{"id":204784,"date":"2025-04-23T23:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T13:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/rps\/nine-finalists-advance-in-nasas-power-to-explore-challenge\/"},"modified":"2025-04-23T23:00:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T13:00:21","slug":"nine-finalists-advance-in-nasas-power-to-explore-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=204784","title":{"rendered":"Nine Finalists Advance in NASA\u2019s Power to Explore Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full 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wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-intro\">\n<div class=\"width-full maxw-full article-header\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2 width-full maxw-full\">\n<p class=\"label carbon-60 margin-0 margin-bottom-3 padding-0\">3 min read<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"display-48 margin-bottom-2\">Nine Finalists Advance in NASA\u2019s Power to Explore Challenge<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2025-power-to-explore\/2024%20-%20PowerToExplore%20-%20X%20-%201200x675-100.jpg?w=1201&#038;h=676&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1201\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2025-power-to-explore\/2024%20-%20PowerToExplore%20-%20X%20-%201200x675-100.jpg?w=1201&#038;h=676&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A whimsical logo shows a ringed planet orbited by three moons next to the word Power to Explore.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The logo for the 2024-2025 Radioisotope Power Systems Power to Explore student essay contest.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA\/David Lam<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>NASA has named nine finalists out of the 45 semifinalist student essays in the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-stem-writing-challenge\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Power to Explore Challenge<\/a>, a national writing competition for K-12 students featuring the enabling power of radioisotopes. Contestants were challenged to explore how NASA has powered some of its most famous science missions, and to dream up how their personal \u201csuperpowers\u201d would energize their success on their own radioisotope-powered science mission.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-blockquote\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block display-flex flex-column flex-justify-center padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:display-flex mobile:display-block\">\n<div class=\"blockquote-icon margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tablet:square-4 square-4 margin-right-3\" version=\"1.1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 3000 3000\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 3000 3000;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M586.7,1429.7c-10.7,1.5-21.4,2.8-33.9,4.5c6.9-26.6,12.7-50.7,19.5-74.6c32.4-114.1,78.5-222.2,146.8-319.5 c90.2-128.5,202.5-235.3,327.7-329.1c8.4-6.3,16.7-12.6,25.3-19.1c-66.3-105.1-131.5-208.6-197.3-313.1c-3.5,1.2-5.5,1.6-7.2,2.6 C714.4,469,576.1,575.7,456,705.3c-126,135.9-226.2,289.1-303,457.8c-98.8,217.1-151.3,444-147.2,683.3 c1.7,100.5,12.9,199.6,41.1,296.3C93.7,2303,182.2,2433,326.7,2520.1c176.9,106.7,366.8,126.8,563.4,70.5 c150.9-43.2,260.9-138.9,327.2-282.5c33.4-72.5,47.8-149.4,52-228.7c6.5-122.8-14.1-239.5-74.3-348.1 C1074.6,1514.5,832.7,1394.2,586.7,1429.7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M2912.5,1722c-129.9-210.9-320.2-309.4-567.9-296c-22.1,1.2-44,5.1-67.4,7.9c2.2-9.6,4-17.9,6.1-26.2 c37.9-153.6,99.3-296,198.8-420.5c77.8-97.4,167.1-182.9,265.8-258.8c15.6-12,31.3-23.9,47.9-36.5 c-66.2-105.1-131.9-209.2-197.2-312.8c-3.5,1.1-5.1,1.2-6.4,2c-167.2,95.6-316.1,213.7-443.2,358.8 c-105.1,119.9-191.1,252.3-259.5,396.3c-95.5,201-152.1,411.6-159.1,634.8c-3.9,125.5,4.8,249.7,40.1,371 c46.7,160.8,135.7,290.9,280.5,378.7c165.7,100.5,344.8,123,531.2,78.8c172.4-40.8,296.4-143.9,366.3-308.5 c28.5-67.2,40.6-138,44.6-210.5C3000.2,1953.3,2979.9,1831.4,2912.5,1722z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"blockquote-content\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n<h2 class=\"font-weight-extralight line-height-sm margin-top-0 section-heading-sm\"><span class=\"section-heading-sm\">I am always so impressed by quality of the essays and the creativity of the ideas that the students submit to NASA\u2019s Power to Explore Challenge.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex\">\n<div class=\"blockquote-image hds-cover-wrapper margin-right-3\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=250&#038;h=250&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Carl Sandifer II\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=250&#038;h=250&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 250w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/solar\/bosf\/images\/editor-page-nasa-logo-250s.png?