NASA and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Foundation selected two winners for their national Future Engineers Mars Medical Challenge for K-12 students. Participants were invited to create and submit a digital 3-D model intended to be 3-D printed and used for a wide range of medical needs including diagnostic, preventative, first-aid, emergency, surgical, and/or dental purposes.

One national winner from each age division was chosen from a total of 745 submitted designs from 34 states. Lewis Greenstein, 18, from Seattle, designed a Dual IV/Syringe Pump, and is the winner of the Teen Group (ages 13-19). Lauren Lee, 12, from Cupertino, California, designed the Drug Delivery Device, and is the winner of the Junior Group (ages 5-12). These students will receive a grand-prize trip to Houston, which includes a tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center to learn about space medicine and human exploration of space.

NASA is working to forever change the way astronauts communicate to and from space using an advanced laser communications system called LEMNOS, which will enable exponentially faster connections than ever before. Imagine being able to watch 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) video as humans take their first steps on another planet. Or imagine astronauts picking up a cell phone and video-conferencing their family and friends from 34 million miles away, just the same as they might on Earth. LEMNOS, Laser-Enhanced Mission and Navigation Operational Services, may make these capabilities and more a reality in the near future. The project was named for the island, Lemnos, where the mythical hero Orion regained his sight, according to Greek lore. Similarly, LEMNOS will provide sight for NASA’s next-generation Orion spacecraft.