The RGS boys had previously won their regional heat in November 2020, when they were tasked with designing a settlement on Mercury in 2061. For the National Competition the challenge was to design an Aerostat (like a Zeppelin) for over 10,000 people in the Venus’ atmosphere in 2071. The RGS boys were joined by students from four other schools to form a company called Kepler Automation with four main engineering sections: human, structural, automations and operational. The event was run virtually, which allowed the boys to compete with students from all over the country. The competing companies presented their concepts to a team of judges and answered questions on their proposals.

The Kepler Automation team displayed excellent teamwork and communication skills, as well as specialist knowledge, and was judged to have the best proposal. Some of the winners will be invited to join the UK Team and attend the International Space Settlement Design Competition at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Huge credit to the boys, who worked tirelessly over the weekend and produced an outstanding presentation to win on the day!