Each year, the NASA International Space Apps Challenge showcases the power of global collaboration, bringing people together to address the challenges we face on Earth and in space. On October 5-6, 2024, this largest annual global hackathon made history with a record-breaking 93,500+ registered participants from 163 countries and territories across 485 Local Events—the largest turnout in NASA Space Apps history. Over two days, passionate problem-solvers explored our theme, “The Sun Touches Everything,” as they tackled 20 challenges authored by NASA experts, using NASA’s free and open data, along with space-based data from Space Agency Partners.
“It is astounding to see what is possible when people come together across boundaries and cultures to address the challenges we face in our endeavor to learn more about life on Earth. Congratulations to participants of the NASA Space Apps Challenge for being a part of this era of space exploration and Earth science innovation,” said NASA Earth Science Division Director Dr. Karen St. Germain.
NASA Space Apps Stories From Around the World
At the heart of the NASA Space Apps Challenge are the participants, united in their efforts to create a positive impact on the world. Supporting them are dedicated Local Leads, who organize these Local Events worldwide to bring together participants from all backgrounds and experiences and help foster innovative space science communities.
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Led by Mohammed Zaman, NASA Space Apps' longest-serving Local Lead, the Dhaka, Bangladesh Local Event welcomed 700 participants from across the country. Celebrating its 11th edition, this Local Event fostered a vibrant community of innovation and collaboration, bringing together bright minds from all over Bangladesh.
Kampala, Uganda: Participants demonstrated creativity and innovation during the final day of the hackathon, which engaged university students across Uganda. The Local Event raised awareness about climate issues, space exploration, and STEM education, with participation growing from 70 in 2023 to 200 in 2024.
Nuremberg, Germany: Participants from Local Events across the globe connected virtually to share their hackathon experiences. The Pretoria, South Africa Local Event met with the Nuremberg, Germany Local Event, and then later Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rosario, Argentina; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras joined in on the fun! NASA Space Apps unites communities worldwide, fostering a truly global exchange of ideas and innovation.
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.: Retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger delivered a powerful keynote at the Seattle Local Event. Dorothy flew as a mission specialist on the STS-131 and commanded the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation (NEEMO) in the Aquarius Reef Habitat off the Florida coast. The participants gained inspiration to help them push through the end of the hackathon!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Participants of all ages, from young minds to seasoned experts, were invited to take part in the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Middle grade participants, accompanied by guardians, collaborated on projects that reflected their shared passion for space and science. The Ho Chi Minh City Local Event highlighted the power of teamwork and the spirit of innovation that drives groundbreaking ideas.
Global Live: Members of the NASA Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team had the opportunity to travel to 3 Local Events for this year’s NASA Space Apps Global Live, which showcased the experiences of participants and Local Leads via Instagram Live in Rapid City, North Dakota (left), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (right), and Córdoba, Argentina (bottom). During the Rapid City, North Dakota, and the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Local Events, GO Team members had a behind-the-scenes look at these venues and experienced participants pitching their projects. At the Córdoba, Argentina Local Event, they received a special visit from the National Space Activities Commission of Argentina, a 2024 NASA Space Apps Space Agency Partner.
Thank you to our global Space Apps community for making this the largest NASA Space Apps Challenge in history! The Global Nominees were announced on October 29, and stay tuned for the announcement of the Global Finalists on November 19. The live Global Winners Announcement will be on January 16, 2025, to reveal the final 10 Global Winners and the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge dates!
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