Students shine in science competition by creating an ion engine – universal

Gustavo Coga, Samuel Cattelan and Gabriel Santana are only 17 years old and are gaining fame in the world of science. They developed an innovative “ion engine” for spacecraft and became a finalist in the Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (Febrace) competing with projects from all over the country.

The trio studies at the Adventist Education Network of Mato Grosso do Sul, at the Jardim Leblon Unit, in Campo Grande. For them, support from school and family has been key in this journey. Under the guidance of Professor Camila Monteiro Batista, the young scientists were selected from more than 500 registered projects, guaranteeing them a place in the finals to be held in March in São Paulo.

Gustavo Coga explains that the project is an “electric rocket” and its cost is lower. Final details will be finalized before competing at SP and later in Los Angeles in May.

Camila Batista, who is proud of the students, says they serve as role models for the school's students. “I admit that I learn a lot from the students, it is incredible how they devote time and dedication to this project, and how it has an impact on science and other colleagues in the school.”

According to Camila, the technical part is essential to the success of the project. Therefore, the partnership with the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) was of great importance in providing the Technical Sciences Laboratory. With the help of this partnership, the students overcame challenges during the development of the project.

Project preparation- The ion thrust story began last year. Because they love mechanics, physics and programming, it was not difficult for them, but rather it was great fun for them. The challenges started when they realized the lack of knowledge in the technical aspects of 3D modeling and modeling, but nothing discouraged them.

Because they were confident that it could work and after long hours of work, they used recycled products that they had at the time, and in the end the innovation surprised the creators.

The students did a lot of research online and found little depth of material. Only one model was found that served as the basis, made in the United States, and whose creator provided information to assist students.

“And we decided to create our own. At first we didn't know many things; soon after that they applied them as space models and the result was positive and exciting for us,” says Gabriel.

“Our inspiration has come through films and series and this generates many questions and doubts and pushes us to create and challenge our limits with science and physics. We want the best for people’s lives and somehow create a less polluted world.”

Roberto Chiavito, professor at UFMS, added to the project the interdisciplinary approach with technical and theoretical application, as well as working on the complex part of the project involving architecture and assembly.

school- Nadia Silveira, the school's principal, explains that the unit always holds science fairs and encourages students to participate and interact with different topics and develop creativity.

In addition to the trio that created the project, a fourth student will travel to São Paulo. Maria Fernanda, from the second year, was the winner of an internal competition and will be accompanying the students in March “and we help with financial resources for the trip when necessary. In addition, there will be a teacher in charge of the students.

“Having students represent us in other states and even another country is great. We want to ensure that education in their lives is the key to improving our society,” Nadia concluded.