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-11\">\n<p class=\"blockquote-credit-name line-height-sm margin-0\">Carl Sandifer II<\/p>\n<p class=\"blockquote-credit-title line-height-sm padding-0 margin-0\">Program Manager, NASA Radioisotope Power Systems Program<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The competition asked students to learn about NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/nasa.gov\/rps\" rel=\"noopener\">radioisotope power systems<\/a> (RPS), likened to a \u201cnuclear battery\u201d that the agency uses to explore some of the most extreme destinations in our solar system and beyond. Long before the early days of Apollo, our Moon has inspired explorers of all ages to push beyond known limits to realize impossible dreams. These systems have enabled NASA to discover \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/moon\/moonquakes\/\" rel=\"noopener\">moonquakes<\/a>\u201d on Earth\u2019s Moon and study some of the most extreme moons of the solar system, which have active volcanoes, methane lakes, and ice glaciers. As of March 25, NASA has <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/moons\/facts\/\" rel=\"noopener\">discovered over 891 moons<\/a>, each with secrets ready to be unlocked.<\/p>\n<p>Students were challenged to pick any moon in our solar system\u2019s exploration could be enabled by this space power systems. In 275 words or less, they dreamed up a unique exploration mission of this moon and described their own power to achieve their mission goals.<\/p>\n<p>The Power to Explore Challenge offered students the opportunity to learn more about these reliable power systems, celebrate their own strengths, and interact with NASA\u2019s diverse workforce. This year\u2019s contest received 2,051 submitted entries from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity overseas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am always so impressed by quality of the essays and the creativity of the ideas that the students submit to NASA\u2019s Power to Explore Challenge.\u201d said Carl Sandifer, program manager of the Radioisotope Power Systems Program at NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to welcoming the winners to NASA\u2019s Glenn this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Entries were split into three categories: grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Every student who submitted an entry received a digital certificate and an invitation to the Power Up virtual event held on March 21 that announced the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/rps\/nasa-reveals-semifinalists-of-power-to-explore-challenge\/\" rel=\"noopener\">semifinalists<\/a>. Students learned about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and work together to explore.<\/p>\n<p>Three national finalists in each grade category (nine finalists total) have been selected. In addition to receiving a NASA RPS prize pack, these participants will be invited to an exclusive virtual meeting with a NASA engineer or scientist to talk about their missions and have their space exploration questions answered. Winners will be announced on May 7.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grades K-4<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mini M, Ann Arbor, Michigan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zachary Tolchin, Guilford, Connecticut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Terry Xu, Arcadia, California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grades 5-8<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lilah Coyan, Spokane, Washington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maggie Hou, Snohomish, Washington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sarabhesh Saravanakumar, Bothell, Washington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grades 9-12<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Faiz Karim, Jericho, New York<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kairat Otorov, Trumbull, Connecticut<\/li>\n<li>Saanvi Shah, Bothell, Washington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Challenge<\/h3>\n<p>The challenge is funded by the Radioisotope Power Systems Program Office in NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate and administered by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.futureengineers.org\/powertoexplore2025\" rel=\"noopener\">Future Engineers<\/a> under a Small Business Innovation Research phase III contract. This task is managed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/about-coeci\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA Tournament Lab<\/a>, a part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing Program in NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><strong><em>Kristin Jansen<br \/>NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NASA has named nine finalists out of the 45 semifinalist student essays in the Power to Explore Challenge, a national writing competition for K-12 students featuring the enabling power of radioisotopes. Contestants were challenged to explore how NASA has powered some of its most famous science missions, and to dream up how their personal \u201csuperpowers\u201d [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15787,15641,15692,15988,15981,48,15982],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-204784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-involved","category-glenn-research-center","category-opportunities-for-students-to-get-involved","category-opportunities-to-contribute-to-nasa-missions-get-involved","category-radioisotope-power-systems-rps","category-technology","category-technology-for-space-travel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=204784"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204784\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":204785,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204784\/revisions\/204785"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=204784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=204784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=204784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}