What do you expect when you combine NASA’s Rocket Scientists and pumpkin carving? Two groups at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been running their pumpkin carving contest since 2011. Participants use power tools and machines to make pumpkins spin, expand, and even fly. The single rule is that they have only an hour to carve the pumpkin which must be used in some way. Preparation is allowed beforehand.
It’s a tough competition every year as bizarre concepts and designs are displayed for viewing. A NASA spokesperson passed along the following list of winners for the year 2017.
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering group:
First Place: Europa Clipper Pirate Ship
Second Place: The Harvest (Ghostbusters Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man)
Third Place: Operation Frank-O-Drop / Pumpkin Parachute
Payload and Small Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Section:
First Place: Group 355M – Class “H” Mission (Hamster Wheel Pumpkin)
Second Place: Group 355S – Super Nova Death of a Star
Third Place: Group 355L – Starshade Pumpkin Launch Restraint and Unfurling System (Plus)
You can watch the complete video here:
