All submissions were evaluated on the basis of four criteria: communication; innovation; validity; and critical thinking\/critical analysis. A panel of CSA<\/abbr> experts<\/strong> then did a blind review and ranked the top submissions.<\/p>\n Below are short summaries of the top submissions for each category (grades\u00a06 to 8 and grades\u00a09 to 12). Spoiler alert: these summaries do not do justice to the in-depth work done by the participants. As a team or individually, they learned about the life of astronauts in space and mental health, did extensive research, brainstormed, discussed with experts to validate their idea and its feasibility, reflected on how to best adapt it to the space environment, and thought of creative terrestrial applications for their proposed solutions.<\/p>\n Many even went above and beyond what was requested, providing videos and creating prototypes. While these were not assessed, it showed us once again how curious, engaged and creative<\/strong> young Canadians are. You inspire us!<\/strong><\/p>\n Thank you<\/strong> to all the participants and to the many educators who facilitated the activity. Well done!<\/p>\n And congratulations<\/strong> to everyone whose submission made it to the top, especially our grand prize winners:<\/p>\n The grand prize winners of the Space Brain Hack, Bhavi (left) and Maya. (Credit: provided by the families)<\/p>\n The top three winners for each category will be invited to take part in a virtual working session with CSA<\/abbr> experts, during which they will present their solution to the experts and the other winners and receive feedback about their idea.<\/p>\n Bhavishyaa and Maya win a virtual visit from a\u00a0CSA<\/abbr>\u00a0expert or astronaut.<\/p>\n We can’t wait to see what young Canadians will imagine in the next edition of the Space Brain Hack! Details and the theme will be announced in the fall. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Bhavishyaa<\/strong>
Bhavishyaa proposes a VR<\/abbr> headset that includes stereo sound, detection gloves and preprogrammed places on Earth that the astronaut is fond of. The headset would also use brain wave analysis to monitor the astronaut’s emotions and automatically change the setting to relax their mind if required. The technology could be adapted for people who are struggling during periods of isolation (e.g.<\/abbr> snowstorms, seasonal changes, viruses).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Lea, Lily and their colleagues<\/strong>
This solution is based on a game called “exquisite corpse.” It aims to make astronauts feel less lonely through the use of communication and game apps, and will bring lots of fun to their daily lives. The proposed games feature drawings and stories that are zany, unexpected, magical and hilarious. Players will participate in comic jams, complete stories without knowing the beginning, and rearrange famous characters cut into three interchangeable parts (head, torso, legs)! These games can be played initially by the astronauts and their family and friends, but can then be opened up to everyone. That way, the public will able to follow along on the space journey while providing drawings and stories that alleviate the crew’s anxiety by making them laugh. The more the merrier!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Areeb<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Redesigned Atlas (telepresence robot)
The solution proposed combines virtual reality, an exoskeleton and telepresence robots. This will allow astronauts to “physically” interact with people on Earth, helping maintain their social and physical connections with family and friends. The robot could perform a wide range of actions, and have sensors to give it human-like senses and touch. Its movements would be controlled by an exoskeleton donned by the astronaut in space and have a screen on its face to project the astronaut’s face, allowing more personal interactions. A VR<\/abbr> headset would allow the astronaut’s facial reaction to be projected onto the robot’s screen face and receiving feedback as well.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Rio, Varana, Anjali<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Fur\/dusting part (to be placed everywhere except eyes and nose)
Multi Task Mutt is a robotic mental health support dog with fur spots to be pet, but that can also help with chores in space (e.g.<\/abbr> vacuuming, dusting, capturing images). The robotic support dog would have its own dedicated magnetic station on board making its presence known and providing comfort to the astronauts. The goal is to make astronauts’ daily tasks easier, but also give time to focus on other aspects of their well-being in space.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Diya, Samreen, Tamanna<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Astronaut
The team proposes using a series of lights that can mimic Earth’s rhythms and Moon phases in order to help with astronauts’ sleep and circadian rhythms. This device will be programmed to adjust the colour and dimness of the light to the time of day on Earth from where the rocket was launched. The goal of this device is to address the lack of sleep that astronauts may experience during the Artemis missions and on board the Orion spacecraft.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Parker, Wesley, Isaac<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Treadmill
In order to simulate a walk or a hike, beautiful landscapes will be displayed in a virtual reality headset while the astronaut is on the treadmill. It will be a very realistic experience that can relieve stress, increase heart rate and improve fitness.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Grace, Ebunoluwa, Olumorewa, Chinemerem, Chikanyima, Randy<\/strong>
This solar light or lamp would help with astronauts’ mood, sleep, and mental\/emotional health in space. It would mimic sunlight and provide much-needed vitamin D, to regulate astronauts’ sleep cycles and inner clock, but also facilitate their rehabilitation when they come back to Earth.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Harliv and Jaden<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Astronaut
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n iPad Pro
