Asian Try Zero-G 2023 is an exciting ‘out of this world’ competition where students are able to propose an experiment or exercise that could be selected to be conducted by JAXA astronauts in the Kibo module of the International Space Station.

The Asian Try Zero-G competition has been created by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to promote crewed space experiment activities aboard Kibo. It is open to youth and young scientists and engineers who have citizenship of any countries which have Kibo – ABC Member Agency.

Students are asked to design and submit proposals for simple microgravity experiments or exercises that can be easily performed onboard the ISS.
Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of space professionals. Once chosen, the students will be guided in preparing their activity for launch.
The experiments and exercises will be performed by JAXA astronauts in the Kibo module on the International Space Station. The demonstration of the space activities will be broadcast live and transmitted to JAXA’s ground station at Tsukuba Space Center, Japan.

One Giant Leap Australia Foundation is honoured to be offering the ATZG 2023 opportunity to Australian students.

Objectives

  • Encourage youth to develop an interest in space and space exploration
  • Highlight the value of the microgravity environment
  • Promote the understanding and utilisation of Japanese Experiment Module “KIBO” on the International Space Station
  • Inspire youth to design and implement unique space experiments and research themes

IMPORTANT NOTICE

We expect unique, novel and/or informative ideas that have never been done on the International Space Station/Kibo.

Please be aware that ideas realised in the past experiments will be excluded. See the following movies: https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kuoa/tryzerog/reference.html

Categories

Category A - simple physics experiments

Category A calls for proposals that allow visual confirmation of physical phenomena and require a description of a hypothesis/foundation as mathematically or logically as possible. See the videos from ATZG 2022 for some ideas.

Experiments that have been conducted in the past as well as videos are stored here for your reference.

https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/biz-lab/kuoa/tryzerog/

Here is a manifest of items onboard the International Space Station that you can use:

Manifest Download

Category B - Exercise that can be done in orbit

In category B, the call for proposals asks for a unique idea of a body movement or exercise that can be conducted by astronauts on board the Kibo module (in a closed space and under microgravity).

  • A unique body movement that can’t be done on the ground but can be done in space.
  • The exercise/ body movement may be effective under microgravity, yet easily done on Earth.
  • Proposals not found in past experiments. Please see past experiments here and here.
  • The use of simple/small items is possible (refer Notes for application). The exercise machine on board is not available.
  • Be as specific as possible in describing the purpose of the exercise, such as to stretch the biceps.
  • Do not aim for “medical research” or “medical practice”. It is not applicable to measure the effectiveness of exercise scientifically.

Refer to the following website (Japanese) for information on what it is like for astronauts to stay on board Kibo.

humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/life/health-in-space
humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/faq/detail/000734.html

Notes for application

  • Students can participate individually or in a group.
  • The experiment must be completed in the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”.
  • Proposals should not require special tools and only use those available on the ISS.
    a) Office supplies (paper, pens, scissors, rulers, binder clips, ziplock bags, etc.)
    b) Tools (drivers, wrenches, tweezers, etc.)
    c) Onboard items (see Available Onboard Items)
  • It is also possible to launch a new item if simple and small. (See: 7. Launch item)
  • The whole process of the experiment/exercise should be no longer than 10 minutes. The procedure should be concise and clear. Application forms can have a video attached as supplementary material.
  • In principle, the experiment or exercise should be performed by one astronaut. However, a proposal that has an experiment or exercise performed by multiple crews may also be accepted.
  • The experiment or exercise will be recorded on the International Space Station with a high-definition camera. These high-resolution images and videos are downlinked (downloaded) to the ground and distributed to the proposers.
  • Proposals that are assumed to lead to the financial interests of specific groups or organisations will not be accepted. Also, proposals such as commercial-based fitness and/or exercise cannot be submitted in category B. Furthermore, the activities of Asian Try Zero-G cannot be used for advertisement.
  • Other astronauts may act as substitutes, depending on JAXA astronaut’s schedule and operational status.

A total of 6 themes will be selected, with 3 themes for each category. The number of accepted proposals may be subject to change depending on the content of the selected theme.

Eligibility (Both Category A and B)

Students (individuals or in a group) up to graduate school in Asian Try Zero-G participating countries or regions that are part of the Kibo-ABC initiative members are eligible. Participant countries or regions for Asian Try Zero-G 2023 (as of March, 2023) are:

Australia
Bangladesh
Japan
Taiwan
Thailand

Arrangements are underway for other countries/regions.

