About Us

WHAT IS SPACE APPS?

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge (Space Apps) is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and more. In cities around the world, teams engage the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.

Space Apps provides problem-solvers worldwide with NASA’s free and open data, giving teams the opportunity to learn how to use these resources to solve each year’s challenges.

Space Apps also 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 220,000+ registrants from 185+ countries/territories in using NASA’s open data to build innovative solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space.

How Does the Space Apps Challenge Work?

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 a 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.

To learn more about the history of the Space Apps Challenge visit our History page.

Who Should Participate in the Space Apps Challenge?

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.

When is the Next Space Apps Event?

The 2023 NASA International Space Apps Challenge will be held October 7-8, 2023.

Want to know more about what to expect? The best place to start is with the Participant FAQ. It will be updated with all you need to know about this year's event once registration opens in mid-July! If you still have questions, please contact us at [email protected].

For the latest updates, follow Space Apps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Who Manages Space Apps?

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.

If you are interested in hosting a Local Event in 2023, please complete this form by June 15, 2023.

How Do I Learn About Previous Events?

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 (2012-2022), click HERE.