Current Opportunities
Click on your grade level to find things you can do with NASA. Check this page often for new items.
Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Higher Education
Grades K-4 Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
New Horizons Kids Club
New Horizons wasn't the only voyage launched on Janurary 19, 2006. The New Horizons team welcomes five new "Pluto Pals." The five students were born on the same day the spacecraft started on its historic journey the outer solar system.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
New Horizons Kids Club
New Horizons wasn't the only voyage launched on Janurary 19, 2006. The New Horizons team welcomes five new "Pluto Pals." The five students were born on the same day the spacecraft started on its historic journey the outer solar system.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
Grades 5-8 "Kids in Micro-g" Student Experiment Design Challenge (Grades 5-8)
"Kids in Micro-g" is a student experiment design challenge for students in grades 5-8. The challenge gives students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment to be performed in the classroom and on board the International Space Station. Competition winners and runners-up will be selected regionally and nationally. Twelve overall winners will have their experiments conducted by astronauts on board the space station. Deadline information will be released on Nov. 9, 2009.
Student Opportunity: Team America Rocketry Challenge (Grades 5-12)
TARC is a model rocket competition for U.S. students currently enrolled in grades 7-12. Teams of three to 10 students are challenged to design and build a rocket that will climb to 825 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The payload must then return to earth unbroken. The winning teams will share a grand prize pool of over $60,000 in cash and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by Nov. 30, 2009.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
"Kids in Micro-g" is a student experiment design challenge for students in grades 5-8. The challenge gives students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment to be performed in the classroom and on board the International Space Station. Competition winners and runners-up will be selected regionally and nationally. Twelve overall winners will have their experiments conducted by astronauts on board the space station. Deadline information will be released on Nov. 9, 2009.
Student Opportunity: Team America Rocketry Challenge (Grades 5-12)
TARC is a model rocket competition for U.S. students currently enrolled in grades 7-12. Teams of three to 10 students are challenged to design and build a rocket that will climb to 825 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The payload must then return to earth unbroken. The winning teams will share a grand prize pool of over $60,000 in cash and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by Nov. 30, 2009.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
Grades 9-12 NASA's DEVELOP Program -- 2010 Spring Session (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA's Applied Sciences' DEVELOP program fosters the training and development of students in the sciences, extending the practical application and benefit of NASA's Earth science research to society. Student interns conduct projects focusing on the use of NASA Earth Observing Sources to benefit local communities and organizations under the guidance of advisors and mentors from NASA and partner organizations. Applications for the spring 2010 session are due Nov. 30, 2009.
Student Opportunity: Team America Rocketry Challenge (Grades 5-12)
TARC is a model rocket competition for U.S. students currently enrolled in grades 7-12. Teams of three to 10 students are challenged to design and build a rocket that will climb to 825 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The payload must then return to earth unbroken. The winning teams will share a grand prize pool of over $60,000 in cash and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by Nov. 30, 2009.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites high school students to envision the benefits of an amphibious tiltrotor vehicle with civilian applications. The contest is open to teams or individuals. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited high school, secondary school or home school. International students may participate but are not eligible for cash prizes. A notice of intent is requested by Dec. 15, 2009. Final projects are due March 1, 2010.
2010 NASA Great Moonbuggy Race Competition (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. The race will take place April 1-3, 2010, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. High school and college students are required to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2010.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
NASA's Applied Sciences' DEVELOP program fosters the training and development of students in the sciences, extending the practical application and benefit of NASA's Earth science research to society. Student interns conduct projects focusing on the use of NASA Earth Observing Sources to benefit local communities and organizations under the guidance of advisors and mentors from NASA and partner organizations. Applications for the spring 2010 session are due Nov. 30, 2009.
Student Opportunity: Team America Rocketry Challenge (Grades 5-12)
TARC is a model rocket competition for U.S. students currently enrolled in grades 7-12. Teams of three to 10 students are challenged to design and build a rocket that will climb to 825 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The payload must then return to earth unbroken. The winning teams will share a grand prize pool of over $60,000 in cash and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by Nov. 30, 2009.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites high school students to envision the benefits of an amphibious tiltrotor vehicle with civilian applications. The contest is open to teams or individuals. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited high school, secondary school or home school. International students may participate but are not eligible for cash prizes. A notice of intent is requested by Dec. 15, 2009. Final projects are due March 1, 2010.
