Aurora-MIT & 'Zero Robotics'

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Middle school students from across 12 states and Russia participated Aug. 11 in a live interactive broadcast of NASA Astronaut Jack Fischer operating satellites developed by Aurora Flight Services and MIT university aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The basketball-sized battery operated satellites were controlled using computer code written by the students as part of the Zero Robotics summer learning program. Founded by MIT's Space Systems Laboratory and run in partnership with Aurora and the Innovation Learning Center, Zero Robotics is programming competition for middle and high school students who learn to write software to autonomously control the Aurora-built SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS. "Aurora is proud to partner with MIT on this innovative and engaging STEM-education program," said John Langford, Aurora chairman/CEO. Aurora's involvement has evolved to encompass student mentoring, instructor education, and curriculum development. Zero Robotics is also open to high school students, with that tournament being held from September to December for students in grades 9-to-12. (Source: PR Newswire 08/11/17) Aurora is an innovative technology company striving to create smarter aircraft through the development of versatile and intuitive autonomous systems. Aurora operates a production plant in Columbus, Miss.