SIT Hackathon 2022: Sustainability in Space Final

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Science Centre Singapore and NEO Aeronautics Pte Ltd have successfully concluded the inaugural edition of “The SIT Hackathon 2022: Sustainability in Space”.  

Themed “How to Live in Space for 365 Days”, the Hackathon saw participating students from SIT proposing innovative solutions related to 3D printing technologies that can be used in space. From January 2022 to June 2022, six teams submitted their product proposals and were given a budget of $500 to produce their prototype. Four teams progressed to the Grand Final, held at SIT@Dover on 8 June. 

Team REPA impressed the judges with their sustainable innovation proposal and clinched the top prize of $500 cash. The winning team, comprising three Year 3 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students from SIT-University of Glasgow joint degree programmes, proposed using recyclable plastic material for 3D-printed repair parts in the International Space Station. 

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour – NASA Astronaut, Jeffrey N. Williams, who holds the record for the longest time spent in space by an American Male Astronaut. At the Hackathon, he also shared insights on his space missions in a talk on “What It Takes To Be An Astronaut?” 

Professor Ng Siu Choon, Associate Provost (Students & Faculty Development), SIT said, “We are delighted to organise this SIT Hackathon. It encourages SIT undergraduates to think of creative ideas on sustainable living in space using additive manufacturing (AM) technology. By affording a platform for them to present their innovative proposals, we hope to spark an interest among SITizens in technology, as well as Singapore’s budding space scene. The strong nexus of applied learning to research encourages our students to go beyond their curriculum and to think out of the box for solutions that can solve real world problems.”  

Associate Professor Lim Tit Ming, Chief Executive, Science Centre Singapore said, “Hackathons are a great way to strengthen connections, facilitate fruitful exchanges and stimulate creativity. It’s always inspiring to see the younger generation come together to co-create ideas. In this sense, we see hackathons not just as opportunities to generate solutions but to accelerate innovation. That sense of curiosity, enthusiasm and passion among the teams is what we aim to foster. The hackathon also demonstrates the importance of bringing like-minded partners together to create nurturing spaces. All these small steps can lead to giant leaps in overcoming the complex challenges before us.” 

Dr Neo Kok Beng, Founder of NEO Aeronautics said, “I would like to encourage students to apply their scientific knowledge and imagination to explore opportunities in the space industry.”