Challenge-Based Learning in Space Education. The Barcelona ZeroG Challenge.

The ”Barcelona Zero-G Challenge” is a unique international contest aimed at motivating students to conduct research in zero gravity by performing parabolic flights with their experiment in microgravity. An aerobatic aircraft is used to conduct the experiments in an original and unique research platform. More than 60 students have already flown their experiments in previous educational campaigns. We discuss herein how Challenge-Based Learning is able to provide a framework for outreach and educational projects that motivate students far beyond the classical syllabus taught at higher education institutions and universities. Lessons learned include the importance of international cooperation, the involvement of student associations and providing effective and constant mentorship advice in order to achieve a successful educational campaign and reach the general public.