Washington, District of Columbia

Welcome to NASA's International Space Apps Challenge in Washington, D.C. 2021! Registration is now open.

Since its inception in 2012, NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge has become the world’s largest global hackathon, engaging thousands of citizens (including coders, scientists, designers, students, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, entrepreneurs, and more) across the globe to use NASA’s open data to build innovative solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space. Space Apps is a NASA-led global initiative and is the largest hackathon organized in collaboration with universities, schools, and industries.

The North America-Washington, D.C. Regional Event will be hosted virtually by local sponsors and partners in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. is also home to NASA Headquarters and NASA Goddard.

Mission: Hack solutions to challenges that NASA proposes, creating games, smartphone and computer apps, videos, teaching tools, hardware and software solutions, and much more in a 48-hour sprint.

Winners: Two teams will win on the North America-Washington, D.C. Regional Event and will win the right to be submitted to the global competition.

Speakers | Partners | Volunteers

Who should participate: The common thread among Space Apps participants is that you are interested in space science and exploration, that you are creative, and that you want to solve problems.

As a part of Space Apps, you are part of a global hackathon community that embraces collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures to bring about paradigm-shifting innovation.

Why does NASA hold Space Apps: NASA's missions to Earth, our Sun and solar system, and out into the universe all entail gathering data in the pursuit of new knowledge that expands our understanding through new scientific discoveries and help us improve life on Earth. By using NASA data to solve each year’s challenges, Space Apps teams learn about NASA’s data, and share in the creation and application of the knowledge that results.

Space Apps also inspires collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking that fosters interest in Earth and space science and exploration. Our missions is to leverage this interest to encourage the growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, storytellers, and engineers.

Space Apps is managed by the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

When is the event: Mark your calendars for October 1-3!

Where will the event be held: This year the global hackathon will once again be virtual. Thank you to all of the participants, volunteers, and collaborators who made 2020's first all-virtual annual event such a success! We are looking forward to growing our reach even further!

Interested in collaborating? Review our collaborator information guide.

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