2010 NASA Great Moonbuggy Race Competition (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. The race will take place April 1-3, 2010, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. High school and college students are required to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2010.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Higher Education Student Opportunity: Annual CanSat Competition (Higher Education)
The CanSat competition is open to university and college students from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. The mission requires the students to design and build a satellite called a CanSat. A CanSat is the size of a soda can and must be built according to the specifications released by the competition organizing committee. Teams will then compete against each other. Applications are due Nov. 30, 2009.
NASA's DEVELOP Program -- 2010 Spring Session (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA's Applied Sciences' DEVELOP program fosters the training and development of students in the sciences, extending the practical application and benefit of NASA's Earth science research to society. Student interns conduct projects focusing on the use of NASA Earth Observing Sources to benefit local communities and organizations under the guidance of advisors and mentors from NASA and partner organizations. Applications for the spring 2010 session are due Nov. 30, 2009.
2009-2010 NASA University Design Contest in Exploration Systems (Higher Education)
NASA invites college students to get involved with NASA's return to the moon by helping to design the tools and instruments needed for the next-generation manned moon rover. Student projects will tackle real problems to be solved for a successful manned lunar mission. The contest is open to U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution in the U.S. An e-mail notice of intent is due by Dec. 15, 2009. Final entries are due on or before May 15, 2010.
2010 NASA High Altitude Student Platform Opportunity (Higher Education)
NASA is accepting applications from students at U.S. colleges and universities who want to send experiments to the edge of space on a high-flying scientific balloon. The annual NASA project provides near space access for 12 student experiments to be carried by a NASA high-altitude research balloon. The flights typically last 15 to 20 hours and reach an altitude of 23 miles. Experiments may include compact satellites or prototypes. The deadline for applications is Dec. 18, 2009.
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program (Higher Education)
Applications are being accepted from students in aeronautics and related fields for the 2010-11 academic year. Twenty undergraduate students in their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and a summer internship at a NASA center with a $10,000 stipend. Five graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for three years and two summer internships at a NASA center with $10,000 stipends. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due Jan. 11, 2010.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Higher Education)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites undergraduate and graduate students to research and design a civilian amphibious tiltrotor vehicle. The vehicle must be able to take off and land on water or land; carry up to fifty passengers; cruise at 300 knots; and cover 800 nautical miles. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. International students may participate but are not eligible for certain prizes. A notice of intent is requested by Jan. 15, 2010. Final papers are due May 3, 2010.
Mentored Research Opportunity: NASA Undergraduate Student Research Project (Higher Education)
NASA's USRP offers U.S. undergraduates research experiences at NASA centers. Applications are available for the 2010 summer session. Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA. They must have an academic major or course work concentration in engineering, math, computer science, or physical or life sciences. Participants work on practical problems that will be applied in aerospace or on future NASA missions. The application deadline is Jan. 22, 2010.
Mentored NASA's ESMD Research Paper Competition (Higher Education)
NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Research Paper Competition is open to students who are U.S. citizens in an undergraduate or graduate studies program. Research papers should relate to one of the following areas: Ground Operations, Lunar and Planetary Surface Systems, Propulsion, and Spacecraft. First place winners in each area will receive a $3500 cash scholarship and VIP seating at an upcoming launch. Entries are due Jan. 25, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute Summer Internship Program (Higher Education)
The NSBRI's summer program is for graduate or medical students and undergraduate students who have completed their second year of undergraduate studies. Applicants are asked to send a curriculum vitae or resume, a letter of interest indicating available dates during the summer, and two letters of recommendation. The program is open to U.S. citizens. The deadline to apply for the 2010 program is Jan. 31, 2010.
2010 NASA Great Moonbuggy Race Competition (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. The race will take place April 1-3, 2010, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. High school and college students are required to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2010.
2010 RASC-AL Competition (Higher Education)
The 2010 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage competition is a design project contest open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students majoring in engineering or science at an accredited college or university. The RASC-AL contest challenges participants to design projects based on real NASA projects. These design projects could then potentially be implemented by NASA. Student teams must submit abstracts by Feb. 5, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute's Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences (Higher Education)
The NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to work toward a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M is currently recruiting participants for fall 2010. Students will pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology, nuclear engineering (health physics) or nutrition, or a M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in medical sciences. Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2010.
NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition (Higher Education)
NASA is challenging undergraduate and graduate student teams to design, build, and compete an excavator that could be used on the moon. NASA's Lunabotics Mining Competition will be held at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 25-28, 2010. All of NASA's Excavator Design, Build and Compete Project Funds have been awarded for the 2010 Lunabotics Mining Competition. Register for the Lunabotics Mining Competition by Feb. 28, 2010. Registration is limited to 24 teams from U.S. universities.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
The CanSat competition is open to university and college students from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. The mission requires the students to design and build a satellite called a CanSat. A CanSat is the size of a soda can and must be built according to the specifications released by the competition organizing committee. Teams will then compete against each other. Applications are due Nov. 30, 2009.
