NASA Space Apps Challenge

Save the Date

The 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge returns November 14-15

JOIN NASA SPACE APPS CHALLENGE NOVEMBER 14-15, 2026

The NASA Space Apps Challenge offers opportunities for anyone with an interest in space and science to address real-world challenges through our annual hackathon and global community. All ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are welcome. At NASA Space Apps, there's always space for one more!

Two women wearing NASA Space Apps Albuquerque shirts smile facing the camera in a lobby area.

Three men are sitting at a long table with laptops while two men standing behind them looking at the screens and smiling during a NASA Space Apps Challenge Local Event.

Real-World Challenges

The annual NASA Space Apps Challenge provides the opportunity to engage directly with NASA’s data, along with Space Agency Partner data. During the two-day hackathon, teams use this data to address challenges written by NASA Subject Matter Experts, featuring topics including storytelling, software development, astrophysics, space exploration, agriculture, and more.

“I believe it is paramount to give the next generation of scientists, engineers, designers, and more from across the world a chance to contribute to NASA’s overall mission. The NASA Space Apps Challenge provides this opportunity by giving people – from all backgrounds and walks of life – a way to engage directly with NASA scientists and open data,” said Dr. Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Six people are gathered around a laptop on a desk looking at the screen during a NASA Space Apps Challenge Local Event.

Six people are sitting in chairs around a rectangular table holding a conversation at a NASA Space Apps Challenge event.

Meet like-minded individuals

When you participate in NASA Space Apps, you join a community that shares a desire to propel humanity forward through scientific and technological innovation.

“The NASA Space Apps Challenge changed my perspective on NASA’s data. I realized there are so many different datasets, and we can use them to make solutions that matter here on Earth or even in space.” - Space Apps Participant

2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge Global Winners

Each year, thousands of teams submit projects that demonstrate collaboration, creativity, and address challenges we face on Earth and in space using NASA data. These projects undergo multiple rounds of judging to determine the 10 Global Winners, representing the most innovative projects submitted by participants.