The Georgimal Stick
This idea has been brought to life
Inventing new games is not easy, but the Georgimal stick is definitely something we haven't seen before! So glad James Plant decided to bring it to life!
Maker blog entries
The Georgimal stick, what an interesting concept to keep astronauts engaged and relaxed! The sketch brief was pretty detailed in this design. I wanted to bring the idea to life the most I could on earth. With the effects of gravity, I needed to decide how the Georgimal would fly! I was able to source a small drone that flys similar to how a Georgimal would in space.
I used a process called laser cutting to cut the profiles of the marshmallow launcher and the base of the stick. The post is made from polypropylene, a strong and lightweight plastic and the ball as shown in the design drawing sits on top to stop the Georgimal escaping.
What our experts think!
Dear Bryson, thank you for your superb proposed idea. You have created an idea with multiple science aspects that could potentially lead to new space technology. Furthermore inventing something for the astronaut to have fun is fundamental for their well-being during long-duration missions. Your Georgimal attached to the end of a string flying around a post is a great engineering concept that poses great challenges in a zero-gravity environment and the aerospace engineers love challenges! Also, for an astronaut to aim and hit with precision requires skills that are affected in a zero-gravity environment. It could also be used to check the astronaut reflex and monitor some of the effect of long duration flights on the astronaut health. Great concept we love it! Keep up the good work Bryson, your idea is brilliant.