NASA's DEVELOP Program -- 2010 Spring Session (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA's Applied Sciences' DEVELOP program fosters the training and development of students in the sciences, extending the practical application and benefit of NASA's Earth science research to society. Student interns conduct projects focusing on the use of NASA Earth Observing Sources to benefit local communities and organizations under the guidance of advisors and mentors from NASA and partner organizations. Applications for the spring 2010 session are due Nov. 30, 2009.
2009-2010 NASA University Design Contest in Exploration Systems (Higher Education)
NASA invites college students to get involved with NASA's return to the moon by helping to design the tools and instruments needed for the next-generation manned moon rover. Student projects will tackle real problems to be solved for a successful manned lunar mission. The contest is open to U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution in the U.S. An e-mail notice of intent is due by Dec. 15, 2009. Final entries are due on or before May 15, 2010.
2010 NASA High Altitude Student Platform Opportunity (Higher Education)
NASA is accepting applications from students at U.S. colleges and universities who want to send experiments to the edge of space on a high-flying scientific balloon. The annual NASA project provides near space access for 12 student experiments to be carried by a NASA high-altitude research balloon. The flights typically last 15 to 20 hours and reach an altitude of 23 miles. Experiments may include compact satellites or prototypes. The deadline for applications is Dec. 18, 2009.
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program (Higher Education)
Applications are being accepted from students in aeronautics and related fields for the 2010-11 academic year. Twenty undergraduate students in their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and a summer internship at a NASA center with a $10,000 stipend. Five graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for three years and two summer internships at a NASA center with $10,000 stipends. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due Jan. 11, 2010.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Higher Education)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites undergraduate and graduate students to research and design a civilian amphibious tiltrotor vehicle. The vehicle must be able to take off and land on water or land; carry up to fifty passengers; cruise at 300 knots; and cover 800 nautical miles. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. International students may participate but are not eligible for certain prizes. A notice of intent is requested by Jan. 15, 2010. Final papers are due May 3, 2010.
Mentored Research Opportunity: NASA Undergraduate Student Research Project (Higher Education)
NASA's USRP offers U.S. undergraduates research experiences at NASA centers. Applications are available for the 2010 summer session. Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA. They must have an academic major or course work concentration in engineering, math, computer science, or physical or life sciences. Participants work on practical problems that will be applied in aerospace or on future NASA missions. The application deadline is Jan. 22, 2010.
Mentored NASA's ESMD Research Paper Competition (Higher Education)
NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Research Paper Competition is open to students who are U.S. citizens in an undergraduate or graduate studies program. Research papers should relate to one of the following areas: Ground Operations, Lunar and Planetary Surface Systems, Propulsion, and Spacecraft. First place winners in each area will receive a $3500 cash scholarship and VIP seating at an upcoming launch. Entries are due Jan. 25, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute Summer Internship Program (Higher Education)
The NSBRI's summer program is for graduate or medical students and undergraduate students who have completed their second year of undergraduate studies. Applicants are asked to send a curriculum vitae or resume, a letter of interest indicating available dates during the summer, and two letters of recommendation. The program is open to U.S. citizens. The deadline to apply for the 2010 program is Jan. 31, 2010.
2010 NASA Great Moonbuggy Race Competition (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. The race will take place April 1-3, 2010, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. High school and college students are required to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2010.
2010 RASC-AL Competition (Higher Education)
The 2010 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage competition is a design project contest open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students majoring in engineering or science at an accredited college or university. The RASC-AL contest challenges participants to design projects based on real NASA projects. These design projects could then potentially be implemented by NASA. Student teams must submit abstracts by Feb. 5, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute's Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences (Higher Education)
The NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to work toward a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M is currently recruiting participants for fall 2010. Students will pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology, nuclear engineering (health physics) or nutrition, or a M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in medical sciences. Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2010.
NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition (Higher Education)
NASA is challenging undergraduate and graduate student teams to design, build, and compete an excavator that could be used on the moon. NASA's Lunabotics Mining Competition will be held at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 25-28, 2010. All of NASA's Excavator Design, Build and Compete Project Funds have been awarded for the 2010 Lunabotics Mining Competition. Register for the Lunabotics Mining Competition by Feb. 28, 2010. Registration is limited to 24 teams from U.S. universities.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.