YouTube Space Lab

YouTube have launched a brilliant competition for students aged 14 to 18. Collaborating with NASA, ESA & JAXA (the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), YouTube want you to design an experiment to perform on the International Space Station (ISS) - with the winning entry actually be carried out on the ISS and streamed lived around the globe (as well as taking home some more awesome prizes). Entries should design the zero gravity experiment carefully and upload a video explaining it to YouTube. The expert panel of judges include world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking.

Students may submit experiments individually or in groups of up to three young scientists. The European finalists will win a visit to the training facilities of the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne while two global winners - one from the 14-16 age group and one from the 17-18 age group - will have their experiments conducted on the ISS. The winners also will be given the option to either fly to Japan to see the shuttle containing their experiment launched into space or given a chance to train at Star City, the Russian training camp for astronauts.

For more information on YouTube Space Lab visit their dedicated website or watch the video below. Closing date for entries is December 7th 2011. Get brainstorming and good luck!