How to contact extra-terrestrial life - Countdown to Houston 2025

Every year, the University of Twente in the Netherlands organises a space competition, called Countdown to Houston, in collaboration with the United Space School. This competition allows two Dutch high school students to be sent to space school in Houston, Texas.

We are one of the head sponsors for this event, together with Twente Board and Demcon, during which students come up with creative solutions for space-related problems. From all participants, only the 10 best entries make it to the finals, where the finalists present their ideas to a jury partially existing out of representatives from the sponsoring partners.

Our very own Thales colleague, Chesron Tetelepta, was finals jury member on our behalf during this year’s edition, which took place on the 7th of February, and said the following about the experience:

How cool was this! High school students from the region tasked with contacting extra-terrestrial life. What a high standard the 10 finalists showed. A mix of technology, creativity, philosophy and intellect. Truly a super initiative of Pre-University / University of Twente where I was allowed to be part of the final jury on behalf of Thales. Chesron Tetelepta, Manager Software Engineering CMS Infrastructure at Thales Nederland

This year’s challenge for the students was to come up with a message to send out into the universe as well as a plan for where and how to send it, and how to potentially receive whatever may come back.

Intriguing discussions on logical reasoning and technology-driven ideation also led to conversations considering the potential significance of involving art and culture in approaching intelligent life in space.

The two winners (pictured above) received the grand prize of a trip to Houston, where they will participate in the United Space School programme. During this programme, they will work with students from 25 countries on space projects and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at NASA.

Competitions like these challenge future generations and drive technological advances. It’s amazing that we, as Thales, can contribute to driving this development!