Overview 

ZR is a five-week science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program that introduces middle school students to computer programming, robotics, and space engineering, and provides hands-on experience programming NASA's Astrobees. The program typically culminates in a tournament in early August where winning teams’ codes compete aboard the ISS. A live feed from the ISS allows us to see the satellites operate in space while astronauts provide real-time commentary!

Astrobees

The Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) have retired! In 2019, the Zero Robotics competition celebrated 10 years of operation on the SPHERES satellites. These robots supported a wide range of research on the ISS since 2006 as one of the most utilized and popular experimental tools on the station with 500+ hours of astronaut time.  Technology has since advanced, and the SPHERES hardware showed signs of wear. Those robots were then decommissioned and retired.

In their place, NASA has sent up new robots called Astrobees. The Astrobee system consists of three cubed-shaped robots, software, and a docking station used for recharging. The robots — Honey, Queen, and Bumble — use electric fans as a propulsion system that allows them to fly freely through the microgravity environment of the ISS. Cameras and sensors help them to see and navigate their surroundings. Each Astrobee is equipped with a perching arm that allows it to grasp station handrails to conserve energy or to hold other items. The header image above is from NASA.

Tasks

The satellites are controlled by programs developed by students. In the middle school program, teams create, edit, share, save, simulate, and submit programming code to accomplish the task at hand. The competition changes each year and is generally motivated by a problem of interest to NASA and MIT.

The students use a graphical editor to write code, then simulate their programs immediately and see the results. Students’ programs control the satellites' speed, rotation, and direction of travel. Participants program their satellites to complete competition objectives, for example navigating obstacles, while conserving resources such as fuel. The programs are autonomous, meaning the students are not able to directly control the satellites while they are running.

After several phases of competition, regional finalists compete in a championship aboard the ISS. Astronauts use the students’ code to conduct the championship competition in microgravity with a live broadcast! See the schedule for specific dates during our season.

Goals

Zero Robotics (ZR) seeks to inspire the next generation of great minds by allowing them unprecedented access to space at the middle school level. By making the benefits and resources of the ISS tangible to students, ZR hopes to cultivate an appreciation of STEM through collaborative competition. ZR builds critical engineering skills, including problem-solving, and teamwork. It connects students with prominent scientists and encourages them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

While being an informational and educational course, ZR should also be fun. There is a lot of content to cover, but we believe it is important to also provide students with opportunities to get up, move around, and enjoy their time. ZR seeks students who are excited to participate in a competition that challenges them with leadership, teamwork, computer programming, strategy, robotics, and aerospace!

Benefits

Students develop a range of 21st-century skills and advance their understanding of both STEM content and career opportunities. Critical ZR skills that can be applied anywhere in life include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. ZR also increases engagement in and excitement about learning STEM content, particularly technology. Students gain an understanding of the connection between what they’re learning and its relevance to their lives, both now and in the future.

Participation

This program is designed for middle school students who are rising 5th graders through rising 9th graders. The Natick Novas meet for about 6 hours a week for 5 weeks. That is 30+ hours of fun! To be eligible to become a Natick Nova next summer, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be entering 5th-9th grade in fall 2025

• You must have a laptop (a desktop will work if joining virtually from home)

  • To bring to every in-person meeting

  • To use at home to do most, if not all, homework assignments

• You must have Google Chrome or Firefox

• You must have a Gmail account NOT associated with a school (such as a .edu address)

• You must be able to access Zoom

• You must be able and willing to work independently

  • Important when developing code

• You must be able and willing to work with a team

  • Important when collaborating on code and strategy

• You must do the homework that is assigned

  • These small assignments prepare you for the next meeting

  • Ensures you keep up with the rest of the team

• You must participate and be respectful during meetings

Feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ page for more information.