Space Challenge 2021-22

Space for Planet Earth Challenge 2021-2022

The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is a partnership between SpaceBase and satellite company Planet which ran between 2021 – 2022. The Challenge included a 2.5 month online research incubator for 12 teams working on their solutions and proof of concept for the final Challenge application.  

Space for Planet Earth 2021 Trailer
Challenge - Finalists and Winners

Congratulations to the Grand Prize Winners
High School Level: Coral Health
Not Basic Newlands College, Wellington NZ

University/Startup Level: Carbon Sequestration
Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch) Suva, Fiji

For more info, see the Press Release. and watch the full Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony.

Yadrava Na Vanua Team receiving Challege award on Earth Day 2022 – Suva, Fiji.
Image courtesy of U.S. Embassy – Suva

The Challenge

University Level:
Carbon Sequestration

To combat climate change, global reduction of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is imperative. An important method is to increase the absorption and containment of carbon dioxide through sequestration in biomass such as forest areas. But if satellite technology could be employed to monitor and detect carbon sequestration in other zones (such as native bush, pastures, wetlands, or coastal zones) then incentives could be created for landowners to sequester more carbon through changes in land management. Developing tools that can monitor carbon sequestration could help address climate change on a global scale.

Using satellite data, in combination with other data sources, help develop verifiable methods to measure carbon sequestration on land or in coastal areas.

Prize:

$30,000 NZD Grand Prize Winner
Planet data vouchers equivalent to $15k NZD value (subject to T&C use)
SpaceBase mentorship for 6 months (online and in Christchurch)

High School Level:
Coral Health

Coral reefs harbour Earth’s highest biodiversity, host more than one quarter of all marine fish species, and is the global ecosystem under the greatest threat. Coral reefs are vitally important for global ocean ecology and biodiversity, as well as the food production and economy of coastal communities. But coral reefs are under threat from pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change, including ocean warming and ocean acidification. With the right information, local communities can act to help protect coral reefs. This challenge is to help improve monitoring of coral reef health using satellite technology and help local communities protect coral reefs.

Help improve the monitoring of coral health changes due to climate change using satellite technology.

Prize:

$10,000 NZD Grand Prize Winner
Planet data vouchers equivalent to $15,000 NZD value (subject to T&C use)
Scholarship to the MMAARS Virtual Academy Analog Astronautics Program (Level 1) for all team members

The Space for Planet Earth Challenge was made possible by our partners, sponsorship, donors and collaborators.

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