NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026: Global Hackathon
The 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge is an annual global hackathon taking place on November 14–15, 2026. Participants use NASA data and Space Agency Partner data to address real-world challenges in Earth and space science. Registration for the 2026 challenge is currently open, and people of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds are welcome.
Quick Overview
Programme: 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge
Opportunity Type: Global Hackathon
Programme Dates: November 14–15, 2026
Organizer: NASA Space Apps Challenge
Eligibility: All ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds
Focus: Space, science, technology, and real-world problem solving
Application Status: Registration Open
About the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026
The NASA Space Apps Challenge brings together people interested in space and science to develop solutions to real-world problems.
During the two-day hackathon, teams work with NASA data and data from Space Agency Partners. Challenges are written by NASA subject matter experts and cover different areas of science, technology, and creativity.
Challenge topics highlighted on the official page include:
• Storytelling
• Software development
• Astrophysics
• Space exploration
• Agriculture
• Other Earth and space-related challenges
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Who Can Participate?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge welcomes people with an interest in space and science.
The official programme page states that participants of:
• All ages
• All skill levels
• All professional backgrounds
are welcome to take part.
This broad participation model allows people with different professional and technical backgrounds to contribute to the challenge.
How the Hackathon Works
Participants use NASA’s data and Space Agency Partner data to respond to real-world challenge statements.
The challenge encourages teams to turn available data into projects and solutions. Thousands of teams submit projects each year, with submissions progressing through judging for Global Awards.
The 2026 event page states that participants must register for the challenge to participate and be eligible for Global Judging.
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Local and Virtual Participation
The 2026 programme allows participants to choose a Local Event. These events may be in person or virtual.
Participants without a suitable Local Event can choose the virtual Universal Event. The programme therefore provides a participation route for people who do not have a local event nearby.
Teams and Project Submission
Participants can join or form a team according to their chosen challenge. Teams should have no more than six participants.
Project submission for the 2026 challenge opens on November 14 at 9:00 AM. It closes on November 15 at 11:59 PM local time.
Participants who submit a project receive a participant certificate. A submitted project is also required for eligibility for Global Judging.
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How to Register
The 2026 participation process begins by creating a NASA Space Apps account or logging into an existing account.
Participants then:
• Register for the 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge
• Choose a Local Event or the virtual Universal Event
• Join or form a team
• Work on an official challenge
• Submit their project during the hackathon
Registration can continue until the hackathon closes on November 15, 2026.
Important Dates
• Account creation and registration available: August 26, 2026
• Team formation: September 17, 2026
• NASA Space Apps Challenge: November 14–15, 2026
• Project submission deadline: November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time
• Participant survey: November 30, 2026
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the registration instructions provided on the official page.
