Zero Robotics Opens Algorithm Competition for Controlling Space Satellites
TopCoder®, Inc., the world's largest competitive Community of nearly 500,000 digital creators, today announced registration has opened for an algorithm competition from Zero Robotics which seeks computationally efficient code solutions to control a satellite in space.
The online challenge begins September 7th with a live webcast kickoff and is open to all eligible high school students. Complete details about the competition and registration are available at http://www.zerorobotics.org
Competitors in the tournament will be tasked with programming active experimental satellites called SPHERES. The competition starts online where teams compete to solve an annual challenge guided by mentors. Students can create, edit, share, save, simulate and submit code, all from a web browser. After several phases of virtual competition, finalists are selected to compete in a live championship aboard the International Space Station. There is no cost to participate.
How to register
1.Go to http://www.zerorobotics.org.
2.Log In or Create an Account.
3.Click "Tournaments" and register for the High School Tournament 2013.
4.Create a team and invite other users.
Sponsored by DARPA, NASA, and CASIS and run by the MIT Space Systems Laboratory, TopCoder and Aurora Flight Sciences, Zero Robotics is a programming tournament that opens the SPHERES satellite research platform to the general public. Originally developed to engage U.S. middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Zero Robotics includes a web-based development environment to create programs for the SPHERES satellites and run simulations to evaluate resulting performance.
Featured Product

Model TR1 Tru-Trac
The Model TR1 Tru-Trac® linear measurement solution is a versatile option for tracking velocity, position, or distance over a wide variety of surfaces. An integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and spring-loaded torsion arm in one, compact unit, the Model TR1 is easy to install. The spring-loaded torsion arm offers adjustable torsion load, allowing the Model TR1 to be mounted in almost any orientation - even upside-down. The threaded shaft on the pivot axis is field reversible, providing mounting access from either side. With operating speeds up to 3000 feet per minute, a wide variety of configuration options - including multiple wheel material options - and a housing made from a durable, conductive composite material that minimizes static buildup, the Model TR1 Tru-Trac® is the ideal solution for countless applications.