Join the 2026 NASA International Space Apps Challenge
By Maria Larson
Copy Editor
Metro State students have a unique opportunity this fall to engage with NASA data in a creative and impactful way. Over the weekend of November 14-15, the 2026 NASA International Space Apps Challenge will take place, inviting participants to build apps, create data visualizations, and design innovative solutions to Earth- or space-related challenges.
What You Need to Know
The Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon where students from diverse academic backgrounds can collaborate to tackle pressing problems. Registration is now open, allowing participants to choose from over 450 local events worldwide or join the virtual Universal Event.
No Prior Experience Required
Participants don’t need a background in aerospace engineering or programming. NASA encourages coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, and innovators to work together using publicly available data to devise solutions.
Getting Involved
Once registered, you can form a team or join one. You can also change your local or virtual event until the hackathon closes. The previous challenge saw over 114,000 participants from 551 events across 167 countries, making this an extraordinary opportunity for Metro State students to engage with a global network.
Data-Driven Solutions
The Space Apps Challenge focuses not on building rockets, but on utilizing public scientific data for useful and creative responses to problems related to Earth and space. NASA collects a wealth of information through satellites, telescopes, and other systems, which participants can use for apps, websites, maps, data visualizations, and more.
In 2025, for instance, teams developed solutions involving artificial intelligence and tools to evaluate air quality by leveraging open data.
How Students Can Contribute
Metro State students can leverage skills learned in their disciplines to contribute meaningfully to projects:
- Computer Science Students: Build websites or software tools.
- Data Students: Analyze and visualize information.
- Cybersecurity Students: Ensure secure software design and responsible data use.
- Design and Communications Students: Make projects accessible to the public.
- Environmental Science Students: Help interpret Earth-related challenges.
The aim isn’t to produce fully-fledged NASA projects but to practice critical skills such as data analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication.
How to Join
- Register: Create an account to participate in the 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge.
- Choose an Event: Select an in-person or virtual local event. If no local event is available, consider the virtual Universal Event.
- Team Formation: Team formation starts on September 17, with teams consisting of up to six members.
Project submissions will be accepted from 9 a.m. local time on Nov. 14 until 11:59 p.m. local time on Nov. 15. All participants will receive a certificate and may be eligible for global judging.
Conclusion
For Metro State students, the NASA Space Apps Challenge offers a fantastic chance to apply skills from various fields in a portfolio-worthy project while contributing to meaningful solutions for global challenges. The initiative aims to make public science more accessible by encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds. This November, students can move beyond learning to actively interpreting NASA’s data for the benefit of Earth and the future of space exploration.
