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Participant FAQ
Last Updated: 27 September 2023

WHAT IS THE NASA INTERNATIONAL SPACE APPS CHALLENGE?

Each October, over the course of two days, coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers,
storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists from around the world come together
in a global hackathon. Participants in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge create in-
person and virtual teams to solve challenges using open-source data from NASA and its Space
Agency Partners.

This year's Space Agency Partners include the Australian Space Agency, Brazilian Space Agency,
Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organization, Italian
Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Mexican Space Agency, National Space
Activities Commission of Argentina, National Space Science Agency of Bahrain, Paraguayan
Space Agency, South African National Space Agency, and the Turkish Space Agency.

What is the purpose of Space Apps?

The Space Apps Challenge, founded in 2012, has become the largest annual global
hackathon in the world. While the top projects are recognized as Global Winners, Space
Apps is all about collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives:

• Inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking

• Foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration
• Raise global awareness of NASA data
• Encourage growth and diversity in the next generation of scientists, engineers,
technologists, and designers

What is the theme of the 2023 Space Apps Challenge?

This year's theme is "Explore Open Science Together" in collaboration with NASA
Transform to Open Science (TOPS). This theme acknowledges 2023 as A Year of Open
Science - as declared by NASA, the White House, and other Federal Agencies.

You can learn more about this year's theme on our blog.

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Who should participate in the Space Apps Challenge?

Space Apps is for everyone, including those who have never “hacked" before! All
passionate problem solvers, from students to life-long learners, are encouraged to join.
While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use artistic skills, business
acumen, or your imagination.

In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be a part of the Space
Apps Challenge. In fact, teams with the most diverse sets of skills are often the most
successful!

Does it cost anything to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the Space Apps Challenge. If you are asked to pay
money to participate in any aspect of a NASA Space Apps event, do not pay anything,
and please report to info@spaceappschallenge.org.

What is the minimum age for participants?

Participants who are under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or
legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times
during the event.

Do I register individually or as a team?

Participants register as individuals, not as teams. Forming your team is a separate

process.

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If I still have questions after reading the FAQ, what should I do?

Each year we provide these detailed guides to help you navigate the hackathon:

• Space Apps Connect (formerly Space Apps Chat) Guide

• Team Formation Guide
• Project Submission Guide
• Judging and Awards Guide

You can view our most recent guides on our Resources page. They will become available
in September.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Space Apps Challenge will start on October 7 at 9:00 a.m. (local time) and end on October
8 at 11:59 p.m. (local time), when project submissions are due.

However, many Space Apps activities start before October 7. Once you sign up for a Space Apps
account, start checking your Messages from the Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team for
important information regarding your hackathon journey.

Please also look on your Local Event page and communicate with your Local Lead to learn
about other events and deadlines that are specific to your location.

EVENT TIMELINE

JULY

• Registration opens! Sign up for the 2023 Space Apps Challenge.

• Create an account or log in if you’re a returning participant.
• Register for a Local Event near you or our Universal Event (please note you MUST be
registered for a Local Event or Universal Event to participate).
• Learn more about your Local Event by connecting with your Local Lead. You can find
their name and email address on your Local Event page. Each event will vary based on
the plans of your Local Lead, so be sure to get plugged in!

REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SPACE APPS CHALLENGE

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JULY-AUGUST

• Review the Challenge Summaries in mid-August to get a sneak peek of what’s to come.
• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with your Space Apps
community! Share your excitement and hackathon journey using #SpaceApps.
• Invite your friends to register for the Space Apps Challenge. The hackathon experience is
even better when shared with friends!
• Check your Messages! Once you register, you will start receiving messages from the GO
Team in your account inbox. You can access your Messages inbox by clicking on your
profile avatar and selecting "Messages" from the drop-down menu. Check your messages
frequently for updates and news about challenges, Virtual Bootcamp videos, upcoming
deadlines, and more.
• Watch our Virtual Bootcamp video tutorials to learn valuable information and gain
insights into the hackathon experience! All videos will be posted on the Space Apps
Virtual Bootcamp webpage and on our YouTube channel.

SEPTEMBER

• If you haven’t already, create your account and register for a Local Event or the Universal
Event. This step should be completed at least one to two weeks before the hackathon.
• New Local Events are added through August. So check back for a Local Event near you if
there wasn’t one when you registered in July-August.
• Browse the Challenge Statements and start thinking about which one you want to tackle!
• On September 26, you can join the Space Apps Connect forum, a collaborative
communication forum for the NASA International Space Apps Challenge community.

OCTOBER 7

First day of the hackathon:

• At 9:00 a.m. (local time) teams may begin working on their hackathon projects.
• Project submission opens at 9:00 a.m. Teams will be able to edit and submit their
projects until 11:59 p.m. (local time) on October 8. See the Project Submission Guide for
details.
• Experts from NASA, Space Agency Partners, and industry will be available in Space Apps
Connect to answer questions about the Challenge Statements and data.
• During the hackathon, we know you’ll be working with your team tirelessly to create your
project. Don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated, and balance your hard work with fun!

