Space Apps by the Numbers
Results and metrics for the annual NASA International Space Apps Challenge
2023 NASA Space Apps Challenge
57,999
Registered Participants
8,715
Teams
402
Local Events
152
Countries/Territories
5,556
Projects Submitted
13
Space Agency Partners
135
Subject Matter Experts
24
Navigators
The Growth of NASA Space Apps
Statistics are cumulative over the entire history of the Space Apps event.
280k+
Registrations
2400+
Local Events
185+
Countries/Territories
13
Space Agency Partners
The NASA Space Apps Challenge wasn’t always the largest annual global hackathon.
The first NASA Space Apps event in 2012 was attended by approximately 2,000 people at 25 events in 17 countries. Since then, the program has grown rapidly.
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 event to the annual hackathon. In 2023, the event welcomed a record 57,999 registered participants at 402 Local Events in 152 countries/territories.
In the early years, the NASA Space Apps Challenge was primarily focused on space science and technology. However, in 2017, the hackathon moved to the NASA Earth Science Division and expanded to include both Earth and space science and tech. Today, the NASA Space Apps Challenge features arts and humanities challenges alongside the technology challenges, building a more inclusive program with broader appeal, the highest participation numbers ever, and a marked increase in projects submitted with technology and art themes.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge attributes much of its growth and success to its Local Leads. The event wouldn’t be possible without them! Local Leads organize in-person or virtual locally-focused events for a specific city/town or group, working to increase local awareness and engagement in the Space Apps Challenge. Local Leads create incredible outcomes in their communities. You can read more about the community of Local Leads in our blog.
Infographics
NASA Space Apps 2023 Infographic
NASA Space Apps 2022 Infographic
NASA Space Apps 2021 Infographic
NASA Space Apps 2020 Infographic
NASA Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge Infographic
NASA Space Apps 2018 Infographic
Mission Reports
NASA Space Apps 2017 Mission Report
NASA Space Apps 2016 Mission Report
NASA Space Apps 2015 Mission Report
NASA Space Apps 2014 Mission Report