SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

TRACK

Competition Rule Book

 CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE NO.

PROBLEM STATEMENTS 1-2

ELIGIBILITY 3

TEAM COMPOSITION 3

AWARDS 3

COMPETITION TIMELINE 3

REGISTRATION FORMAT 4

COMPETITON GUIDELINES 4

SUBMISSION 4

DATA PROTECTION 5

COPYRIGHT 5
PROBLEM STATEMENTS

1] RE-ENTRY SOLUTION FOR INSPACE FACTORIES

Problem Overview
The cost of access to space is coming down drastically and with that new business models
are becoming viable which were not before. One such model is manufacturing factories in
space. Microgravity offers special conditions for new materials synthesis and/or
manufacturing, especially high-value items that are not possible on earth. One major
breakthrough needed for this production method to become the mainstream is low-cost,
reliable and affordable re-entry and landing solutions.

The Challenge
The problem statement is the design and simulation of a modular, low-cost, reliable and
affordable re-entry option to recover material synthesis/manufactured in space.

2] EXPLORING REUSABLE SATELLITES

Problem Overview
Currently, when the fuel of a satellite runs out, the satellite is no longer able to function and
is considered "dead", and may be decommissioned or disposed of. One way that the space
industry has sought to reduce costs and increase efficiency is by developing reusable rockets,
which can be launched and landed multiple times. This has helped to lower the cost of
launching satellites into space. However, there is also a need to explore the possibility of
reusing satellites themselves, rather than just the rockets that launch them. Reusable satellites
could provide a number of benefits, including:
a. Extending the lifespan of the satellite thereby increasing the revenue per satellite
b. Reducing the need for new satellites

The Challenge
The challenge here is to create an autonomous rendezvous and docking system for satellites
with a demonstration on the ground on the table.
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 3] SPACE DEBRIS REMOVAL

Problem Overview
Space debris refers to the man-made objects in orbit around the Earth that no longer serve a
useful purpose. This includes spent rocket stages, old satellites, and other objects that have
been left in space after their missions were completed. The accumulation of space debris is
a growing problem, as it poses a potential risk to operational satellites and spacecraft and
could potentially lead to costly collisions.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it is important to remove
dead satellites from orbit to help reduce the overall amount of space debris and minimize
the risk of collisions. One potential solution that has been proposed for active debris
removal is the use of robotics.

The Challenge
The goal of this problem statement is to explore options for using robotics to remove dead
satellites from orbit in a cost-effective and technically feasible manner. This would involve
conducting a pro-cons analysis to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of different
approaches, and then working on the most economically and technically feasible solution.

Some potential challenges that may need to be addressed in developing a solution for active
debris removal include the need to design robust and reliable robotics systems that can
operate in the harsh space environment, as well as the need to develop a means of safely
capturing and de-orbiting the debris. Additionally, there may be economic and regulatory
challenges to consider and the need to comply with the FCC.

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ELIGIBILITY
All students, engineers and problem solvers enthusiastic about space technology are
eligible to participate. No professional qualifications are necessary.
The minimum age for participants is 17.

TEAM COMPOSITION
Individual participants will also be allowed in the competition.
Team registrations are allowed with a maximum size of 4 participants.
Each team is allowed to choose only one problem statement in the Satellite Imagery
track.

AWARDS
The winners will be awarded the following cash prizes and a participation certificate to all
participants that make a submission.
1st prize - INR 20,000
2nd prize - INR 10,000
3rd prize - INR 5,000

The winning entries will be featured on the Shaastra social media handles and will get an
exclusive opportunity to present their solutions during the
Space-Tech Summit at Shaastra 2023!

COMPETITION TIMELINE
Stage One
Registrations and submissions open on 3 Jan 2023
Submissions close on 17 Jan 2023, 11:59 PM
Stage Two
Details will be communicated to all the shortlisted participants
Final Presentations (for shortlisted participants) is on 27 Jan 2023

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HOW TO REGISTER
Click the following link to register:

https://unstop.com/competition/cosmic-innovation-challenge-space-sustainability-track-
shaastra-2023-indian-institute-of-technology-iit-madr-579559

COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Registrations and Submissions are only accepted through Unstop.
Participants and teams alike can make only one submission.
A team can make only one submission out of the 3 problem statements above.
Teams must submit a prototype in design-related problem statements (problem
statement 1,2) during the final presentation.

SUBMISSIONS

1. Submission Round :

Shortlisted candidates will present the detailed approach and strategy implementation in
PPT format, maximum of 10 slides excluding the “Welcome” & “Thank you” slide. Submit
as a PDF.

2. Final Presentation Round

Shortlisted teams will present their solution to a live jury during Shaastra 2023 on 27th
January 2023 at the IITM campus. The exact date and schedule of the presentation will be
intimated to the qualifying teams.

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DATA PROTECTION
The participants hereby grant Shaastra, IIT Madras and Manastu Space a non-
exclusive right to use the submitted material free of any charge for non-commercial
purposes on our respective web pages, social media platforms, and printed
publications.
Participants must be able to provide proof of their identity, age, and place of residence
in such a way that Shaastra, IIT Madras can check and disqualify entries for any
breach of rules.
Shaastra, IIT Madras reserves the right to modify the competition schedule if deemed
necessary.
The participant will be disqualified for the breach of any of the competition rules. In
such a case, the organisers decision will be final and binding on all participants.

COPYRIGHT
The submission must be an original work authored by the participant.
By participating in this contest, the participant declares and warrants that:

1. The material is their own.

2. No one else apart from the participant has the copyright or any intellectual
property right on the submitted work.
3. The submitted work does not infringe on the copyright or intellectual property
rights of someone else.

The participant remains the owner of the copyright of the submitted work(s).
The illustrations will be credited appropriately each time it is reproduced or
communicated to the public by Shaastra, IIT Madras and Manastu Space.

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 For any queries,
email us at
summit@shaastra.org