An improved model of an engine for space flights has been developed by schoolchildren from Vitebsk: the project can be tested on the ISS

This is the only project from Belarus that participated in the international competition of students and schoolchildren "Experiment in Space".

Natalia Melnikova, young inventor:
We bring a light bulb closer, and it lights up.

The first joint work of the brother and sister, born a year apart, aroused keen interest at a national competition several years ago. Such a device can be indispensable in everyday life. For example, it can help illuminate large rooms with minimal energy consumption. But the children decided to go further. And take a step... into space.

Natalia Melnikova:
The resonator is made of a sheet of tinplate, but many people think it resembles a bucket. A magnetron, which we took from a microwave oven, is attached at the bottom.

In fact, they have reduced the cost of the engine, the main application of which is interplanetary flights.

Danila Melnikov, young inventor:
Most often, they are made of copper. We read that galvanized tinplate accumulates more electrical energy, which increases the thrust.

The students were led to the study of the unknown by their physics and astronomy teacher, Natalia Khvalko. By the way, she is the only Belarusian woman who has a medal "For Contribution to the Development of Domestic Cosmonautics". It was awarded on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's first flight.

Natalia Khvalko, physics teacher at Secondary School No. 28 in Vitebsk:
For such moments, one must engage in this from childhood. Because it is necessary to instill in children a culture of learning, a culture of working with the surrounding world, and the ability to present themselves.

There will also be a correspondence round of the competition. The award ceremony for the winners will take place at the end of April. And it is quite likely that the work of the Vitebsk