Engagement with the NASA Space Apps Challenge reached new heights in 2020, during the pandemic, with the addition of the NASA Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge to the annual hackathon. In 2024, the event welcomed a record 93,500+ registered participants at 485 Local Events in 163 countries/territories.
In the early years, the NASA Space Apps Challenge focused mainly on space science and technology. In 2017, however, it moved under the NASA Earth Science Division to encompass challenges in both Earth and space sciences. Today, the NASA Space Apps Challenge now offers an even wider range of challenges, blending technology with arts and humanities. This evolution has resulted in record participation and an impressive rise in projects that creatively merge Earth and space sciences and technology.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge attributes much of its growth and success to its Local Leads. The hackathon wouldn’t be possible without them! Local Leads organize in-person or virtual Local Events for a specific city or town, working to increase local awareness and engagement in the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Local Leads create incredible outcomes in their communities. You can read more about Local Leads in our blog.