‘Coding for Good’ hackathon set for Feb. 12

WOODBURY — Random Hacks of Kindness Junior is holding a virtual Coding for Good hackathon from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 12.

Random Hacks of Kindness Junior, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that brings young people handson learning experiences where they apply technology to achieve social good. Students get practical exposure to the potential of computer science and a chance to use it in a way that will benefit others in their community by creating a prototype smartphone app for a local charity or global cause.

Naeem Altaf, IBM distinguished engineer, CTO Space Tech and member of the board of Advisors at Explore Mars Inc., will give an overview on space technology, and talk about clearing space debris; space congestion challenges and paving the way for deep space exploration.

According to Altaf, more than 27,000 pieces of orbital debris, or “space junk,” are tracked by the Department of Defense’s global Space Surveillance Network sensors. Much more debris — too small to be tracked, but large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic missions — exists in the near-Earth space environment. Since both the debris and spacecraft are traveling at extremely high speeds, approximately 15,700 mph in low Earth orbit, an impact of even a tiny piece of orbital debris with a spacecraft could create big problems.

The coding program is open to students in grades 4-8. The event requires no prior coding experience. Using Zoom, students will work in pairs with mentors to create prototype smartphone apps addressing the challenging issues of space debris and congestion.

Advance registration is required. The registration fee is $18. To register,go to rhokjr.org/event/ hacking-for-space.

For information, contact Patrice Gans, RHoK Jr’s executive director at pbgans@rhokjr.org.

Random Hacks / Contributed photo Naeem Altaf, IBM distinguished engineer, CTO Space Tech and member of the board of advisors at Explore Mars Inc.