The NASA International Space Apps Challenge (Space Apps) is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and innovators. During the hackathon, teams from cities around the world engage the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its Space Agency Partners' free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.
Space Apps inspires collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Our mission is to leverage this interest to encourage the growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, storytellers, and engineers.
Since its inception in 2012, NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge has engaged 280,000+ registrants from 185+ countries/territories in using NASA’s open data to build innovative solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space.
Each year, over the course of two days, Space Apps participants from around the world gather together at hundreds of in-person and virtual Local Events to solve challenges submitted by NASA experts. Participants form teams of one to six members, and over the course of the event, each team develops a project to address their chosen challenge. After the hackathon, project submissions are judged by space agency experts and winners are selected for one of 10 Global Awards.
The Space Apps Challenge experience provides participants with the opportunity to explore open data, learn new skills, network with like-minded individuals around the world, and work to solve real-world problems on Earth and space.
There is no cost to participate in the Space Apps Challenge. Space Apps commits to providing a safe, productive, professional, accessible, and equitable environment for anyone with an interest in using NASA and partner space agency data and expertise to work on solutions to challenges on Earth and in space
To learn more about the history of the Space Apps Challenge visit our History page.
At Space Apps, there's always space for one more.
The common thread linking Space Apps Challenge participants is a desire to learn. Space Apps Challenge participants are interested in using science and technology to explore and create solutions to real problems on our planet or in space. All ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are welcome.
When you participate in the Space Apps Challenge, you join a global community that embraces collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures.
The 2024 NASA International Space Apps Challenge will be held on October 5-6.
Want to know more about what to expect at the NASA Space Apps Challenge? The best place to start is with the Participant FAQ. If you still have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
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Space Apps is managed by the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s Earth Science Division, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. It is implemented by Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse under contract with NASA.
The Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team is composed of members of these different organizations. Click here to meet the team members.
Space Apps also collaborates with a community of partners and volunteers, including Space Agency Partners and Local Leads from around the world. Local Leads organize and host events in their local communities.
Learn more about how to become a Local Lead on our Host an Event page.
To learn more about our most recent challenge, visit our Space Apps 2022 Recap blog post.
To see metrics and results from all of the Space Apps annual events (2012-2023), click HERE.