About

What is Space Apps?

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge (Space Apps) is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and others in cities around the world, where teams engage the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.

Each October, over the course of two days, Space Apps brings participants from around the world together at hundreds of in-person and virtual local events to solve challenges submitted by NASA experts. After the hackathon, project submissions are judged by space agency experts and winners are selected for one of 10 Global Awards.

Space Apps provides problem-solvers worldwide with NASA’s free and open data, giving teams the opportunity to learn how to use these resources to solve each year’s challenges.

Space Apps also inspires collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Our mission is to leverage this interest to encourage the growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, storytellers, and engineers.

Since its inception in 2012, NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge has engaged 220,000+ registrants from 185+ countries/territories in using NASA’s open data to build innovative solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space.

To learn more about the history of Space Apps and its impact over time, visit our history page

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN SPACE APPS?

At Space Apps, there's always space for one more.

The common thread among Space Apps participants is an interest in exploring our planet and/or universe using science and technology, creativity, and a desire to learn. All ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are welcome.

As a part of Space Apps, you are part of a global hackathon community that embraces collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures to address real-world problems on Earth and in space using NASA’s free and open data.

WHEN IS THE NEXT SPACE APPS EVENT?

The 2023 NASA International Space Apps Challenge will be held October 7-8, 2023.

Want to know more about what to expect? The best place to start is with the Participant FAQ. If you still have questions, please contact us at [email protected].

For the latest updates, follow Space Apps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

WHO MANAGES SPACE APPS?

Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program.

The Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team is composed of members of these different organizations. Click here to meet the team.

Space Apps also relies on a vast community of partners and volunteers, including space agency partners and “Local Leads” from around the world. Local Leads organize and host events in their local communities.

The 2022 Local Lead application is closed. While we are no longer accepting Local Lead Applications for Space Apps 2022, you can complete the this form to be one of the first to hear about the opportunity to become a Space Apps Local Lead in the future.

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT PREVIOUS EVENTS?

You can see our Space Apps 2021 Recap blog post to find out more!