The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 is a free global hackathon that brings together students, developers, scientists, engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and space enthusiasts to solve real-world challenges using NASA’s open data. The event provides participants with an opportunity to collaborate internationally, develop innovative projects, and gain recognition for their ideas.
The 2026 edition will take place on November 14–15, 2026, giving participants two days to work on challenges related to space, Earth, climate, science, technology, and innovation.
Quick Facts
- Event: NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
- Organized by: NASA and international space agency partners
- Type: Global Hackathon
- Dates: November 14–15, 2026
- Participation Fee: Free
- Eligibility: Open to participants of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels
- Nationality: Open worldwide
- Team Participation: Yes
- Focus Areas: Space, Earth, climate, science, technology, satellite data, agriculture, and innovation
- Project Types: Apps, websites, software prototypes, data visualizations, scientific concepts, educational tools, and creative projects
- Recognition: Global Awards and other judging recognition
- Certificate: Participants who successfully submit a project can receive a participant certificate
About NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an annual international hackathon organized by NASA. It encourages participants to use publicly available NASA data and other resources to develop creative solutions to challenges affecting Earth and space.
The event is designed to bring together people with different skills. You do not have to be a professional programmer or space scientist to participate. Participants can contribute through coding, research, design, data analysis, storytelling, project management, or other skills.
During the 2026 hackathon, teams will choose from challenge topics and work together to develop a solution within the event period.
What Can You Work On?
Participants may develop projects connected to a wide range of topics, including:
- Space exploration and astronomy
- Earth observation
- Climate and environmental challenges
- Satellite and NASA data
- Software and application development
- Scientific research
- Agriculture and sustainability
- Artificial intelligence and technology
- Education and science communication
- Data visualization
- Creative storytelling
Projects can take different forms depending on the selected challenge. For example, participants may create a website, mobile application, software prototype, data visualization, educational resource, scientific concept, or creative digital solution.
Can You Participate as a Team?
Yes. Participants can form or join teams for the hackathon.
Teamwork is encouraged because different members can contribute different skills. For example, a team could include:
- A programmer to develop the technical solution
- A designer to create the interface
- A researcher to analyze scientific information
- A data analyst to work with datasets
- A storyteller to explain the project
- A subject-matter expert to provide specialized knowledge
A well-balanced team can combine technical, scientific, creative, and communication skills to create a stronger project.
Awards and Recognition
Outstanding projects can receive recognition through the NASA Space Apps judging process. Selected projects may have the opportunity to receive Global Awards, providing international recognition for the participants and their innovative solutions.
Beyond awards, participation can also provide valuable experience in teamwork, problem-solving, technology development, data analysis, and presenting innovative ideas.
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete and submit a project can receive a NASA Space Apps participant certificate, subject to meeting the official submission requirements.
The certificate can be useful as an addition to a student's academic or professional portfolio, particularly for those interested in technology, science, engineering, research, or innovation.
How to Participate in NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026?
Interested participants should visit the official NASA Space Apps website and follow the registration and participation instructions.
Apply for NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
Participants should review the available challenges, find teammates if needed, select a project idea, and prepare to work during the two-day hackathon on November 14–15, 2026.
Why Should You Participate?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is more than a coding competition. It gives participants the opportunity to work on real-world problems using scientific and space-related data.
By participating, you can:
- Gain practical project experience
- Work with NASA and space-related datasets
- Collaborate with an international community
- Develop technical and creative skills
- Build a project for your portfolio
- Improve teamwork and problem-solving abilities
- Receive a participation certificate
- Compete for international recognition through Global Awards
If you are interested in space, science, technology, coding, data, research, or innovation, the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 can be a valuable opportunity to test your skills and develop an idea with global impact.
