{"id":212555,"date":"2025-05-07T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/rps\/nasa-selects-winners-of-the-2024-2025-power-to-explore-challenge\/"},"modified":"2025-05-08T00:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:31:20","slug":"nasa-selects-winners-of-the-2024-2025-power-to-explore-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=212555","title":{"rendered":"NASA Selects Winners of the 2024-2025 Power to Explore Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full alignfull 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 alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center bg-carbon-90 border-color-carbon-80 color-spacesuit-white\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hds-secondary-nav-track\"><span>Explore This Section<\/span><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-nav-track grid-container grid-container-extrawide padding-0 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-2 \">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-menu-items\">\n<nav>\n<ul class=\"usa-nav__primary usa-accordion flex-justify-center margin-0\">\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/\" rel=\"noopener\">RPS Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>About<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button>\n<ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/about-radioisotope-power-systems\/\" rel=\"noopener\">About RPS<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/about-the-radioisotope-power-systems-program\/\" rel=\"noopener\">About the Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/about-plutonium-238\/\" rel=\"noopener\">About Plutonium-238<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/radioisotope-power-systems-safety-and-reliability\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Safety and Reliability<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/for-mission-planners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">For Mission Planners<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/contact\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Power &#038; Heat<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button>\n<ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/overview\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/power\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Power Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/thermal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Thermal Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/dynamic-power\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Dynamic Radioisotope Power<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Missions<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button>\n<ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/radioisotope-power-systems-missions\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/radioisotope-power-systems-timeline\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Timeline<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/news\/\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/resources\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-stem-writing-challenge\/\" rel=\"noopener\">STEM<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/radioisotope-power-systems-faq\/\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"padding-top-5 padding-bottom-3 width-full maxw-full hds-module hds-module-full alignfull 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\">NASA Selects Winners of the 2024-2025 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\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=2001&#038;h=1126&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2001\" height=\"1126\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=2001&#038;h=1126&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Photos of the three national winners sit below the Challenge logo of a moon with three satellites orbiting and an atomic symbol inside next to the words \u201cPower to Explore: Radioisotope Power Systems.\u201d In the first photo a younger child stands holding a baseball bat and wearing a baseball uniform, including a black baseball cap with orange text on it. Next, a female student wearing a black shirt and a gold necklace with long dark hair is posing and looking at the camera. Finally, a male student wearing a gray sweatshirt stands against white background, smiling for the camera.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=2001&#038;h=1126&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2001w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=400&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=600&#038;h=338&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/psd\/planetary-science-division\/radioisotope-power-systems\/power-to-explore-contest\/2024_powertoexplore_winners_headshots_alt.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=675&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2001px) 100vw, 2001px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Ten-year-old, Terry Xu of Arcadia, California; 14-year-old, Maggie Hou of Snohomish, Washington; and 17-year-old, Kairat Otorov of Trumbull, Connecticut, winners of the 2024-2025 Power to Explore Student Writing Challenge.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/David Lam, Binbin Zheng, The Herald\/Olivia Vanni, Meerim Otorova<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>NASA has chosen three winners out of nine finalists in the fourth annual <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 designed to teach K-12 students about the enabling power of radioisotopes for space exploration.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module aligncenter 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\">Congratulations to the amazing champions and all of the participants!<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/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&#8217;s Radioisotope Power Systems Program<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The essay competition asked students to learn about NASA\u2019s r<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/radioisotope-power-systems\/\" rel=\"noopener\">adioisotope power systems<\/a> (RPS), likened to \u201cnuclear batteries,\u201d which the agency has used discover <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/moon\/moonquakes\/\" rel=\"noopener\">moonquakes<\/a> on Earth\u2019s Moon and study some of the most extreme of the more than <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/moons\/facts\/\" rel=\"noopener\">891 moons<\/a> in the solar system. In 275 words or less, students dreamed up a unique exploration mission of one of these moons and described their own power to achieve their mission goals.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m so impressed by the creativity and knowledge of our Power to Explore winners,\u201d said Carl Sandifer II, program manager of the Radioisotope Power Systems Program at NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. \u201cCongratulations to the amazing champions and all of the participants! You inspire me and make me even more optimistic about the future of America\u2019s leadership in space.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Entries were split into three groups based on grade level, and a winner was chosen from each. The three winners, each accompanied by a guardian, are invited to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/glenn\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center<\/a> in Cleveland for a VIP tour of its world-class research facilities this summer.<\/p>\n<p>The winners are:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.futureengineers.org\/powertoexplore2025\/gallery\/76741\" rel=\"noopener\">Terry Xu<\/a>, Arcadia, California, kindergarten through fourth grade<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.futureengineers.org\/powertoexplore2025\/gallery\/78634\" rel=\"noopener\">Maggie Hou<\/a>, Snohomish, Washington, fifth through eighth grade<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.futureengineers.org\/powertoexplore2025\/gallery\/78389\" rel=\"noopener\">Kairat Otorov<\/a>, Trumbull, Connecticut, ninth through 12th\u202fgrade<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Power to Explore Challenge offered students the opportunity to learn about space power, celebrate their own strengths, and interact with NASA\u2019s workforce. This year\u2019s contest received nearly 2,051 submitted entries from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity overseas.<\/p>\n<p>Every student who submitted an entry received a digital certificate and an invitation to the Power Up virtual event held on March 21. There, NASA announced the 45 national <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/rps\/nasa-reveals-semifinalists-of-power-to-explore-challenge\/\" rel=\"noopener\">semifinalists<\/a>, and students learned about what powers the NASA workforce. Additionally, the national semifinalists received a NASA RPS prize pack.<\/p>\n<p>NASA announced three <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/technology\/rps\/nine-finalists-advance-in-nasas-power-to-explore-challenge\/\" rel=\"noopener\">finalists<\/a> in each age group (nine total) on April 23. Finalists were invited to discuss their mission concepts with a NASA scientist or engineer during an exclusive virtual event.<\/p>\n<p>The challenge is funded by the Radioisotope Power Systems Program Office in NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate and administered by Future Engineers under a Small Business Innovation Research phase III contract. This task is managed by the NASA Tournament Lab, a part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing Program in NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on radioisotope power systems visit: <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nasa.gov\/rps\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/nasa.gov\/rps<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>Karen Fox \/ Molly Wasser<\/p>\n<p>Headquarters, Washington<\/p>\n<p>202-358-1600<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:karen.c.fox@nasa.gov\">karen.c.fox@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ <a href=\"mailto:molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov\">molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>Kristin Jansen<\/p>\n<p>Glenn Research Center, Cleveland<\/p>\n<p>216-296-2203 <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:kristin.m.jansen@nasa.gov\">kristin.m.jansen@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NASA has chosen three winners out of nine finalists in the fourth annual Power to Explore Challenge, a national writing competition designed to teach K-12 students about the enabling power of radioisotopes for space exploration. The essay competition asked students to learn about NASA\u2019s radioisotope power systems (RPS), likened to \u201cnuclear batteries,\u201d which the agency [\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-212555","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\/212555","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=212555"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":212649,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212555\/revisions\/212649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=212555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=212555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=212555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}