OCTOBER 8

• The hackathon ends at 11:59 p.m. (local time). All projects must be submitted to the
Space Apps Challenge website by this deadline.
• Teams must submit their projects in accordance with the time of the Local Event location
for which the team is registered. *If your team is registered for the Universal Event, your

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project must be submitted in accordance with the local time of the person who created
the team (“Team Lead’).
• You did it! Pat yourself on the back for making it through the hackathon. What an
achievement!

OCTOBER-DECEMBER

• Judging begins! Experts from NASA, Space Agency Partners, and industry will evaluate the
projects and select the winners.
• Your team will be notified if you’ve been selected as a finalist or winner. Best of luck!
• See the Judging and Awards Guide for details about the Global Awards and judging
process.

REGISTRATION STEP-BY-STEP

STEP 1: SIGN UP FOR A SPACE APPS ACCOUNT

Sign up for a Space Apps account HERE. Once you input your information, you will be
prompted to verify your email address.

STEP 2: REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE & CHOOSE A LOCAL EVENT

Participant registration for Space Apps 2023 opens in mid-July and will remain open through
the end of the hackathon on October 8, 2023 (11:59 p.m. local time).

To participate in the Space Apps Challenge, you must register for a Local Event or the
Universal Event. We encourage you to complete this step at least one to two weeks before the
hackathon to start forming your team and joining Space Apps Connect.

1. Log in to the website using your username and password

2. Explore and choose a Local Event on the 2023 Local Events page

The Space Apps Challenge features hundreds of Local Events allowing participants to find
potential teammates located in the same community or time zone, or who speak the same
language. Since one of the goals of Space Apps is to build local communities, we suggest that
participants join a Local Event based on their physical location or their networks/connections
to a particular location. If there are no Local Events in your area, you can register for the
Universal Event.

You can change your Local Event by clicking "Leave this Location" on the Local Event page you
are currently registered for.

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Teams may consist of participants from one Local Event or from several Local Events. You may
eventually choose to join a team that is tied to another Local Event because you like their
project idea. Or you may choose to invite people from other Local Events to join your team
because you need their skills. During Local Judging your project will be evaluated by the local
judges at the Local Event for which your team is registered.

STEP 3: CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL LEAD

Local Leads are the organizers of Space Apps Challenge Local Events. They are available to
answer questions and help connect you to potential teammates prior to the hackathon. Local
Leads are the primary points of contact for your Local Event and will support your hackathon
experience. Please reach out to them as you prepare and for specific details regarding your
Local Event!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Can I follow Space Apps on social media?

YES! You can find Space Apps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We
encourage Space Apps participants to engage with us and our global community! Make
sure to follow and use the #SpaceApps hashtag.

What is Virtual Bootcamp?

The Space Apps Virtual Bootcamp is a series of video tutorials developed by Space Apps
Navigators, Global Winners, Space Agency Partners, Local Leads, Global Collaborators,
and Subject Matter Experts. At the beginning of August, videos will be posted to the
Space Apps website and YouTube. Video hosts will provide tips for a successful
hackathon experience and guidance regarding the Space Apps Challenge Statements,
resources, and open data.

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What is Space Apps Connect (formerly Space Apps Chat)?

Space Apps Connect provides a forum for you to connect with the Space Apps
community and get valuable support for your hackathon journey! This year, Space Apps
Connect will be hosted on GitHub.

The forum opens in late September and will remain open through 11:59pm (local time)
on October 8. Along with your fellow participants, here is who you’ll find in Space Apps
Connect:

• The Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team: The team behind Space Apps is
dedicated to guiding and supporting you through a successful Space Apps journey!
• Local Leads: Individuals based in cities all around the globe who organize local in-
person or virtual Space Apps events.
• Navigators: Individuals who can support you over the course of the event by
providing their expertise in Space Apps and how to use NASA and its Space Agency
Partners’ open data resources.

Find step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the Space Apps Connect in our Space
Apps Connect Guide, available in September.

Is the Space Apps Connect free?

YES. Space Apps Connect is completely FREE for everyone to use.

When signing up for a GitHub account, GitHub will ask you which plan you would like to
use. A FREE account will provide all of the capabilities you need to participate in the
Space Apps Challenge. You do not need to make any monetary purchases to fully
experience everything Space Apps Connect has to offer!

If you are prompted or suggested to purchase something while using GitHub, please
understand that NASA is not responsible for any purchases you make.

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What should I do if I experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or any form of

bullying during the hackathon?

Bullying, discrimination, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated during the
Space Apps Challenge. Space Apps is committed to providing a professional and
productive forum for all participants to engage in a robust exchange of ideas regarding
the challenges. At all times, participants are responsible for maintaining professional
decorum and treating each other with respect and dignity. We strive to ensure that
Space Apps is a place where every person feels they belong, where they are comfortable
being authentic, and where they are empowered to contribute to their fullest.

Participants who violate these conduct guidelines may face a warning, suspension, or be
expelled from the event.

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or any form of bullying during

the Space Apps Challenge, or have any other concerns, please contact your Local Lead
and/or the Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team at
conduct@spaceappschallenge.org.

THE CHALLENGES

Space Apps Challenge Hackathon Challenge Statements are developed by NASA personnel.
They encompass a wide variety of topics from Earth science to space exploration.

