Aspiring space scientists, engineers, architects and designers came together to design a sustainable lunar base capable of supporting human life on the moon during a 48-hour hackathon organised by the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA).
The ‘Moon Habitat Hackathon’ was held in co-operation with Youth City 2030, and brought together Bahraini students and graduates in information technology, engineering, architecture, design and science, aged 18 to 35.
BSA chief executive Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri noted that the hackathon came within the framework of the agency’s strategy to spread the culture of space science and promote innovation and creativity among Bahraini youth, in line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030.
“We believe that Bahrain’s youth have the ambition and ability to contribute to the future of the Bahraini space sector,” he added.
“This hackathon is not just a contest, it is a platform to turn ideas into actionable projects, and nurture the ambition to achieve concrete results.”
He added that the event, which took place at Al Mabarrah Al Khalifia Foundation in Riffa, strengthens Bahrain’s regional and international position in the fields of space and advanced technology.
The 48-hour hackathon tasked participants working in small teams with designing a lunar base capable of supporting human life on the moon and developing innovative solutions to the challenges of living in space.
An external jury of experts and academics specialised in engineering and science evaluated the entries, and the winning team received cash prizes.
“Al Mabarrah Al Khalifia Foundation is proud to host the Moon Habitat Hackathon, which embodies our vision of empowering young people and providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary for academic and professional success and to face various challenges in their daily and practical lives,” the foundation’s representative Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said.
“We believe that investing in the minds of young people is the real investment for Bahrain’s future, and this hackathon is the best evidence of their creative abilities that touch the horizons of space.”
The hackathon drew strong participation from Bahraini youth, highlighting a growing interest in space science and emerging technologies.
Youth Affairs Ministry assistant under-secretary for support and initiatives Nani Al Butti added that the ministry pays great attention to empowering young people in modern scientific and technical fields.