Amman Arab University (AAU) Organizes "AstroCode" Competition Simulating Global Space Challenges
Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Widyan, President of Amman Arab University, the IEEE Student Branch at the university, represented by the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) and the IEEE Computer Society, organized the "AstroCode: Explore. Code. Launch" competition. The event simulated the NASA Space Apps Challenge experience, aiming to train students for global competitions and refine their skills in space and technology fields. It witnessed the participation of over 100 male and female students from various university colleges, who were divided into 15 teams working on innovating technical solutions for challenges inspired by the space environment.
The events were opened by Professor Dr. Hussam Al-Hamad, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance, representing the University President, and in the presence of a select group of academic figures. These included Dr. Musa Al-Akhrass, Chair of IEEE Jordan Section; Dr. Mohamed Abdel Majeed, Chair of the IEEE Computer Society Chapter in Jordan; and from Amman Arab University, Dr. Anwar Al-Assaf, Dean of the College of Engineering; Professor Dr. Malik Al-Salam Al-Anaqreh, Dean of the College of Aviation Sciences; and Dr. Rami Sahwil, Dean of the College of Information Technology.
The event featured a dialogue session titled "Space Development in the Era of Modern Technology," with participation from experts and specialists including Dr. Hanna Sabat, Dr. Ahmad Al-Husban, and Dr. Ammar Sakaji. They discussed the latest developments in the space field and their technological applications. The event also included a presentation of the website specially developed for managing the competition, after which the teams commenced work on their projects, later presented to specialized judging committees.
Dr. Mohammed Bin Tarif, Dean of Student Affairs at Amman Arab University, delivered a speech expressing his pride in the pioneering level of the university's students, affirming the Deanship's continuous support for such initiatives that contribute to skill development and enhancing global competitiveness. The IEEE Branch also expressed its gratitude to the Deanship of Student Affairs for the logistical and administrative support, which greatly contributed to the event's success and its honorable presentation, reflecting the university's stature and leadership.
Dr. Lyal Al-Zabin, Advisor of the IEEE Branch at Amman Arab University, faculty member in the College of Information Technology, and Head of the Competition Judging Committee, extended thanks and appreciation to the judging committee members for their distinguished efforts in evaluating student projects and their contribution to the competition's success. The judging panel included select faculty members from various colleges: Dr. Thamer Al-Sarayreh, Head of the Computer Science Department in the College of Information Technology; Dr. Mai Hawamdeh from the College of Pharmacy; Eng. Ibrahim Al-Maqdadi from the College of Aviation Sciences; and Eng. Mariam Al-Ghammari from the College of Information Technology. The second panel consisted of: Dr. Bishar Badr from the College of Aviation Sciences; Dr. Omar Al-Akash and Dr. Mamdouh Jumah from the College of Information Technology; and Dr. Ayman Al-Agha from the College of Engineering.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Hamad honored the winning teams and presented the awards in a celebratory atmosphere embodying the spirit of competition and creativity. The IEEE Jordan Section presented a $100 award for the most creative idea, won by two teams after a tie in evaluation:
• Team TechNest from the College of Information Technology, comprising students: Ali Al-Ashqar, Ahmad Za'our, Lynn Al-Rashdan, Joud Sa'd, Ahmad Dayf Allah, and Huthayfah Mahmoud.
• Team Zero Gravity from the College of Aviation Sciences, comprising students: Muayyad Al-Umaira, Ghaith Abul-Sha'r, and Hamzah Abazah.
The results for the top three positions were as follows:
• First Place: Team Turbines, comprising students: Yazan Al-Sa'di, Youssef Abu Sahyoun, Ahmad You, Adel Saud (from the College of Aviation Sciences), along with Shahd Swilem and Ahmad Al-Khawajah (from the College of Information Technology).
• Second Place: Team Astranova, comprising students: Ahmad Abul-Khair (from the College of Information Technology), Rama Abu Al-Rous, Rahaf Abu Safi, and Ru'a Hamideh (from the College of Pharmacy).
• Third Place: Team Orbital Vision, comprising students: Momen Jarrah, Mahmoud Abu Hammad, Balqees Al-Sabouh, Hisham Khreis, Lujain Allan (from the College of Information Technology), and Joud Mahasneh (from the College of Aviation Sciences).
This competition falls within the vision of Amman Arab University to empower students in facing global technical challenges and enhancing their innovation and teamwork skills, aligning with the university's aspirations for leadership and excellence.
