Ardingly College Physicists Runners-Up in UK Space Design competition

Physicists from Ardingly have competed in the regional UK Space Design competition. Challenging students to think innovatively and creatively plays to Ardingly’s strengths and they achieved a well- earned second place.

The students  had only eight hours to design an outstation on Mercury that would enable 250 people to live and work there for 80 days in 2060. Ardingly College physicists were pitted against local schools to develop a design that would enable people to mine minerals from Mercury. James Ritchie took the role of president and instantly went about organising his team to ensure the smooth completion of the project. There were many issues to solve such as the psychological pressures of living on Mercury but also the operational design of the facility. The students had to estimate what future technologies would be available in 50 years’ time and then put them to use. In a stroke of genius, Hugo Binelli-Thomas designed a spherical lift to transport people around the facility.

 It was fascinating to observe how professional and effective the students were as a team and they were very unfortunate not to win. This was Ardingly’s first time entering the competition and I have no doubt that we will be successful in the future.

Steven Dawson

Head of Physics