To the moon and back with Dominic Wilcox

The Moon Coaster was invented by Brooke, age 12, from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada. The invention is thrilling, unique, and undeniably imaginative. Brooke herself describes it best: “it is a roller coaster that goes around the moon. Basically it could be used for entertainment or just to get from one place to another. I don’t know if it could work but to make it you can use magnets.”

The idea was uploaded as part of the Inventions for Space Challenge, in partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Space Agency.

As astronaut David Saint-Jacques prepared to leave on a six month mission, we asked the children of Canada to think up invention ideas that would make the International Space Station feel like home! Out of 3000 drawings uploaded, 35 invention ideas were chosen and one of them landed in the workshop of Little Inventors' founder Dominic.

Dominic was so impressed with Brooke’s idea, saying, “I thought that Brooke's Moon Coaster was a great way to get around the moon whilst also having lots of fun. I had a great Skype chat with Brooke about her idea and got some excellent feedback on the making. Although I couldn't make a full size coaster (as my room isn't big enough) I wanted to make a good looking model of it.”

And a good looking model it is! Working with a plethora of materials, including wood, pulleys, brass rods, elastic bands, plaster and polystyrene, Dominic experimented with various ways to achieve the iconic cracks and crevices of the big cheese.

One thing we know about planets is that they keep on turning. This fundamental quality had to be mastered by Dominic and translated into his model, “I wanted to make the moon rotate so bought some little pulleys and brass rods and experimented with different elastic and rubber bands to work out how to turn a handle at the front of the base and rotate the moon slowly.”

Once all of the space-themed inventions were made, to finish the project, astronaut David Saint-Jaques did a live video link from the International Space Station. Inventive Canadians and little inventors far and wide gathered to hear him talk through the invention ideas.

We think you will struggle to find a more fun, exhilarating invention idea. Our inbox is always open if you want to take on the challenge!

We couldn’t have asked for a better maker to bring it to life. Combining the imagination of Brooke with the making skills and experience of Dominic, we were in store for something seriously out of this world. We were not disappointed!