Welcome to 2021 NASA International Space Apps Challenge Hackathon-Virginia Area Regional Event! Registration is open now...
NASA is inviting coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists to come together in a global, virtual hackathon. On October 2-3, 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.
Space Apps is for everyone! 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. This includes those who have never “hacked’ before! All passionate problem solvers are encouraged to join - students, experts, engineers, makers, artists, and storytellers. While some of the challenges are technical, others ask to use artistic skills, your business acumen, and historical imaginations!
2021 NASA International Space Apps Challenge will be coming to you on October 2-3, 2021 in a virtual setting. This year’s event theme is “The Power of Ten.” This theme was chosen by NASA for several reasons. One, it celebrates the fact that this year’s event is the tenth annual event. Since 2012, Space Apps has grown leaps and bounds -- thanks to you! Two, it reminds us that the next ten years have much in store, both for NASA and for Space Apps. Three, the theme captures some of the ways that we are celebrating the tenth annual event this year, which includes our inclusion of additional space agency partners and additional Global Awards -- among other things!
The North America Virginia Area Regional event will be hosted virtually.
Join or create a team, compete for prizes and to be nominated for global judging and recognition. Teams will create a short video demo for their project, and judge panel will select global finalists.
Innovators of a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Are you an engineer, technologist, scientist, creative, programmer, student, artist, or maker? Do you have experience in data science, analytics, statistics, mathematics, software development, robotics, AR/VR, information technology, videography, graphics, arts, story telling or related fields? Sign up now with your team or sign up and join a team at the event.
How do I register?
Registration for Space Apps requires that you sign up for a Space Apps account AND register for a location. You will not be able to participate in the hackathon until you have registered for a location.
- If you do not already have a Space Apps account, please create one from the Sign Up page and verify your email address. Then choose one of the locations and select “Register Now” on the location page.
- If you do have a Space Apps account, log in to the website and then select “Choose Location” from the user dashboard (see “Dashboard” in your menu bar). Or you can register through one of the location pages.
**For participants under the age of 18?
“Participants who are under the age of 18 are required to be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied during the event at all times by a parent or legal guardian.”
What Next??
August:
- Start following news about Space Apps 2021 on the website and on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
- Share your excitement and stories from your hackathon journey using #SpaceApps
- Once you register, you will start receiving messages from the Global Organizing (GO) Team through our online communications portal located on your user dashboard on the website. Check your communications frequently for updates and news about the launching of challenges, Virtual Bootcamp videos, special events, etc.!
September:
Browse challenge statements and data resources
- All of the challenge statements and data resources will go live on the website. Start thinking about which challenge you want to tackle!
Mid-September - early October: Prepare yourself with the Virtual Bootcamp
- Watch videos and tutorials about the hackathon to fulfill your curiosity and learn valuable insights that will prepare you for your hackathon experience! Guests include NASA experts and Local Leads, among others.
- All videos will be posted on the website and on our YouTube site.
In mid-September, Chat channels will open. These include:
- Location-specific chat channels
- Teaming chat channels
- Welcome and announcement channels
- When the chat rooms open, participants will also be able to create teams or request to join existing teams.
- On Friday, October 1 at 9:00AM EST, our challenge channels will open. Each challenge will have a dedicated channel. Experts from NASA and some of our partner space agencies will be available in the challenge channels to answer questions about the challenges and data. Don’t miss out! The challenge channels will be open until the hackathon closes on Sunday, October 3 at 11:59PM EST.
Saturday, October 2 at 9:00 AM EST: The hackathon begins!
- Login to the website to begin hacking!
- At this time, project submission opens. Teams will be able to edit and submit their projects.
- During the hackathon, we know you’ll be working with your team tirelessly to create your solution. Don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated, and balance your hard work with fun!
Sunday, October 3 at 11:59 PM EST: The hackathon ends
Frequently Asked QuestionsHave a question about the event? See if we've answered it here.
Awards:
Two finalist teams will receive $100 gift certificate and will qualify to participate in global challenge. Global Space Apps 2021 winners will be featured on the Space Apps website and they will receive an invitation to present their projects to NASA personnel (and space agency partners, if applicable). If travel is deemed safe, the winners will also be invited to visit a NASA site with the Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team to view a spacecraft launch.
Honorable mention team will receive $50 gift certificate
NASA International Space APPS Challenge participation certificate to all problem solvers
Thanks to our sponsors:
Our Judge:
Mrs. Kristen Kucko
Lab Technology Faculty,
TJHSST, Alexandria
