Applications are now open for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026, a prestigious free global hackathon organized by NASA in collaboration with international space agency partners. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone passionate about space exploration, Earth science, technology, and innovation.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is designed for space enthusiasts, students, professionals, developers, scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can participate and showcase your talents. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here
About NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026:
The NASA Space Apps Challenge brings together people from different backgrounds and skill levels to collaborate on innovative solutions related to Earth and space.
You don’t need to be a NASA intern or an expert programmer to participate. NASA welcomes all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds.
Challenge Areas
During the two-day hackathon, participants can work on challenges covering:
- Space exploration
- Earth and climate
- Satellite and space data
- Software development
- Science and research
- Agriculture
- Technology and innovation
- Storytelling and creative solutions
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What Will You Do:
Participants will form teams and select a challenge to work on. Teams then use NASA’s open data and other available resources to develop a solution.
Types of Projects
Depending on the challenge, your project could be:
- Website or web application
- Mobile application
- Software prototype
- Data visualization
- Scientific concept
- Educational tool
- Creative or storytelling project
- Other innovative solution
The objective is to use creativity, teamwork, and technology to address real-world challenges on Earth and in space.
Awards & Recognition:
Participants have the opportunity to have their projects evaluated through the NASA Space Apps judging process. Outstanding projects can receive Global Awards, providing international recognition for their ideas and work.
Who Can Participate:
The NASA Space Apps Challenge welcomes people with different backgrounds and experience levels. You can participate if you are:
- A student
- A developer or programmer
- A scientist or researcher
- An engineer
- A designer
- An entrepreneur
- A data enthusiast
- An artist or storyteller
- A technology enthusiast
- Interested in space and science
No specific academic degree is required. NASA specifically states that people of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is It Open to International Students?
- Yes. The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a global event with participants from countries and territories around the world.
- You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to participate.
Is NASA Space Apps Free?
- Yes. Participation in the NASA Space Apps Challenge is free of charge.
Can I Participate as a Team:
Yes. You can create or join a team.
Teams can bring together people with different skills, which is especially useful for developing a strong project. For example, a team could include:
- A programmer
- A designer
- A researcher
- A data analyst
- A storyteller
- A subject-matter expert
Will I Receive a Certificate?
- Participants who successfully submit a project can receive a NASA Space Apps participant certificate. The official submission process includes requirements that teams must meet before their project can be judged.
HOW TO APPLY:
Follow these 6 steps to participate in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026:
Step 01: CREATE ACCOUNT
- The first step in your hackathon journey is to create a NASA Space Apps account or log into your existing account.
Step 02: REGISTER FOR THE HACKATHON
- To participate and be eligible for Global Judging, you must first register for the 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge.
Step 03: CHOOSE A LOCAL EVENT
- Connect with the NASA Space Apps community by choosing an in-person or virtual Local Event near you.
- If you don’t have a Local Event near you, you can choose the virtual Universal Event. You can choose or change your event up until the hackathon closes on November 15.
Step 04: JOIN OR FORM A TEAM
- Collaborate with participants by forming or joining a team according to your chosen challenge. Teams should have no more than six participants
Step 05: SUBMIT A PROJECT
- Submit your project to receive a participant certificate and to be eligible for Global Judging.
Step 06: COMPLETE THE PARTICIPANT SURVEY
- This final step ensures your participation is fully recorded and helps NASA enhance the experience for upcoming challenges.