Please refer to the official JAXA ATZG website for the latest list of participants.

humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/biz-lab/kuoa/tryzerooft

Kibo-ABC member countries and regions (alphabetical order): Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

Kibo-ABC URL: humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/biz-lab/kuoa

Schedule (tentative)

Call for proposals: April, 2023
First selections in Australia: 20th June 2023
Final selection by Jaxa: July 2023
On-orbit experiment: December 2023 to February 2024
Wrap-up session: March 2024

Please note: Schedule may change without prior notice. On orbit experiment date to be determined by the on-orbit schedule.

Points for Consideration

Some experiments may be considered dangerous on the International Space Station or in the Kibo module. They could also be difficult to realise due to astronaut activity restrictions. When proposing an idea, please consider the following:

A) The following is considered unsafe in the ISS/Kibo
– Use of dangerous materials or object
– Sprinkling a large amount of water (1 litre or more) into the Kibo module.
– Releasing a certain amount of gas, especially ones the ISS doesn‘t have the capability to dispose of
– Scattering tiny articles such as powder, bolts and nuts, and pieces of paper
– Usage of high-speed spinning objects with the large mass
– Fragile objects (glass, etc.)
– Items with sharp edges

B) The following points are considered impractical in the ISS/Kibo:
– Long duration of crew time
– Sacrificing crew’s rights, privacy
– Required to terminate air flow in the cabin for a long period of time
– Blocks crew’s emergency evacuation path, e.g. closing hatches

Extra launch items

The proposal can use the items listed in the manifest (link). However, you may propose a launch item under the following conditions:

Dimensions: within 35 x 30 x 8 cm when folded
Weighs less than 950 grams
Specifications: no sharp edges, without any motive power (batteries are not acceptable), no living thing, no chemicals, fire resistant material
Even if the item satisfies the above criteria, smaller and lighter items are preferable.

The proposed items may not be used for the experiments for a variety of reasons. Please note the launched items will not be returned.

How to write an experiment proposal

With reference to the sample proposal (link), the experiment proposal must include the following:

  • Applicant information
  • Experiment title
  • Hypothesis and Theory
    Hypothesis
    Schematic model
    Mathematical and Theoretical Hypothesis
  • Necessary items for implementation (including launching new items, if necessary)
  • Procedure

OPTIONAL:

A photo of the proposer(s). If you wish to be photographed with an astronaut in Kibo, your picture data will be uploaded to on-orbit. Please note if there are too many interested applicants, a random selection will be made. The photo/image will be open to the public and broadcast.

How to write an exercise proposal

With reference to the sample proposal (link), the experiment proposal must include the following:

  • Applicant information
  • Exercise title
  • Purpose/use of exercise
  • Description of the exercise (a diagram or video may be used)
  • Necessary items for implementation (including launching new items, if necessary)
  • Procedure

OPTIONAL:

A photo of the proposer(s). If you wish to be photographed with an astronaut in Kibo, your picture data will be uploaded to on-orbit. Please note if there are too many interested applicants, a random selection will be made. The photo/image will be open to the public and broadcast.

JAXA Terms and Conditions

Applicants must agree to all of the terms below.

(1) Management of Submitted Proposal

a) JAXA has the right to modify the idea, conduct the activity in space, and apply the result to the public and for educational purposes.

b) Images and pictures in the submitted proposal will be open to the public via JAXA’s website. The images/pictures may be utilised for public/educational purposes.

c) JAXA may use the submitted proposal for public/educational purposes even if the idea is not conducted in space.

d) If any of the requirements are not met, the acceptance can be withdrawn, even after the idea is accepted as a proposed experiment.

(2) Privacy Policy

The personal information collected through this application will only be used to inform the applicant of the selection result, publication, and events related to this project. The videos and photos taken at this program will be made publicly available.

(3) Responsibility of Applicant and Exemption Clause of JAXA

JAXA will not be liable for any problems that may occur during program participation. Applicants need to take full responsibility for solving issues of this nature that may arise.

Expression of Interest

To submit your Australian proposal via the official submission form on this webpage. All proposals become the property of One Giant Leap Australia.

The selected final proposals will be posted on JAXA’s website with the contents and name of proposer in July 2023.

File upload, please use the same email address as this form submission: https://onegiantleap.wetransfer.com/
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Asian Try Zero-G 2023 Videos