The NSRC 2010 Student Suborbital Experiment Competition invites University of Colorado students (all campuses) and Space Grant Consortium students from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas to propose their ideas for possible experiments in the next generation of suborbital space flights. Students may submit proposals as individuals or in teams. Cash prizes will be awarded to conmpetition finalists at the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference.  Winners need not be present to win.

Participation is open only to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in an engineering or scientific discipline at the University of Colorado (all campuses), and to all student members of the Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, or Texas Space Grant Consortiums.

Suborbital experiment proposals may be presented on ideas related, but not limited, to

• Microgravity
• Space Life Sciences
• Technology Payloads
• Astronomy, Solar Physics, or Planetary Science
• Atmospheric/Ionospheric/Auroral Science
• Education/Public Outreach

Concepts may include hardware, uniquely applicable software, or mission results that serve to advance or broaden the application of suborbital space flight research and education.

• Payload size must not exceed 2 x 4 x 3 cubic feet
• Payload weight must not exceed 180 pounds
• Payload must be all-inclusive, i.e., provide its own power, data recording, command computer, etc.
• Payload will not have access to outside atmosphere (except view through a window)
• Maximum ten flights per experiment
• three to four minutes of microgravity provided per flight
  
  

• Proposals will be judged on scientific merit, experiment feasibility, and creativity
• Proposal teams are limited to four authors (individuals may participate on more than one team)
• Proposals may not exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, which include any specs and references
• Proposals should be submitted in PDF format to [email protected] by Saturday, December 5, 2009
  
  

Winners will be chosen in mid-January.  Top-ranking teams (or individuals) will be invited to present at the NSRC on February 18, 2010, during the Student Suborbital Experiment Proposal Session.  All students who are invited to present will receive a complimentary pass to attend this session.  Students will have a maximum of ten minutes to present their proposal, followed by three minutes for questions.

Please fill out the Intent to Submit Form, one per proposal, if you are interested in entering the contest.  This does not obligate you to propose.

Questions about the competition should be directed to Cindy Conrad (ph: 720-240-0126).
See the Student Suborbital Experiment Competition flyer.