By Robert Bell. Every year, we hold a competition for teams from the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. This US organization has 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students from hundreds of colleges and universities as members.

Our competitions give these young people a chance to learn about the satellite industry while competing for cash prizes that go to their local SEDS chapters. These students are facing important career choices in the future – but they know little or nothing about our industry. When they think space, they think NASA, JPL or teaching positions with universities. What they don’t know is that this hundred-billion-plus industry needs their talents and is poised for accelerating growth.

Our theme this year is: “Solving the Space Solar Power Puzzle.” We asked them to design a solar-power generating station that could capture energy and beam it to Earth without interfering with communications and other business already in orbit. That theme taps into the enthusiasm for alternative energy, for big ideas in space – and lets students come to grips with the key technical, regulatory and cost issues that the satellite industry faces every day.

To help them do it, we have assembled a team of SSPI members to serve as Mentors to each team. The Mentors also review the project submissions and select three winners. We are really grateful for the time and energy they give to this work.

In November, I will be at the SpaceVision conference at Purdue University to present the awards and honor the winning teams. We will also share their work with you and give you a chance to see the best and brightest coming up in our business. Thanks!