NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon that engages thousands of worldwide citizens to work with NASA’s open source data and products and design innovative solutions to universal challenges. For the first time, Huntsville, Alabama, will host regional participants for 32 hours on April 29-30.
Facilitated by the Greater Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and New Leaf Digital, the event will be held at Huntsville STEAM Works on the first floor of Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.
“Space Apps is an exciting opportunity for NASA to engage with the broader public and create an inclusive environment where everyone can appreciate the scientific challenges we face on Earth and in space, and can apply their talents and creativity to solve them,” said Tracie Prater, an engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and a volunteer on the organizing team for the event. “I’m really excited that we’re in a makerspace, which enables those working on challenges to build rapid prototypes — having the ability to ‘make’ onsite is a unique feature of our competition. I hope that Space Apps will become a Huntsville tradition and serve as a powerful STEAM outreach and innovation tool.”
This year’s theme for NASA’s International Space Apps challenge is Earth. NASA recently released the challenges under the following categories:
- The Earth and Us
- Planetary Blues
- Warning! Danger Ahead!
- Our Ecological Neighborhood
- Ideate and Create!
Winners of NASA’s official challenges will advance to compete in NASA’s international competition. Those interested in the official Space Apps Challenge can do so by participating in the Huntsville event or can participate virtually by registering here. Participants attending the event at Huntsville STEAM Works also can compete in community challenges designed by volunteers. Winners of the Huntsville competition will receive cash and prizes from local sponsors. Registration also will be available onsite at the local event on the morning of April 29.
Speakers from Marshall will be featured during the two-day event, including David Burns, Science and Technology Office manager; Andrew Keys, Marshall’s chief technologist; and Monsi Roman, Centennial Challenges Program manager.
For more information on NASA’s Space Apps Challenge:
https://2017.spaceappschallenge.org.
For more information on the Huntsville Space Apps Challenge: