Welcome to the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge!
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, technologists, and innovators around the world!
About NASA Space Apps
NASA Space Apps is a NASA program that promotes global collaboration through open data. It includes two initiatives: the Space Apps Challenge and the Space Apps Collective.
NASA Space Apps is funded by NASA’s Earth Science Division through a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse.
Organizers of the Space Apps Challenge 2025
NASA International Space Apps Challenge Awards
NASA Space Apps recognizes exceptional projects each year through its 10 Global Awards. These teams are determined by an executive committee of NASA and Space Agency Partner Subject Matter Experts.
Award
Best Use of Science
The project that makes the best and most valid use of science and/or the scientific method.
Award
Best Use of Data
The project that best makes space data accessible or leverages it for a unique application.
Award
Best Use of Technology
The project that exemplifies the most innovative use of technology.
Award
Galactic Impact
The project with the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.
Award
Most Inspirational
The project that captures our hearts.
Award
Best Storytelling
The project that most creatively communicates the potential of open data through the art of storytelling.
Award
Global Connection
The project that best connects people around the world through technology.
Award
Art & Technology
The project that most effectively combines technical and creative skills.
Award
Most Inspirational
The project that captures our hearts.
Award
Local Impact
The project that demonstrates the greatest potential for local impact.
Participant FAQ
What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the largest annual global hackathon. This two-day event fosters innovation through international collaboration by providing an opportunity for participants to utilize NASA’s free and open data and its Space Agency Partners’ space-based data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.
NASA Space Apps Values
At NASA Space Apps, there’s always space for one more.
- We strive to ensure that NASA Space Apps is a place where all feel they belong, where all are comfortable being authentic, and where all are empowered to contribute to their fullest.
- NASA Space Apps is committed to providing a professional and productive forum for all to engage in a robust exchange of ideas. All ideas are welcome and we encourage our community to share them.
- At all times, participants are responsible for maintaining professional decorum and treating each other with respect and dignity. We encourage collaboration and positive problem solving.
- We are a community that embraces collaboration, growth, and respect. Bullying, discrimination, or harassment on any basis will not be tolerated.
If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or any form of bullying during the NASA Space Apps Challenge, or have any other concerns, please contact your Local Lead and/or the Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team at conduct@spaceappschallenge.org. The GO Team will take appropriate action, which may include warning or expelling offending participants from the event.
If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or any form of bullying during the NASA Space Apps Collective Genius Summit, or have any other concerns, please contact the NASA Space Apps Collective Team at collective@spaceappschallenge.org. The Collective Team will take appropriate action, which may include warning or expelling offending participants from the event.
What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge?
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the largest annual global hackathon. This two-day event creates innovation through international collaboration by providing an opportunity for participants to utilize NASA’s free and open data and its Space Agency Partners’ space-based data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.
During the hackathon, NASA Space Apps Challenge participants around the world gather at hundreds of in-person and virtual Local Events to address challenges submitted by NASA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These challenges range in complexity and topic, tasking participants with everything from creating artistic visualizations of NASA data to conceptualizing and developing informational apps and software programs.
After the hackathon, project submissions are judged by space agency experts and winners are selected for one of 10 Global Awards.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge inspires collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Participants have gone on to form companies inspired by their projects, develop professional careers via employment opportunities or skill development, and network with like-minded individuals in their local community and around the world.
The next NASA Space Apps Challenge will be held on October 4-5, 2025.
Does it cost anything to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the NASA Space Apps Challenge. If you are asked to pay money to participate in any aspect of a NASA Space Apps event, do not pay anything and please report to info@spaceappschallenge.org.
What is the minimum age for participants?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is open to all ages! However, participants who are under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event.
Where does the NASA Space Apps Challenge take place?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge takes place at hundreds of events around the world. You may participate in an in-person or virtual Local Event near you or the virtual Universal Event if there is not an event near you.
Local Events are organized by Local Leads. Learn more about how to host a Local Event.