Hydro-Shuttle Competition - SEDS India National Conference 2009

Hydro shuttle, an event under the ONESPACE (SEDS India's Outreach Programme) committee, was one of the most awaited events of SINC’09 as none other than the school students of 7th, 8th and 9th standard had to design a rocket and make it fly. The curious spectators included not only our dear chancellor, Prof Rao Tatavarti(our convener) but also honorary project head, Vikram Sarabhai Space centre(VSSC), Dr. A. Ramakrishnan. “I can see so many future pilots under one roof!”, quoted sir.

Hydro shuttle, as the name suggests depicts a ‘water rocket’ designed with the help of plastic bottles, plastic trash bags (for the parachute) cardboards, and the payload being a matchbox! The problem given to the participants was-the Rocket should fly as straight as possible and return its payload safely on earth. The schools which had participated in this competition were Srishti Vidyashram, VVNKM, Ida Scudder, Lakshmi garden, Sunbeam, with a minimum of 10 teams per school.(a workshop had been conducted in these schools by the student co-ordinators,  prior to SINC’09. The event was judged by Mr. Rajan Babu

Winners                   

1st prize: Lakshmi Garden                                                            

2nd prize: VVNKM 

It was a close competition with only a very few water rockets out of the 40 teams failing to rise. But, as the students said the inability only inspired them to design a better rocket and go higher. The faculty in charges mentioned repeatedly that it was a great exposure for the little kids, and they are looking forward to more such events. The student volunteers from VIT did a great job in handling the event and the schools. In the students language, the event Rocked! Overall, the event was a huge success.