The AFA Near Space Challenge (NSC) was my attempt to promote High Altitude Ballooning (HABing) in the district.  For this event, I elected to partner with our local AFA chapter who would fund the event.  

Having great success with Project Horizon, I had hoped this interest in atmospheric experiments, integrated technology and multimedia encapsulation could somehow become a staple event in the region.  Unfortunately, AFA simply did not have the resources to sustain the contest.  

I developed the challenge having project management practices as a key component of the contest.  I envisioned a team of engineers working together to design one or more atmospheric experiments, having a number of constraints and limitations challenging them throughout.  

Student teams would be fully responsible to design, develop and integrate a number of experiments into a small styrofoam pod.   There were numerous constraints, to include size, weight, and strict timelines.  Students would receive a voucher to which they could procure items required for their experiments.  

Once the pod has been delivered and flown into near space, students would receive their data, analyze their findings and produce a final report.  This finalization of the report, along with artifacts of their journey would be encapsulated within a website submission.

Although the AFA Near Space Challenge was short lived due to resource limitations, I decided to alter the challenge slightly and introduce it as an official SkillsUSA contest this past year.  I am also very happy to announce that it will continue to be included in the upcoming AFCEA STEM Olympics.

It is also important to note that when I developed the website for the challenge, I decided to support the AFA Europe by providing a registration site for mentor support.  I also included my "Best Of" HAB resources for teachers interested to support HABing as part of their programs.