Utilising Crowdsourcing to Promote Space Innovation
An international crowdsourcing project has been launched by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a key component of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), in collaboration with the global innovation platform Wazoku. This challenge looks for creative ways to connect a suborbital sounding rocket to its ground station via a telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) data link.
TII is taking advantage of Wazoku’s vast network of 700,000 problem-solvers, which includes scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and students, as space exploration picks up speed. This program is a prime example of TII’s objective to promote citizen space innovation and develop aeronautical technologies.
Constructing a Dependable Rocket Sounding Communication System
The goal of the challenge is to develop an end-to-end TT&C system that can both provide commands from the ground to the rocket and gather vital telemetry data, including pressure, temperature, altitude, and velocity. Transmission systems, antennas, and data processing tools are examples of hardware and software components that must be integrated into the solution.
Acting Chief Researcher Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis of TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre highlighted the significance of this project:
“This challenge is essential to improving the accuracy and dependability of sounding rocket missions.” Our goal is to enhance our comprehension of air and space phenomena by developing TT&C technologies.”
A Forum for International Cooperation
Wazoku has a long record of collaboration with significant institutions such as NASA. Building on this tradition, the Rocket Telemetry Challenge provides a venue for international innovators to support TII’s hybrid rocket program. Future developments in space exploration will be made possible by these rockets, which are meant to be safe and affordable technological demonstrations.
According to Schonning Eysturoy, Wazoku’s Senior Director of Innovation Ecosystems:
“We are pleased to help TII propel innovation in citizen space. Without a doubt, TII’s space program will reach new heights thanks to the experience of Our Crowd.”
Innovation Transformation in the GCC and UAE
The challenge is in line with the GCC’s and the UAE’s larger drive for innovation. In order to promote an open innovation culture in workplaces, Wazoku recently increased its footprint in the United Arab Emirates by collaborating with Fikra Transformative Consultancy.
Fikra founder Njoud Majali emphasised the importance of this partnership:
“TII’s innovative leadership is admirable, and it’s encouraging to see other GCC companies follow suit with similar progressive strategies.”
Prizes and Acknowledgement for Innovative Solutions
The Rocket Telemetry Challenge has a $55,000 total prize pool, with the top three finishers receiving $30,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively. In 2025, the winners will also get a fully-funded travel to the United Arab Emirates to showcase their solutions in a real-world setting.
In addition to addressing technological issues, this project hopes to foster international cooperation and hasten the development of creative and affordable space travel.
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