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It takes a special kind of power to explore the extremes of space, and NASA wants to hear how it would energize your space-exploration dreams! This writing challenge invites K-12th grade students in the United States to dream up a mission to go to the darkest and farthest reaches of space using what's known as radioisotope power systems.

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Entries are due by Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

Education Resources

Educator Guides

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  Where Do Spacecraft Get Their Power?

  This whiteboard video describes how "radioisotope power" allows many spacecraft, such as NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars, to stay powered while traveling through space and exploring other planets.

  Subject Technology

  Grades 7-12

  Time Less than 30 mins

Student Articles

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  NASA Space Place: What Powers a Spacecraft?

  A spacecraft generally gets its energy from at least one of three power sources: the Sun, batteries or unstable atoms.

  Subject Technology

  Grades 3-7

  Time Less than 30 mins