University of Toronto Space Design Contest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?: The University of Toronto Space Design Contest is a competition in design and engineering for high school students. The goal of the UTSDC is to give students an opportunity to creatively develop a design solution for a particular space-related problem determined annually.

What do we as an organization do?: Our mandate is to promote the benefits of social and commercial development in space, while providing a creative and innovative design challenge to all students of the high school level. Through events and conferences we run throughout the year we hope to further the understanding and appreciation of space development to all involved.

How do we get involved?: We welcome any kind of participation, whether you are forming a team, volunteering, judging or sponsoring. Detailed information on how to get involved as a volunteer can be found at this link.

Who do I talk to for more information?: Feel free to ask us any questions. You can send us an email here.

When is it?: The contest will run through most of the school year. Registration is ongoing and will continue through to December 28, 2008. Teams will work on their designs and then submit a short report to us by March 30, 2009. The design fair and conference is a 4 day 3 night event that will be held on the St. George campus on a May 14-17, 2009 date. We recommend that you register early and start planning a design as soon as you can.

What can I win?: All teams that participate will receive a certificate of participation. The top three teams of each category will receive individual medals and team plaques. Additional prizes will be disclosed in the future.

Where will the Design Fair and Conference be?: The design fair and conference will be held on the St. George University of Toronto campus, in Toronto, Canada.

Are there different categories for the contest?: There are two categories available. One category is for students in grades 9 and 10. The other category is for senior students in grades 11 and 12. Both of these groups will be judged separately for first, second and third places. The winner for the creative merit award will be chosen from both groups.

How long should the report be?: The report you submit should be approximately 10 pages, and no more than 20 pages long. Diagrams are encouraged along with relevant calculations. The more viable and thought out your design is, the better. For more information on report formatting, please see the contest information page.

How does the judging work?: Three panels of judges will evaluate each team. The first panel consists of faculty, professors and alumni who have a background in relevant fields. They will mainly critique the technical merit of the design. The second panel is multidisciplinary group of undergraduate students, and the third panel will be representatives from the business community. Judges will be evaluating teams based on, but not limited to the creativity of the design, technical merit, artistic merit, presentation and communication.

What if my parents or staff advisor wants to stay with us?: If you have a staff advisor or parent who wishes to stay in residence with you and your team, please send us a detailed email message, and we will provide information regarding overnight room bookings with the summer residence program at the University of Toronto.

Is there any example of a similar project that we can see so we understand exactly what it is we need to do?: Various resources and examples will be put on this site as the year progresses. You can check out previous winners on the documents tab to your left.

Having trouble with your design? Do you have specific questions about the design challenge's RFP?: Contact judging@utspace.com.

How do I register?: You can register using our online registration form here.

How do we make the payments?: You have two options:
1. Make a cheque payable to "University of Toronto Space Design Contest" and send it to:

University of Toronto Space Design Contest
c/o U of T Engineering Society
Sanford Fleming Building, Suite B740
10 King's College Rd.
Toronto, ON M5S 3G4

2. Pay in person by coming to University of Toronto at 10 King's College Road, Suite B740, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G4. Email info@utspace.com in advance.

How much will it cost?: The registration fee is $80 per contestant before December 28, 2008 and $90 after December 28, 2008. This fee includes three night accommodation and meals during the Design Fair and Conference.

Do you have to register through a school?: While recommended, registering through a school is not mandatory. However, there must be a contact person our organization can reach should the need arise and who can vouch that the report is entirely the work of the team.