the event. Diverse, international and intercultural teams are most welcome. The projects will be assessed by their: suitabilitiy, scientific merit, safety, mentor endorsement, international perspective and outreach planning.
ARE YOU READY TO FLY? DO YOU HAVE A ZEROG EXPERIMENT DESIGN?
** EXTENDED DEADLINE** 30th JUNE 2018
Submission and information: barcelona.zerog@gmail.com
Facebook group: Barcelona ZeroG Challenge
EXPERIMENT REQUIREMENTS :
Maximum size of 50x 30x 30 cm. No moving parts outside. Maximum weight: 10kg.
Free-fall time: Up to 12 parabolas of 8 ZERO-G seconds each.
Should not need any external components or electric plugs. No hazardous materials. If liquids are present,
the equipment must be totally watertight. Experiments must be designed to be WEARABLE,
and will be safety checked before flight.
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WHAT SHOULD YOU SUBMIT FIRST? EXPERIMENT MANIFESTO 1. A 5-10 page proposal that includes:
2. A brief résumé of each member on the team; diverse, international, intercultural teams are highly encouraged 3. An endorsing letter from a professor or tutor from an academic institution. Submit it electronically in a zip file to the contest address barcelona.zerog@gmail.com A confirmation reply will be sent. PRE-SELECTED TEAMS THEN WILL BE THEN ASKED TO FILL IN A DETAILED EXPERIMENT FORM FOR A FINAL SELECTION. Frequently asked questions Q: Will I be reimbursed for the construction of my experiment? A: Participants are responsible for funding the construction and design of their experiments. Q: What is the allowed geometry/size of the experiment? A: Maximum size of the experiment is 30x20x20 cm. There should be no moving parts outside. The maximum weight is 10kg. There should be no hazardous materials, and if liquids are present, the equipment must be completely watertight. Q: What are the interfaces to attach it to the zero-g airplane? A: Experiments must be designed to be WEARABLE, as part of the payload specialist’s clothing and will not be allowed to freely float into the cockpit. They should be electrically autonomous. Q: What is the exact duration? A: The duration of free-fall is up to 10 parabolas of up to 10 seconds each, for every flight participant. Q: What is the g-profile during this duration? A: The maximum g load is 3.5 g on pull-in and pull-out manoeuvres. Real zero-g gravity between pull-in and pull-out. Q: What kind of power and data acquisition units are available on board? A: The experiment should not need any external components or electric plugs. Q: Will there be travel and lodging provided? A: Please note that lodging and travelling will be not sponsored. Participants are responsible for lodging and travel to Spain, and are encouraged to find sponsors for their experience. Q: Are there any restrictions for who may apply? A: Undergraduate, Master and PhD students from all over the world are welcome, between 18-35 years of age. Team members may be eligible to fly the experiment provided they have a currently valid JAR/FAA Class II Medical Certificate. Final decision on whether participants can accompany their experiments will be in hands of the pilot-in-command of the aerobatic plane. Q: Who will be flying the aircraft? A: The flight will be operated by Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, with an expert in zero-g parabolas aerobatic licensed pilot-in-command and a payload specialist that will be on board of the aerobatic plane. There is the possibility for the students to become the payload specialist if they are interested. Medical and legal restrictions apply. SELECTION PROCEDURE Selection of the winning experiment will be objectively performed by ESA EDUCATION (http://www.esa.int/Education) & ELGRA members, leading experts in Low-Gravity research. The European Low-Gravity Research Association (www.elgra.org) is a leading research society in Europe which particularly promotes the involvement of youngsters in space research. The Education Department of the European Space Agency is a leading education department in charge of the motivational activities carried out by ESA around Europe, including the Fly Your Thesis programme 2017.
Winning students will be encouraged to submit their results to the ELGRA Symposium to take place in Europe next year. Results of this selection procedure will be final. Aeronautical Medical EASA Class II Certification required for flight Please note that winning participants must obtain medical documents (JAR, FAA Aeronautical Medical Class II Certificate or any equivalent, within the student’s country of origin) before flight, that certify that they have no medical condition that impairs them for flight. Medical certificates for flight crews are provided by authorised medical examiners in every country where fight crew regulations apply. Flight Certificates are only required if the student wishes to fly the experiment. A medical check-out is again required the weekend just before flight, by our own Medical personnel. A certified Flight Surgeon from SEMA (Spanish Society of Aeronautical Medicine) will supervise the operations on-site. If the student does not pass the medical examination, the winner team is still eligible for flying the experiment (it will be flown by another qualified payload specialist from the organizing partners).
Legal disclaimer and other legal issues Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, ELGRA, ESA Education or any other person taking part in the organization of this competition are not legally responsible for the activities involved with the contest, nor are they responsible for damages to the experiments or persons on board or to third parties. A limited-terms civil insurance from Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, expert medical advice and a mandatory pre-flight briefing will be provided to all flight participants. |
