Armenian companies offer space solutionsNASA global initiative in Byurakan On April 22-23, Armenia hosted the fifth International Space Apps Challenge organized by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The contest which took place at the international conference center of Byurakan observatory will help unite efforts of IT specialists for solutions of global tasks and raise awareness about space exploration. April 23, 2016 PanARMENIAN.Net - Arman Atoyan, the director of Armenian X-Tech company dealing with the organization of the contest, told PanARMENIAN.Net about how the contest is conducted. The International Space Apps Challenge is an international mass collaboration focused on space exploration that takes place over 48-hours in cities around the world. The event embraces collaborative problem solving with a goal of producing relevant open-source solutions to address global needs applicable to both life on Earth and life in space. For Armenia, the event will become a perfect opportunity to join the global space initiative.
“NASA has developed a very interesting format of international collaboration. For the fifth straight year, International Space Apps Challenge is mobilizing various resources – high technologies, design and applied science – to find best solutions. Participants get various thematic tasks like optimization of armors, major calculations, machine learning, virtual reality solutions, etc. As result, open-source products are created for further use in global industry,” Atoyan said. As any solution presented during the contest is open, other teams can use and develop them. However, according to Atoyan, commercial use is prohibited. Armenian companies ARLOOPA and X-Tech have already participated in previous contests, presenting VR solutions for Moon or Mars walk, thus paving the way for conduction of International Space Apps Challenge in Armenia.
“Presently, preparation works are underway. 50 people, either in teams or individuals, will be participating to present a final product. For example, junior university students will be tasked to develop an application or website showing the positions of Moon and Earth,” Atoyan said. This year’s challenges focuses on 6 themes: International Space Station, Journey to Mars, Earth, Technology, Solar System and Beyond, Aeronautics. Arman Gasparyan / PanARMENIAN.Net Most popular in the section 10 useful mobile apps for comfortable trips Bringing comfort, design and more 3 Armenian startups en route to becoming unicorns More articles in this section Revolut launches in Armenia Fast and free money transfers, no hidden fees Augmented Reality T-shirts Combination of textile and technologies For little painters Armenian startup creates coloring game for children | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |