Zero-Robotics) Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites-Zero-Robotics (SPHERES-
ROBOTICS (SPHERES-ZERO-ROBOTICS)
Research Area: Educational Competitions
Expedition(s): 21-26, 29/30
Principal Investigator(s): ● Alvar Saenz-Otero, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
● Jeffrey A. Hoffman, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Synchronized Position Hold, Engage,
Reorient, Experimental Satellites - Zero -
Robotics (SPHERES-Zero-Robotics)
investigation establishes an opportunity
for high school students to design
research for the International Space
Station (ISS). As part of a competition,
students write algorithms for the
SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks
relevant to future space missions. The
algorithms are tested by the SPHERES
team and the best designs are selected
for the competition to operate the
SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS.
EARTH BENEFITS
SPHERES-Zero-Robotics provides a unique and valuable opportunity to maintain students
interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers; even those
who do not wish to pursue space careers see their lives affected by knowing their work can
have an impact beyond the classroom. The ability of the students to participate in real
engineering activities, beginning in high school, potentially encourages them to remain
interested in those fields. SPHERES-Zero-Robotics also builds critical engineering skills for
students such as problem solving, design thought process, operations training, teamwork, and
presentation skills.
SPACE BENEFITS
The NASA “International Space Station Education Concept Development Report” calls out 3
levels of interaction for students involved with NASA activities: exposure, engage, and educate.
SPHERES-Zero-Robotics provides a unique and valuable opportunity to go far beyond exposure.
The students are truly engaged in space research; the need for them to create their own
programs takes it to the point where they are being educated. In this way, SPHERES-Zero-
Robotics inspires future scientists and engineers to work within the space program. Starting at
the high school age group, students view working in space as “normal,” with the expectation
Three satellites fly in formation as part of the Synchronized Position Hold,
Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites investigation.