This solution encourages astronauts to take part in creative activities such as digital art and drawing to express their emotions through art using a digital pen. Dedicating a couple of hours or more, astronauts can also share their art with fellow crewmembers. Digital art can help with astronauts’ stress levels and make them calmer and focus better on their tasks.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Sofie, Hailey, Valeria<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Les activit\u00e9s dans le paquet
Sofie, Hailey, and Valeria propose sending a personalized package to astronauts made up of different calming activities, such as colouring books, and other stimulating activities like a Rubik’s cube and engineering activity kits. The goal is to provide astronauts with a variety of ways to spend their time on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Kien, Jayden, Ariyan, Alex<\/strong>
<\/p>\n VR<\/abbr> headset
This solution uses virtual reality and a stationary bike to simulate a ride through nature. This solution will enable the user to ride on a bike path and improve their mental health. Music can enhance the experience.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Maya<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Robotic cat shares similar sensors and features as the robotic dog
Maya proposes a solution that combines robotics and virtual technology to address issues caused by prolonged isolation and lack of sensory stimuli in space. The digital pets would be an AI<\/abbr> assistant for the astronauts who could not only interact with and train their pets to combat boredom, but could also access multimedia content, such as music, movies, documentaries, and audio files that are unique to their preferences. Additionally, the robotic pets could remind the astronauts of important events and tasks.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The use of robotic pets could be beneficial to the well-being and mental health of the elderly or bedridden population, who may experience loneliness and might not have the physical capability or resources to own, feed, walk or care for a real pet. Children with conditions like autism and Down syndrome can benefit from having a non-allergenic robotic pet as it provides comfort and social stimulation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Sadie<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Portable unit containing:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n Nasal cannula
The sense of smell can trigger memories. Sadie proposes to use scent to unlock positive emotions in astronauts to help maintain their mental wellness while on missions. This would be done using VR<\/abbr> headsets with pre-programmed videos and photos from the astronaut’s life and technology that would distribute the scents to match the images on the VR<\/abbr> headset. The goal is to use scent combined with visual imagery to bring back nostalgia and create a positive enhanced emotional response.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Karen<\/strong>
<\/p>\n VR<\/abbr> headset<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n Screen view<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n Virtual reality room<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/ul>\n
Karen proposes to use a VR<\/abbr> system with handheld controllers for astronauts to exercise, play video games with friends, build teamwork, and increase mental stimulation in space. This VR<\/abbr> system would require only a small, dedicated space in order to navigate through a digital world. This VR<\/abbr> could be motivational, rewarding, and fun for astronauts.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Maya<\/strong>
<\/p>\n Mars in all its beauty
The solution involves providing personalized digital content based on the astronaut’s preferences, such as nature documentaries, relaxation techniques, favourite places, music and art therapy, through a tablet or similar device. A private, customizable recreational room equipped with virtual reality technology could also be created to deliver the same content and make it feel more like home. This VR<\/abbr> room would be separate from work and activity areas to avoid mixing work and relaxation periods. It would have noise-cancelling properties, minimal lights to prevent disruptions to the astronaut’s circadian rhythm, comfortable lounging chairs, and a specific temperature to ensure comfort.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Shivam<\/strong>
<\/p>\n StellarAI<\/abbr>
Shivam would like to introduce StellarAI<\/abbr>, a virtual reality AI<\/abbr> bot to maintain both good mental health and a healthy physique through a virtual 3D<\/abbr> space. Astronauts will be able to interact with a fully integrated chatbot that measures stress levels and the mental health of the astronaut. It generates responses and activities for the astronaut to do based on this data. Through the 3D<\/abbr> interface, astronauts can also virtually interact with their family on Earth.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n StellarAI<\/abbr> is trained and equipped with vast amounts of code and a database of information from Earth. It assesses the individual with head, hand and body sensors. It can have a conversation with the user and direct them to a virtual reality experience like going for a run, playing a sport, or speaking with their family based on the diagnostic made.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p><\/div>\nGrades 6 to 8<\/h2>\n
\u00a0FIRST PLACE: PeaceMaker<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06
\n Oakville, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n\u00a0SECOND PLACE: Comical mission<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06
\n Biblioth\u00e8que Georges-Brossard<\/span>\/Maison des jeunes de Saint-Bruno<\/span>
\n Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville<\/span>, Quebec<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Drawing](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-mayalea-et-lily-bande-dessinee-trois-cases.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n\u00a0THIRD PLACE: Telepresence Robot<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a07
\n Ottawa, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-areeb-dessin-d-un-robot-androide.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n VR<\/abbr> headset
