In the 2024/2025 season of the REFORMula Challenge Innovation Competition, teams will have to work with a special spacecraft structure: the solar sail. But what exactly is a solar sail, and what do you need to do with it? Watch the video below!
What is the goal of the competition?
The team that earns the most points will win the competition. There are two ways to earn points.
(I.) Each team must control a virtual model of a solar sail (Virtual Solar Sail = ViSoS) so that the ViSoS is as close as possible to Earth as the target at the end of the competition. The ViSoS can be controlled by adjusting its angle relative to the Sun. Teams can do this manually (by setting a specific angle) or by creating an algorithm.
(II.) Teams must complete two additional tasks during the competition, which will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges.
(II.A.) Teams must design a graphic on the surface of their solar sail facing away from the Sun. The graphic must communicate a faith-based message based on the specific technical challenge.
(II.B.) Additionally, they must write a short (max 3 pages) reflection on a book about faith and science after reading it.
What are solar sails?
Solar sails are a method of spacecraft propulsion that uses the radiation pressure exerted by sunlight on a large surface. A useful analogy for solar sails is a sailboat; the light exerting a force on the large surface is similar to a sail being blown by the wind. Solar sail craft offer the possibility of low-cost operations combined with high speeds and long operating lifetimes. Since they have few moving parts and use no propellant, they can potentially be used numerous times for the delivery of payloads.
Where and how will the competition take place?
The competition will be conducted online, with teams working individually to complete the assigned tasks. If teams have questions or requests, the organizers will provide assistance online during the competition. If location-based events are offered in connection with the competition, participation in them will be optional.
How much time does participation in the competition require?
Solving the three tasks involves two types of time requirements.
(1) Working with the ViSoS will be required throughout the duration of the competition. However, it should be noted that the main time investment is in writing the algorithm, which teams can modify periodically as needed. This means that while the competition lasts about six months, the main time commitment is at the beginning, followed by occasional „fine-tuning” of the ViSoS control, which may be required less frequently (e.g., biweekly, monthly, or manually) if the team deems the algorithm insufficient.
(2) For the graphic design and reflection writing tasks, the time requirement depends on the level of quality: a more thoughtful, creative graphic will take more time, and similarly, reading the chosen book and writing a reflection on it is also individual-dependent. However, it is advisable to think in terms of the entire team, e.g. to divide the reading or graphic design processes.
How can the ViSoS be controlled?
To control the ViSoS towards the target, the angle (alpha) between the line perpendicular to the sail’s plane and the Sun-ViSoS line must be adjusted, as shown in the diagram below. By setting the alpha angle, the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the ViSoS can be changed, helping it reach the target. ViSoS motion takes place on an online platform (online simulator), where the motion data of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, and Mars are provided based on the NASA Horizons System for the specific day of the competition. The realistic motion of the ViSoS is provided by the online simulator, which includes motion equations that account for the effect of angular values on the motion of the ViSoS. Teams can set this angle value on their own online interface, where they can also create simpler algorithms if needed.
Importantly, solving the task does not require specialized or complex programming or astrophysics knowledge. The organizers will provide the interface for teams to successfully participate in the competition with an average high school education and some creative thinking, they can successfully participate in the competition. Furthermore, teams will receive the necessary background knowledge to solve the task through an online lecture related to ViSoS motion. Additionally, teams will receive a Python-based offline simulator where they can test their algorithms before uploading them to the online simulator.
What kind of graphic should be created?
Teams must design a graphic on the surface of the ViSoS that is not directly exposed to sunlight. The graphic should be in keeping with the spirit of the challenge, which emphasizes the compatibility of scientific thinking and faith. Teams must define a message they wish to communicate and represent it visually. The graphic should be created in a digital format that can be applied to the 3D model of the ViSoS, see The 3D model used is available on the NASA website. The graphic will be evaluated by a professional jury, and the points awarded will be based on expert opinions.
What kind of reflection is required for the competition?
Teams are free to choose an author who has published work in the form of a book on the topic of faith and science. It is important that the chosen author’s work is truly scientific, meaning esoteric or astrological writings are not acceptable. Examples include works by Alister McGrath and John Lennox, or from the history of science, such as Isaac Newton’s works that connect his scientific theories with his religious beliefs. The reflection must fit within 3 A4 pages, using 12-point font, single spacing, and normal margins. The reflection should briefly introduce the book and reflect on its content: what the reader learned, how they were enriched, what they agreed or disagreed with, etc. Personal thoughts are welcome but must relate to the book’s topic.
It is also acceptable to choose an author who does not examine scientific questions from an explicitly Christian perspective. A suitable choice could be, for example, Stephen Hawking’s „A Brief History of Time”, where the author also reflects on the question of God. When writing the reflection on such works, teams should also consider how to evaluate the author’s claims from a Christian perspective.
When does the competition start and how long does it last?
- 01.10.2024-20.11.2024: team registration period
- 01.12.2024: ViSoS launch
- 28.02.2025: deadline for submitting the graphic design task
- 30.05.2025: deadline for submitting the reflection
- 15.06.2025: end of competition, „landing”
- Closing ceremony (date and location to be announced)
What is at stake in the competition?
The main prize of the competition is the achievable admission points to the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), with the highest-scoring teams (1st to 3rd place) receiving extra admission points. The organizers are working on getting sponsors, and then it is planned to offer additional prizes to the teams in the form of physical or other rewards.
The total prize structure and the overall scoring system— including the points for each task— have not been finalized yet but will be confirmed before the competition starts. Tentatively, 50% of the points will come from Task I, and 25% each from Tasks II.A and II.B.
How and until when can teams register?
Teams can register between 2024.10.01 and 2024.11.20 by filling out the following Google Forms. Participation in the competition is free. Each team can have 4 members from secondary grammar schools, high schools or universities. Before the ViSoS launch, we will get in touch with the teams to provide the necessary background knowledge (through a maximum of two online presentations and optional consultations). Participation in the competition can be entirely online, and attendance at any in-person events that might be offered will be optional.
Click here to register.
Has there been a similar competition before?
Since the 2020/2021 academic year, the Foundation for Mission for Engineers has been organizing the REFORMula Challenge Innovation Competition, which has welcomed teams from Hungary, Transylvania (Romania), Subcarpathia (Ukraine), and the Highlands (Slovakia), with nearly 350 secondary grammar school students and university students participating so far. We are proud that the Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), the National Laboratory of Autonomous Systems, the Ministry for Innovation and Technology (and its successors), Design Terminal, Grabarics Road and Utility Ltd., and the Danubian Reformed Church District have all supported the organization of our competitions.
We are especially pleased to have been able to support the shaping of young people’s perspectives through excursions to the ZalaZone Automotive Proving Ground, the House of Hungarian Music, and the Bible Museum, as well as through individual and group mentoring, and by providing Institutional admission entrance points to assist their applications to BME.
Videos about the previous REFORMula Challenges can be found here.