What is the Space Apps 2020 Challenge?
On October 2-4, NASA is inviting coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists to come together in a global, virtual hackathon. During a period of 48 hours, participants from around the world will come together to create virtual teams and solve challenges using NASA’s open-source data.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of our global community’s health and safety, this year’s hackathon will be an all-virtual event. (In other words, all local events will be moved online.) In this unprecedented time, the Space Apps community exists as a reminder that we have tools and talents that we can use to tackle the challenges that face our planet, as well as the ability to unite across boundaries and borders of all kinds.
Our theme for this year’s event -- “Take Action” -- is a critical reminder that you can make a difference, even from the comfort and safety of home.
What is the purpose of the Space Apps Challenge?
Space Apps, which started in 2012, has now become the largest global hackathon. While NASA provides awards to the top projects (see more below), Space Apps is all about collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives:
- To inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
- To foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration
- To raise awareness of NASA data around the world
- To encourage growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, engineers, artists, etc.
Who should participate in Space Apps?
Space Apps is for everyone! This includes those who have never “hacked’ before! All passionate problem solvers are encouraged to join - students, experts, engineers, makers, artists, storytellers. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use your artistic skills, your business acumen, and your historical imaginations!
In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be part of Space Apps. In fact, the most diverse teams are often the most successful.
SAVE THE DATES
What are the most important dates and times for the Space Apps Challenge?
The Space Apps Challenge is a 48-hour hackathon taking place on October 3-4, 2020. However, there are other important dates, below.
Mark your calendars for participant registration
August 14
Sign up to be a Space Apps 2020 participant!
Visit spaceappschallenge.org to register to participate at a local all-virtual event near you.
Early September
Choose a challenge to work on with your team over Space Apps weekend! We will send all registered participants a message when the challenges are posted.
Prepare yourself with the Virtual Bootcamp
September19-October 2
Watch videos posted on the Space Apps YouTube channel to fulfill your curiosity and learn valuable insights for your Space Apps expedition! We will send all registered participants a message when the Virtual Bootcamp begins.
Log into the chat rooms in order to connect with the global community, including potential teammates
September 24
Get ready for Space Apps weekend alongside the Space Apps community! We will send all registered participants a message when the chat rooms opens.
The hackathon begins!
Saturday, October 3 at 9 AM (local time)
Teams are able to submit their projects on www.spaceappschallenge.org.
Happy hacking!
After the hackathon begins, we know you’ll be working with your team tirelessly to create your Space Apps solution. Don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated, and balance your hard work with fun!
Visit the chat rooms to connect with NASA challenge creators and other subject-matter experts who will be available to answer questions about the challenges and data and to provide guidance on developing elements of your solution.
The hackathon ends!
Sunday, October 4 at 11:59 PM (local time)
Project submission closes. If your team spans multiple time zones, your project must be submitted in accordance with local time of
the member in the latest time zone.