Lower Sixth Scientists Soar in the UK Space Design Competition

Writes Chaitya J. (L6th)

On Saturday 29th of November, eight Taylors’ Lower Sixth Formers logged on to take part as the first Merchant Taylors’ team in the UK Space Design Competition, participating in the online Regional Round. After being given a challenging brief, the boys took many positions of responsibility within our company of about 25 people, with Xander M. being elected Head of Structural Engineering, Ansh A. being elected Head of Business and Marketing, Ali J being elected as Head of Mission Systems, and myself being elected VP for Business and Marketing.

We immediately got to work, with the team working on every aspect creating an inner solar system cargo transporter. The boys worked on everything from the docking procedures, the design of the ship and the budgeting of everything, ranging from individual parts to RnD costs. I personally was in charge of putting together the team’s presentation, helping design the template for the slides and working with all the teams to put together an engaging, thoughtful, and all-encompassing presentation while working within our slide limit.

I also got to present on our budget choices to the whole competition, while Taylors’ boys took questions on topics encompassing budget to the choice of shape in design. While in the end we didn’t win, our team was complimented on our design of the unloading procedures and on our crew procedures.

Taking part in the competition was an absolutely amazing experience. Personally, being able to work with so many different teams, organising subteams and negotiating with the teams for slide space was a real highlight. Being able to take part in such an amazing industry simulation event was an eye-opening insight into how real companies work and I know that every Merchant Taylors’ boy who took part learnt a lot about the industry and learnt many skills – especially teamwork, and important industry skills like budgeting, CAD Design and creating proposals and bids.