REVEALED: Tipperary scout group named as finalists in exciting space competition

A Tipperary Scout group, based in Cahir, is set to shoot for the stars after being named as a finalist in the Resonate Testing Space Challenge.

In a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event hosted in February, 15 entries from across Ireland had the opportunity to present their ideas to Tom Mallon, Managing Director at Resonate Testing and Rita Malosti, Key Account and Bid Manager at Mbryonics, where seven teams were announced as finalists. The local Scout group team, named Cahir Constellations, is now tasked with building their satellite, and will travel to Resonate Testing’s facility on 23rd March, where their satellite will be tested.

“At Resonate Testing, we are committed to fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists,” commented Tom Mallon, Managing Director at Resonate Testing.

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“The Space Challenge has been a great opportunity for Scout groups from across Ireland to engage in hands-on STEM learning, from the initial design phase to the actual building and testing of their satellites.

“The creativity, technical thinking and teamwork displayed by the Scout groups was outstanding and we’re looking forward to welcoming the finalists to our facility in a few weeks’ time where they’ll be able to put their ideas to the test and learn more about the conditions that real-life satellites would have to endure in space.

“A big thank you to Rita from Mbryonics, which is an amazing high-tech space company based in Galway, who was able to support the judging process. Well done to everyone who took part and good luck to all the finalists.”

Elsewhere, Rónán McGibbon, Scouting Ireland added: "Partnering with Resonate Testing on this project has been an incredible experience for Scouting Ireland. This challenge not only encourages our young people to explore the worlds of space and engineering but also helps them develop critical STEM skills, creativity, and teamwork in a hands-on and inspiring way."

For the final on 23rd March, Scout groups will be supplied with a Meccano-style construction kit by Resonate Testing and will be required to design and assemble a structure which they believe would survive an actual launch into space.

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