The Department of Defense (DOD) is launching a new initiative aimed at inspiring high school and undergraduate students to explore careers in hypersonics. The Hypersonics Horizon High Speed Video Challenge, announced on October 18, 2024, encourages students to engage with the science and technology of hypersonics by offering cash prizes and an opportunity to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Aprille Ericsson, assistant secretary of defense for science and technology, emphasized the importance of the challenge in building the next generation of talent. “The Hypersonics Horizons High Speed Video Challenge is integral to building an enduring advantage by investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” she said. Ericsson highlighted the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office’s (JHTO) ongoing efforts to cultivate talent through initiatives like the Smart Scholarship program and partnerships with academic institutions.
The competition is divided into two categories. High school teams, consisting of up to three students, are tasked with creating a 3-5 minute video explaining the design challenges a spacecraft might face on a celestial body such as Mercury, Venus, or Pluto. They are required to address the environmental factors and suggest innovative solutions for overcoming these obstacles.
For undergraduate students, the challenge is more advanced. Their video must present a design for a spacecraft capable of launching, achieving hypersonic speeds, and landing safely on Mars. Students are also expected to consider multidisciplinary challenges that may arise during the mission, tapping into diverse fields beyond just physics and engineering.
Mark A. Glenn, director of JHTO, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that it is designed to “inspire the next generation workforce in hypersonics.” The challenge aims to spark curiosity and innovation among students, encouraging them to delve into complex subjects and solve real-world problems.
Lori Michelle Stiglitz, JHTO’s workforce development lead, mentioned the success of last year’s hypersonics challenge, which focused on transportation at hypersonic speeds. The competition generated great interest among students, some of whom pivoted their career aspirations towards hypersonics after participating. The high school winner from the previous year, for example, had no prior knowledge of the topic but is now sharing what he learned with classmates and teachers.
“Kids are very creative and enthusiastic about hypersonics. We get to gather their unique mindsets in hypersonics problems,” Stiglitz said, expressing her excitement about this year’s submissions. She also mentioned that DOD evaluators, working across the hypersonics community, might gain valuable insights from the innovative solutions proposed by the students.
Winners of the challenge are expected to be announced in February, following a thorough evaluation of the submissions. This initiative represents an important effort by the DOD to build a pipeline of talent for the emerging field of hypersonics, ensuring that the next generation of scientists and engineers is equipped to protect national security and advance technological innovation.–News Desk