Who and Why?

Who should participate in Space Apps?

All are welcome in Space Apps. The common thread among Space Apps participants is that you are interested in space science and exploration, you are creative, and you want to solve problems. Over 18,000 people from 75 countries and in 200 cities around the world participated in the 2018 International Space Apps Challenge. If you can’t find a Space Apps event located near you, join the Virtual Event online, and do the Space Apps challenge from your home!

Space Apps builds connections. 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?

Space Apps introduces problem-solvers worldwide to NASA’s free and open data. NASA missions to Earth, our Sun and solar system, and out into the universe – all gather data in pursuit of new knowledge, to expand our understanding through new scientific discoveries, and to help us to 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 inspires collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, fosters interest in Earth and space science and exploration, and encourages the growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers and engineers.Space Apps is managed by the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.