\n Exoskeleton<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n4\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Multi Task Mutt<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06
\n Macville Public School
\n Bolton, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-varana-et-anjali-dessin-d-un-robot-chien.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Camera for eyes
\n Movement joints (mj<\/abbr>)
\n Feet joints (fj<\/abbr>)
\n Data compartment\/power source<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n5\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Mission Sleep<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06
\n Macville Public School
\n Bolton, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-diya-samreen-et-tamanna-dessin-d-un-astronaut.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Light shining during sunrise (morning)
\n Light shining during sunset (afternoon)
\n Size of lights can be adjusted based on available space in spacecraft
\n Emergency button to run lights on\/off (note: there are two emergency buttons on the drawing)
\n Will be 56\u00a0lights in total
\n Roof can be made with reflective material to reflect light
\n Microchip inside is connected to weather satellite so light can change colours based on satellite’s message
\n At night, lights turn pale white to mimic Moon phases
\n Space where crewmembers stay
\n Emergency button to turn lights on\/off (note: there are two emergency buttons on the drawing)<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n6\u00a0\u2013\u00a0VR<\/abbr> Hiking<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a08
\n Fisher Park Summit Alternative Public School
\n Ottawa, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-parker-wesley-et-isaac-dessin-d-un-homme-avec-casque-vr.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n VR<\/abbr> headset<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n7\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Solar Lamp Therapy<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06-7-8
\n Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, Dalhousie University
\n Halifax, Nova Scotia<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-grace-ebunoluwa-olumorewa-chinemerem-chikanyima-et-randy-dessin-d-une-lampe-rectangulaire.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n8\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Digital Brain<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a06
\n Lambeth Public School
\n London, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Drawing](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-harliv-et-jaden-dessin-d-un-astronaute-en-microgravite.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Thought bubbles:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n Drawing app
\n Apple pen<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n9\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Contenant de calme\/Calm Crate<\/h3>\n
\n Gradev8
\n Fisher Park Summit Alternative Public School
\n Ottawa, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Pencil](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-sofie-hailey-et-valeria-dessin-d-un-cadeau-emballe.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Le paquet pour astronaute dans l’espace (on the gift box)<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n10\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Space bicycle<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a08
\n Fisher Park Summit Alternative Public School
\n Ottawa, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-kien-jayden-aruyan-et-alex-dessin-d-un-velo-stationnaire.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Exercise bike
\n What you see<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/section>\nGrades\u00a09 to 12<\/h2>\n
\u00a0FIRST PLACE: Cosmic Companions: Digital Pets in Space<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a010
\n Calgary, Alberta<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-maya-dessin-d-un-robot-chat-et-robot-chien.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Visual sensors \u2013 eyes display emotions
\n Audio sensors
\n Touch sensors
\n Movable tail \u2013 displays emotions
\n Movable neck \u2013 to nod or shake head
\n More traditional colours (orange tabby cat)
\n Customizable colours and features
\n More colourful and untraditional for a dog<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n\u00a0SECOND PLACE: The Musk of “Nose-talgia”<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a09
\n Stittsville, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-sadie-inforgraphie-d-une-personne.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
<\/p>\n
\n Flexible tube
\n VR<\/abbr> headset playing photos and videos<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n\u00a0THIRD PLACE: Virtual Reality: Our Solution to Improving Mental Health of Astronauts<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a09
\n Homeschooled
\n Calgary, Alberta<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Coloured](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-karen-dessin-d-un-casque-rv.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n4\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The Journey of Bringing Earth to Space<\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a010
\n Calgary, Alberta<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Coloured](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-maya-dessin-d-un-homme-dans-un-fauteuil-rv.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n Lounging chairs
\n Lighting
\n Man wearing VR<\/abbr> headset
\n Recreational room would be able to accommodate more than two lounging chairs<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n5\u00a0\u2013\u00a0StellarAI<\/abbr><\/h3>\n
\n Grade\u00a010
\n Brampton, Ontario<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![\"Labelled](\"https:\/\/www.asc-csa.gc.ca\/images\/blogue\/2023\/2023-05-18-shivam-collage-de-photos.jpg\")
<\/p>\nText version: <\/span><\/summary>\n
\n StellarAI<\/abbr> Bot
\n Simulation: sample run in woods through lens of VR<\/abbr>
\n Camera
\n VR<\/abbr> headset
\n Handset
\n Movement stand: fluid movement 360\u00a0degrees<\/p>\n
\n <\/details>\n
\n <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/section>\n