Smallpeice 2007Thursday, 4th January

DOWN TO EARTH

TheEgg Telescope

RecoveryProjectNOTENOTE

Anything resembling this project is an imitation!!!

Can you recover theEgg Telescope Satellite

and save the world?

The Egg-Telescope Mission

UrgentThe recovery of

data stored aboard a disabled

satellite may determine the

fate of mankind.

Egg Telescope - Background

• Most of the matter that is believed to exist cannot be accounted for

• This matter is termed DARK MATTER

• Physicists are searching the heavens to detect it

Discovery Made

• The Egg Telescope was designed to detect DARK MATTER and has spent 5 years scanning for it with little success

• Until yesterday, when…

• A massive asteroid was detected within solar orbit Heading to Earth.

Scrambled Egg• Soon after the discovery,

the Egg telescope was hit by a stream of charged particles from a solar flare.

• Sensors were not affected, but…

• The communication circuits to Earth were damaged.

• Astronauts were unable to repair the damage in orbit.

Danger• The asteroid is known

to be heading roughly towards earth.

• Precise data is needed to determine if impact is likely or not.

• Only THIS satellite is positioned to determine this information in time.

• Data is still being recorded but cannot be transmitted.

The Objective

• To retrieve the satellite without further damage.

• Must bring the satellite down in the shortest time possible.

• Need to use some means to slow descent.

• Need an Inertial damper to absorb any remaining energy.

• Need an Impact resistant capsule.

BriefCapsule must…• Completely enclose the satellite in a

protective ‘shell’,• ‘Shell-ter’ it from damage,• Prevent ‘eggscape’ of nuclear waste should

the casing be damaged, therefore…• Mustn’t be ‘scrambled’ by impact.• If any radioactive waste ‘eggscapes’ – you

will be responsible for the mop-up operation. (the ‘yolk’ will be on you!)

Briefing Outline • You must organise your team efficiently.• Prepare an initial plan.• Submit a report to get more funding.• Construct and lab test a prototype.• Submit second report to get more

funding.• Modify and field test the prototype.• Submit third report to get more funding.• Modify / perfect the recovery capsule.• Recover the satellite.• BUT you MUST meet deadlines in time

and remain within a financial budget!!!

• THE BANK – Your only legitimate source of funding and investment. Negotiate for Cash, Credit or Loans. There may be a premium to be paid for outdated practices such as using paper money!!

• THE STORES – Your only legitimate source of materials. Discounts may be available for bulk-buying. Certain services may attract a surcharge. Be nice to the staff and they may be nice to you!!

• THE INSPECTORATE – Always monitoring your progress in terms of quality, innovation, teamwork. Have the ability to reward exceptional work with enhanced funding. May also impose fines for sloppy work or fraudulent practices.

Outside Agencies

How to Win

• Excellent teamwork• An innovative approach• Well-documented Planning• Financial acumen• The ability to meet deadlines• An outstanding Presentation of their work

(at least as good as what this one is!)

The most successful team will show:

How it WorksThe Bank

Stores

Field Tests

Judging

Judging Criteria