The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 is the largest global hackathon, bringing together coders, designers, technologists, and innovators from all corners of the world. This annual hackathon, taking place on October 5-6, 2024, offers participants a unique opportunity to use NASA’s open data and solve real-world problems that we face on Earth and in space. Through international collaboration, the Space Apps Challenge promotes creativity, problem-solving, and knowledge-sharing in science, technology, and space exploration. Registration is now open, and participation is entirely free!
Participants of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are encouraged to join this global event. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just passionate about science and space, the Space Apps Challenge welcomes everyone who wants to make an impact. The global competition brings people from different fields together to form teams and work on challenges set by NASA experts, making it an ideal platform for developing new skills, meeting like-minded individuals, and contributing to real-world innovations.
What to Expect from the NASA Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge allows participants to select from a variety of challenges created by NASA experts. These challenges cover various fields, including software development, data science, astrophysics, environmental science, and even storytelling. Participants can work on solutions for Earth’s problems or space exploration, using open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners. All projects will be submitted for review, and participants have the chance to win awards in multiple categories, including Best Use of Science, Best Use of Data, and Best Mission Concept.
Participants not only engage in an exciting competition but also get to learn from NASA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and gain access to tools and resources that can help them succeed. The challenge is all about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and connecting with a community of innovators around the globe.
Quick Overview of the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024
- Host Country: Global (in-person and virtual events)
- Host Organization: NASA and International Space Agency Partners
- Deadline: October 6, 2024
- Programs: Space science, technology, storytelling, astrophysics, software development, and more
- Value: Free participation, access to NASA’s open data, mentorship, and global recognition
- Age Limit: Open to all ages (under 18 must be registered by a parent or guardian)
- Eligibility: Open to individuals and teams from any professional background or skill level
Perks of Participating in the Space Apps Challenge by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Collaborate with like-minded people from around the world.
- Gain access to open data from NASA and Space Agency Partners.
- Work on exciting challenges across various fields, from coding to art.
- Learn new skills from industry experts and improve your problem-solving abilities.
- You will have a chance to win global awards and be recognized by NASA experts.
Benefits of Space Apps Hackathon
- Enhance your knowledge of space, technology, and data science.
- Network with professionals from the space science and technology industries.
- Access to open data from NASA, enabling participants to work on real-world scientific challenges.
- Opportunity to showcase your skills on an international platform.
- Learn new skills, engage in international collaboration, and expand your network.
- Develop your project management, technical, and creative skills.
- Join a growing global community that embraces innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Exclusions of the Global Hackathon
- Teams must use one of the official challenges provided by NASA to be eligible for Global Judging.
- Teams working on self-created projects won’t be eligible for the Global Awards, although local awards may still apply.
- Teams must limit their size to 6 members, and you must register all team members.
- Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian register them and be accompanied during the event.
Eligibility Criteria for Global Apps Hackathon
- Open to all ages, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Open to all skill levels; whether you’re a beginner or an expert in coding, science, or storytelling, you’re welcome.
- Open to all participants who embrace cross-cultural collaboration, innovation, and exploration.
- All communications and submissions should be in English.
Important Dates for the Global Hackathon by NASA
- July 18, 2024: Registration opens and Local Events announced.
- October 4, 2024: Hackathon Kickoff video.
- October 5-6, 2024: Hackathon dates.
- October 6, 2024: Final project submissions are due by 11:59 PM (local time).
How to Register for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024
- Visit the NASA Space Apps Challenge website and create a free account to get started. Registration opened on July 18, 2024, and will remain open until the hackathon closes on October 6, 2024.
- After creating your account, complete your registration for the 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge to become eligible for Global Judging. You can register up until the end of the event on October 6, 2024.
- Participants can select a Local Event to join in person or participate virtually by registering for the Universal Event. You can change your event preference at any time until the hackathon ends.
- You must submit all projects by 11:59 PM (local time) on October 6, 2024. Teams that submit their projects will receive a participant certificate and qualify for Global Judging.
Required Documents for NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024
- Project Submission: Include details about how you utilized NASA data and the outcomes achieved.
- Citations: Clearly cite any open-source code, tools, or data used.
- Team Information: Ensure you register all members and define their roles.
- Any Supporting Media: Include visuals, videos, or technical documentation that support your project.
Awards and Recognition for the Winners fo the Hackathon
NASA Space Apps Challenge offers multiple award categories for participants, including:
- Best Use of Science
- Best Use of Data
- Best Mission Concept
- Most Inspirational
- Galactic Impact
- Best Storytelling Award
A panel of experts from NASA and its partners will select the global winners. Winners may also receive an invitation to visit a NASA center for a special celebration of their achievements.
For more details and to apply, visit the official Space App Challenge website.
