University of Otago and Methane Mavericks Win Grand Prizes at Space for Planet Earth Challenge

  • : SpaceBase Limited
  • : 15/03/2024

  • Auckland, New Zealand — 16 March 2024

    The team “Methane Mavericks” from Newham, Australia, and the University of Otago team from Dunedin, New Zealand, have been awarded the Grand Prizes in the Space for Planet Earth Challenge, an innovative competition focused on leveraging space technologies to address environmental issues.

    Cristhian Delgado Fajardo and his team from the University of Otago clinched the top prize at the University level for their project “Satellite-based AI Emulators for Efficient Monitoring of Agricultural Methane Emissions in New Zealand.” Their ground-breaking work aims to enhance the monitoring and management of methane emissions from agricultural activities in New Zealand using satellite data and artificial intelligence.

    In the high school category, Olivia Hedge and Khoa Anh Do of Methane Mavericks from Newham, Australia, won the Grand Prize for their project “Using Sentinel Data to Identify and Prioritize Small-scale Emissions for MethaneSat.” Their innovative approach utilizes satellite data to detect and prioritize small-scale methane emissions, contributing to the development of more effective mitigation strategies.

    Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines competed in the Challenge finals, presenting their projects to a panel of esteemed judges from various space agencies, research institutions, and organizations. The winners were awarded cash prizes of $25,000 NZD and $8,000 NZD for the University and high school categories, respectively, along with valuable mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase.

    “We are truly impressed by the calibre of work presented by these young innovators,” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “Their projects demonstrate the immense potential of space technologies in addressing pressing environmental challenges, and we are confident that their research will create a lasting impact in the region.”

    The Space for Planet Earth Challenge was organized by SpaceBase, a forward-thinking organization that leverages incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation and solve complex problems. The Challenge was made possible through the support of various sponsors and partners, including the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, US Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.

    For more information about the Challenge and the winning projects, please visit spacebase.co/challenges.

    About SpaceBase Limited:

    SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.

  • : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
  • : Co-Founder
  • : info@spacebase.co
  • : 64224021936
  • : https://spacebase.co
  • https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/

Six Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines Advance to Finals of Space for Planet Earth Challenge

  • : SpaceBase Limited
  • : 06/03/2024

  • Auckland, New Zealand – 6 March 2024 – Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines have secured their spots in the finals of the prestigious Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on March 15th, presenting their innovative solutions that leverage space data to address the critical issue of methane emissions and climate change.

    The grand prize winners from each category will receive substantial cash prizes of up to $25,000 NZD and mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase Limited.

    The Challenge finalists include:

    High School Level

    • Methane Mavericks – Kyneton High School & Maryborough Education Centre, Newham, Australia
    • Cashmere Space Club – Cashmere High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
    • Usbong Me – University of the Philippines High School, Iloilo, Philippines

    University/Startup Level

    • University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand
    • Project AIM: Rizal Technological, Caraga State, and Adamson Universities – Metro Manila and Butuan Cities, Philippines
    • Interstellar Exploration Institute and Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia

    The finalists participated in a three-month online research incubator organized by SpaceBase, where they received comprehensive training on the problem areas, relevant technologies, and the innovation process. After completing the rigorous incubator program on 25 February, the teams submitted their final challenge applications, which were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts from the United States, Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

    “I am very impressed with the calibre this year. Every team has been impressive in one way or another,” said Nicholas Metherall, Challenge judge and Space Challenge Grand Prize Winner 2021-22.

    “The Challenge showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of young minds in tackling Earth’s climate challenges. Their innovative solutions and enthusiasm are vital for a sustainable future, highlighting youth’s crucial role in addressing global environmental issue,” said Prof. Rafael Kargren upon judging the challenge.

    The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will be held online on 15 March from 5:30-7:30 pm NZT. The event will feature welcome addresses from distinguished guests, including the Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand Minister of Space; Peter Vedder, Senior Director at MethaneSat; Anne Rouault, Science Attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand; and Host Amy Armstrong from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Edmund Hillary Fellow. Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand Space Agencies will present the coveted prizes.

    For more information about the Challenge and the Finalists, please visit spacebase.co/challenges. RSVP for the event at spacebase.co/events.

    The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is made possible through partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by SpaceBase Limited. Sponsors include the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.

    About SpaceBase Limited:

    SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratize access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.

  • Space for Planet Earth Challenge
  • : https://youtu.be/jJv_Swy9Kdg
  • : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
  • : Co-Founder
  • : emeline@spacebase.co
  • : 0224021936
  • : htttps://spacebase.co
  • https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/+https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/