Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30978: Sticky Situations in Space: Students Engineer a Tape Dispenser for the ISS
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1, 2025
- 2 min read
In space, even the simplest tools need a redesign. Take something as basic as a tape dispenser. On Earth, you might not think twice about grabbing tape from a roll. But in microgravity, pulling and cutting tape becomes a floating fiasco. That’s where the HUNCH (High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware) Tape Dispenser comes in—crafted by students and destined for orbit.
Under the guidance of Principal Investigator Allison Westover at NASA Johnson Space Center, and in collaboration with Oklahoma State University, students designed a tape dispenser tailored for use in the ISS environment. This wasn’t just a classroom project—it became real flight hardware used by astronauts.
The unique challenge was to create a device that could securely hold a roll of tape and allow astronauts to easily dispense and cut pieces without the device floating away or jamming. Students brainstormed, prototyped, and refined their designs, ultimately producing a tool used during Expeditions 63, 64, and 70.
This project illustrates how real-world engineering skills can be taught through hands-on, meaningful work. Students had to consider ergonomics in zero gravity, material durability, and operational simplicity—all while meeting NASA’s strict safety and functionality standards.
The HUNCH Tape Dispenser is more than just a practical device; it’s a symbol of innovation, teamwork, and opportunity. It shows how students can contribute to real space missions and solve problems astronauts face every day.
By turning an everyday object into a space-worthy tool, these students proved that creativity and technical skill can thrive in the most unexpected places.
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