Our FIRST Physics Competition!

Are you fascinated by the idea of space exploration and futuristic engineering? Do you often find yourself thinking about what the next big leap in human advancement might look like? If so, our Space Megastructure Design Competition is the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge, creativity, and passion for science to the test! This is your chance to showcase your understanding of physics, engineering, and ingenuity as you design an innovative megastructure capable of functioning in the vast and unforgiving environment of outer space.

What’s a Megastructure?

Before we dive into the details of the competition, let’s explore what exactly a megastructure is. In the world of physics and engineering, megastructures refer to large-scale constructs—often theoretical or visionary—that serve monumental purposes. From Dyson Spheres, which could potentially harness the power of entire stars, to space elevators that allow humans to travel between Earth and outer space with minimal effort, these megastructures push the limits of what humanity can achieve. This competition gives you the unique opportunity to bring your own space megastructure concept to life, blending scientific principles with your wildest space-bound ideas.

The Competition: What You Need to Do

The challenge is simple yet exhilarating: design a fully functional space megastructure that could operate in space. Think about the different challenges and possibilities space offers—gravity (or the lack thereof), radiation, energy sources, and the need for sustainability. Your megastructure should serve a clear purpose, such as energy generation, interplanetary transportation, or even human habitation. But don’t limit yourself! The more creative and innovative your idea, the better.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to participate:

• Design your megastructure: Create a concept for a space megastructure that solves a real-world problem or advances human capabilities in space. Be sure to consider factors like physics, engineering, and sustainability in your design.

• Explain how it works: Your submission should include a written explanation detailing how your megastructure functions in space, backed by real scientific principles. Consider things like protection from radiation, resource management, and how your structure would actually be built and maintained in the vacuum of space.

• Include a visual: As part of your submission, provide a rough sketch of your design to visually communicate your idea. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist—this sketch is just to help illustrate your concept. Alternatively, you can use a copyright-free image that best represents your vision for the megastructure.

• Submit a one page document, either as a Word or PDF document, containing a design and explanation of no more than 500 words with a visual attached.

What Makes a Winning Entry?

To stand out in the competition, your submission should excel in three key areas:

1. Creativity: We’re looking for ideas that push the boundaries of conventional thinking. How can your structure redefine space exploration, energy collection, or habitation? Bold and visionary designs will catch the judges’ attention.

2. Scientific Feasibility: While we encourage outside-the-box ideas, your megastructure must still be grounded in real scientific principles. Does your design adhere to the laws of physics? Could it be constructed using known or theorized technology? The feasibility of your design will be a key factor in the judging process.

3. Practicality and Purpose: Your design should serve a clear and practical purpose in space. Whether it’s addressing a current problem, like energy scarcity, or exploring new frontiers of human living in space, make sure your megastructure solves a meaningful problem or presents a new opportunity for humanity.

Why Participate?

This competition is more than just a chance to showcase your skills—it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating fields of physics, space exploration, and engineering. You’ll engage with concepts that have the potential to change the way we think about our place in the universe, while also honing your problem-solving skills and expanding your knowledge of scientific principles. Plus, there are amazing prizes up for grabs, from cash rewards to exclusive mentorship opportunities that can help you take your passion for science to the next level.

Key Dates and How to Join

• Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted by 10th of November 2024.

• Competition Date: The winners will be announced by 17th of November 2024.

To participate, simply email info@sixteenfifteen.co.uk with your name, county and submission in either Word or PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can participate?

Anyone with a passion for physics, engineering, or space exploration is welcome to join! Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

Is prior experience in physics necessary?

Basic knowledge of physics or engineering will certainly help, but we encourage everyone to focus on creativity and scientific thinking. Don’t worry if you’re not a space expert!

What should my submission include?

Your submission must include a detailed written explanation of how your space megastructure works, supported by physics principles (and no more than 500 words!) as well as a rough sketch or a copyright-free image of the design.

What are the prizes?

1st prize: £100 in cash

2nd and 3rd runner up prizes: Certificates of Recognition

What kind of megastructure can I design?

Any functional structure that could operate in space! Whether it's an innovative space habitat, a solar energy collector, or a transportation hub, your structure should serve a clear purpose and be backed by scientific feasibility.

Is there an entry fee?

If you are attending regular tuition, there is no entry fee however if you are an external student, the entry fee is £10.

