Scientific Committee

Kovach Andras
Monostori Marci
Horvath Miklos

Scientific Committee: Issues



General overview of the committee:
Usually in GA committees delegations are expected to prepare for issues given in advance and to write policy statements on these issues. Please note that in this committee delegations are not only expected to write a policy statement, but each delegation also has to come up with a design work related to the first issue of the committee. A design work, which technically is a Power Point presentation, requires insight and enthusiasm, as well as a considerable amount of effort and time. Delegates are encouraged to submit their policy statements (short written statements about the opinions of the delegates) concerning the second issue and design works by March. 1, 2011. This is to make sure we have a committee where delegates share the same level of commitment and dedication.

Design works and the policy statements should be sent to the following email address with the country's name in the subject as soon as possible, but not later than the above mentioned date. sci.com.2011@gmail.com

Issues:
Issue 1: Design a Self-Sufficient Spaceship (SSS) with human crew on board to Mars.

Delegates' task: make a design work in the form of a Power Point presentation. Due to time constraints we will not be able to discuss all the designs, but the delegates will have the opportunity to discuss those with each other during informal lobbying (some laptops will be provided, but bring your own if you have one). Then the committee will only debate on those design works, which will have adequate co-submitters. The design works should not be longer than 10 slides.

Important to note that this is the Scientific Committee, which deals with today's scientific issues so all ideas should be realistic.

Regardless the fact that the design work has to be realistic, creativity also plays an important role in designing a spaceship. To help the delegates start the project, a few important points will be listed below.
  • The objectives of the mission is to transport human crew from Earth to Mars, land on Mars, collect samples, and ensure the safe return to Earth. The objectives of the mission should be similar to the Apollo Program in 1969 (Apollo-11).
  • Due to the human crew on board water supply, food supply, disposal of waste materials, etc. are crucial issues, which have to be addressed and solved.
  • Type of engine, which will be used should be selected/designed.
  • Site of launch should be considered and decided upon.
  • Time needed to reach the Mars from Earth should be calculated and taken into account while deciding upon the amount of water, food supplies, fuel, etc.
  • Protect crew members against radiation, which is present in space without the Earth's protective magnetic field.
  • Weightlessness can cause muscle degradation, which should be solved as the program participants will return into Earth eventually.


Please note that the list above is just a guide to start the design and help in 'brainstorming'. There are many other important issues which should be addressed and tackled by the delegates.

Issue 2: Nuclear waste from fission reactions.

This second issue is very similar to any other issues in other committees. The final aim is to solve the problems associated with nuclear waste from fission reactions and create a resolution on the issue.

One of the biggest disadvantages of nuclear fission reactors is the problem with the management of nuclear waste. Because of strict regulations it is not only an issue of health, but also makes production much more expensive as waste have to be taken care of. There are several theoretical solutions to this problem, however in practice none of them is used at the moment. The aim of the committee is to consider these methods and to reach an agreement that would help the development of nuclear power production. The following ideas should be considered:

  • Thorium fueled reactors instead of Uranium (Less radioactive waste)
  • Uranium waste could be reused for further energy production
  • Creation of safe, but cheaper deposits
  • Burying radioactive waste under ground, deep ocean, or sending it to outer space, or even to the Sun