GONZALES — A team of Gonzales Unified School District students in sixth through eighth grades has engaged in a five-week computer programming camp to control NASA’s Astrobee satellites aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The Summer Zero Robotics Program, which began June 26, inspires young people to explore real-world simulations through a technically challenging web-based game. Working as a team, students programmed their autonomous satellites to complete game challenges like navigating obstacles, while conserving such resources as fuel.
In July, between work to perfect their programming strategy, students will tour the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View and meet aerospace engineers and scientists. Then, students’ Zero Robotics journey will culminate on Aug. 3 when their programming strategies from across the nation will be judged live by astronauts aboard the ISS.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our young people to expand their horizons and explore new opportunities that will challenge their minds and open their hearts to a future filled with possibilities,” said Caryn Lewis, assistant superintendent of educational services at the Monterey County Office of Education.
The Zero Robotics Program is made possible for free through a partnership with the MIT Space Enabled Research Group, the Innovation Learning Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others dedicated to cultivating the next generation of scientists.
Region 5 Expanded Learning Partnerships, based at the Monterey County Office of Education, brokers the opportunity each summer and will orchestrate the local Field Day experience at NASA.