Final Thoughts

This competition isn’t just about designing the next great megastructure—it’s about unleashing your imagination, blending science with creativity, and showing the world what you can do. Whether your dream is to revolutionize space travel, create sustainable energy in space, or build the next great space habitat, this is your chance to bring that vision to life. Don’t miss out—register today and start crafting the future of space exploration!

Ready to take the challenge? Sign up now and get building!

Terms and Conditions:

Terms and Conditions for the Space Megastructure Design Competition

Last Updated: 19th October 2024

These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in the Space Megastructure Design Competition (hereinafter referred to as the "Competition"). By entering the Competition, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, as well as all decisions of the Competition organizers.

1. Eligibility

1.1 The Competition is open to individuals who are currently in either Year 9,10 or 11 in England and Wales. Entrants must be of legal age in their respective country or have obtained written parental/guardian consent.

1.2 Employees, officers, and representatives of SixteenFifteen, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, and promotion agencies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible to participate.

1.3 Participants must enter as individuals only.

2. Entry Period

2.1 The Competition opens for submission on 21st October 2024 and closes on 10th November 2024.

2.2 All submissions must be received by 10th October 2024 23:59.

3. How to Enter

3.1 Each participant may submit only one entry. Multiple entries from the same individual will result in disqualification.

3.3 Entries must include the following: - A written description of the megastructure, including its purpose, functionality, and scientific feasibility. - A rough sketch of the design or a copyright-free image that visually represents the concept.

3.4 Entries must be the original work of the participant(s). Plagiarized content or designs using copyrighted materials without proper licenses will result in disqualification.

3.5 Submit your name, county and submission in either Word or PDF to info@sixteenfifteen.co.uk

4. Submission Requirements

4.1 The entry must not contain any content that is offensive, defamatory, illegal, or infringing on the rights of any third party.

4.2 By submitting an entry, participants warrant that they are the sole author of the work or have full authorization to submit the work.

4.3 SixteenFifteen reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these requirements, at its sole discretion.

5. Judging Criteria

5.1 The entries will be judged based on the following criteria: - Creativity and Originality (30%) - Scientific Feasibility (30%) - Practicality and Functionality (20%) - Visual Representation (20%) 5.2 All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding. No correspondence regarding the results will be entertained.

6. Prizes

6.1 The winners will be awarded the following prizes: £100 and digital certificates of recognition.

6.2 Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative. 6.3 If a prize is unavailable for any reason, the Competition organizers reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.

6.4 Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes related to the prize.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 By submitting an entry, participants grant SixteenFifteen a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute the submission in any media for purposes related to the promotion of the Competition.

7.2 Participants retain ownership of their intellectual property rights but acknowledge that SixteenFifteen has the right to feature winning or shortlisted designs in promotional material, reports, and educational content.

8. Publicity

8.1 By participating in the Competition, participants agree that SixteenFifteen may use their name and submission for promotional and marketing purposes without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

9. Disqualification

9.1 SixteenFifteen reserves the right to disqualify any participant or team found to be in violation of these Terms and Conditions, engaging in unfair practices, or submitting inappropriate or incomplete entries.

9.2 Any false information provided within the context of the Competition by a participant concerning their identity, email address, ownership of rights, or non-compliance with these rules will result in immediate disqualification.

10. Liability

10.1 By entering the Competition, participants agree to release and hold harmless SixteenFifteen, its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all liability, injury, loss, or damage arising out of participation in the Competition or receipt, possession, use, or misuse of any prize.

10.2 SixteenFifteen is not responsible for any technical errors, miscommunication, network failures, or other malfunctions that may interfere with the submission process or affect the participation of any entrant.

11. Governing Law

11.1 The Competition and these Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of United Kingdom, without giving effect to any conflict of law principles.

11.2 Any disputes arising from or relating to the Competition or these Terms and Conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the United Kingdom.

12. Privacy

12.1 Participants' personal data will be collected and used for the purpose of conducting the Competition and will not be shared with third parties, except as necessary for the administration of the Competition or in accordance with applicable law.

13. Modification of Terms

13.1 SixteenFifteen reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice, by posting updated terms on the Competition website. Continued participation in the Competition will signify acceptance of any revised terms.

14. Force Majeure

14.1 SixteenFifteen shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, civil commotion, industrial dispute, or technical failures.

15. Contact Information

15.1 For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the Competition, please contact Usman Arif at 07599094090