Competition
NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
NASA
Summary
The world's largest annual global hackathon, where teams use NASA open data to solve real challenges on Earth and in space.
About
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a two-day international hackathon held simultaneously in hundreds of cities worldwide. The 2026 edition takes place on 14–15 November 2026. Participants form teams and choose from a set of published challenges spanning Earth science, astrophysics, climate, space exploration and open data visualisation. Teams then build software, hardware, data visualisations, or storytelling projects using NASA's freely available open data. Projects are judged locally, and Global Nominees advance to international judging by NASA subject-matter experts. Global Winners are invited to a NASA launch viewing experience. Registration opens with account creation from 26 August 2026.
Eligibility
Open to everyone regardless of age, skill level or professional background — students, developers, designers, storytellers, scientists and citizen scientists. Participants under the local minimum age must follow the age policy of their local host event. Teams register through a local (in-person) or virtual event.
Benefits
No cost to participate. Global Winners receive an invitation to a NASA rocket launch viewing experience. Recognition from NASA and international space agency partners. Portfolio-grade project experience with real NASA open data.