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When and where will the Challenge Statements be published?

A summary of each Challenge Statement is released several weeks in advance of the

hackathon. Full Challenge Statements and supporting resources become available closer
to the start of the hackathon. We encourage you to review each and select a Challenge
Statement for your Team Project before the hackathon starts. Follow Space Apps on
social media to find out as soon as Challenge Summaries and Challenge Statements
become available.

Explore this year's Challenge Statements

Can people start working on the challenges as soon as they are published?

We appreciate the enthusiasm of participants who want to start as early as possible.

However, participants should not begin working on their project until the first day of the
hackathon at 9:00 a.m. (local time).

As a reminder, The Space Apps Challenge is held over the course of two days, therefore
participants are not expected to submit a fully developed project at the end. The
purpose, rather, is to inspire innovative ideas and develop solution-oriented projects in
a collaborative, team environment.

What if I have questions about one of the challenges or datasets?

Questions about Challenge Statement subject matter or resources can be asked in Space
Apps Connect in the week leading up to and during the hackathon. Members of the
Space Apps GO Team, Space Apps Navigators, and Subject Matter Experts will be
available to answer your questions.

For information on how to access the Space Apps Connect Discussion forum, please read
our Space Apps Connect guide on the Resources page.

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My team would like to come up with our own project. Is it mandatory to pick one of the
Challenge Statements?

To be eligible for Global Judging and Global Awards, teams must respond to one of the
Challenge Statements. However, you have the option to select "Create Your Own
Challenge” to develop a project based on your own idea. While projects in this category
are a great way to explore personal scientific interests, they are not eligible for Global
Judging or Global Awards from NASA.

Local Awards are determined by Local Leads. Therefore, projects in this category may be
eligible for Local Awards. We encourage you to check with your Local Lead to determine
if Local Awards are a part of your Local Event and if “Create Your Own Challenge” projects
are eligible to receive a Local Award.

FORMING A PROJECT TEAM

Part of the Space Apps Challenge experience is connecting with like-minded problem solvers
from your own community and around the world! Participants are encouraged to create teams
that include individuals with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. A diverse team provides you
with the opportunity to learn from one another and sets your team up for hackathon success!

Do I need a team to participate?

YES. An individual is allowed to create a team and submit a project independently.

However, we encourage all participants to be part of a larger team. We have found that
the most successful projects come from teams of individuals with a variety of skills and
backgrounds. For example, we encourage participants with non-technical backgrounds to
connect with developers, designers, and people with scientific backgrounds to form a
team.

How many members can be on a team?

The ideal size for a team is four to five people. The limit for a team is six people. If a
team gets too big, it can be difficult for the team to focus; if it is too small, the team may
not have all the skills/knowledge needed to solve a challenge.

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When can I form or join a team?

You will be able to officially join or create a team on the Space Apps website in the week
leading up to the hackathon. You may also wait to form your team until the hackathon.
You may add members to your team until the hackathon ends on October 8 at 11:59 p.m.
(local time).

Read the Team Formation Guide

Does it matter which team member officially creates the team?

Yes. One person from each team is responsible for creating/registering the team. That
person is known as the “Team Owner.” Please note that the team will be associated with
the Local Event that the Team Owner is registered for, and will appear on the Local Event
page associated with the Team Owner.

The Local Event your team is associated with affects two things:

• Project due date: All projects must be submitted on October 8 at 11:59 p.m. (local
time) in accordance with the Local Event for which your team is registered. Please
note: *If your team is registered for the Universal Event, your project must be
submitted in accordance with the local time of the person who created the team.
• Project judging: During the first round of judging, your team’s project will be
evaluated by the Local Judges at the Local Event for which your team is registered.

How do I find teammates?

We encourage you to invite your friends and community members to participate with
you! You can also self-organize into teams before the event with the help of your Local
Lead, who may know other registered participants looking for teammates. Find the
contact information for your Local Leads on your Local Event page.

You can also find teammates through Space Apps Connect once it opens.

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Can I remove someone from my team, leave a team, or delete my team entirely?

Yes.

• You may remove yourself from a team by selecting the “Leave Team” option at the
bottom of the page.
• Team Owners will also use this page to approve/deny pending join requests. When
a participant requests to join a team, an email will be sent to the Team Owner with
the message written by the person attempting to join the team. The Team Owner
may then navigate to the Members tab to either approve or deny a new team
member request.
• Team Owners may also remove team members if they no longer want them on the
team. They may do this by clicking the “Remove” button next to a team member’s
name.
• The Team Owner may delete the team by clicking the red “Delete Team” at the
bottom of the page.

My team has decided to tackle a different challenge. However, we already created our
team page. What should we do?

If you’ve already created a team but have changed your mind about which challenge you
want to tackle, you are welcome to pick a new challenge. The Team Owner can do this by
by choosing the blue “Edit Details” option on your team's About page.

Find step-by-step instructions on how to form or join a team in the Team Formation Guide.

Read the Team Formation Guide

PROJECT SUBMISSION

Coming Soon

JUDGING & AWARDS

Coming Soon

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