Dream with Us
The Dream with Us (DWU) Design Challenge asks students in grades 6-12 to dream of creative innovations for the future of aviation. They work to solve real-world issues that NASA Aeronautics is working on today to make aviation systems and technology safer, more sustainable, and more accessible to everyone. Students join this annual challenge for a chance to show NASA their visions for the future of flight.
DESIGN COMPETITION NOW OPEN
Sep. 23, 2026 Challenge is Live!
High School Engineering Challenge
Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems
The “Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems” challenge is open to middle and high school students, with a different task for middle school teams and high school teams. Teams for both categories will focus on the addition of an emerging aircraft fuel source, liquefied natural gas (LNG) into our aviation environment. This will require teams to learn more about LNG, how it might be used in aviation, the benefits of an additional fuel source, and what kind of changes would need to be made to aircraft and to airports to adapt to these new changes.
High School students will focus on designing aircraft fuselage fueled by liquefied natural gas, incorporate an engineering design notebook and utilizing open vehicle sketch pad.
Key Dates to Remember for the High School Engineering Challenge
Sep. 25, 2026 – Challenge Goes Live
Oct. 27, 2026 – Information Session (Virtual) 7pm ET, 4pm PT
Dec. 08, 2026 – Registration Deadline
Jan. 25, 2027 – Submission Deadline
Mar. 19, 2027 – Finalists Selected and Announced
Apr. 02, 2027 – Finalist Presentations (Virtual)
Apr. 09, 2027 – Winners Announced
We need judges! If you are interested in judging, go to the middle or high school sections to learn more and sign up.
Middle School Aviation Challenge
Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems
The “Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems” challenge is open to middle and high school students, with a different task for middle school teams and high school teams. Teams for both categories will focus on the addition of an emerging aircraft fuel source, liquefied natural gas (LNG) into our aviation environment. This will require teams to learn more about LNG, how it might be used in aviation, the benefits of an additional fuel source, and what kind of changes would need to be made to aircraft and to airports to adapt to these new changes.
Middle School students will focus on designing a new airport technology solution, support new aircraft designs as well as fuel storage and fuel delivery solutions.
Key Dates to Remember for the Middle School Aviation Challenge
Sep. 25, 2026 – Challenge Goes Live
Oct. 27, 2026 – Information Session (Virtual) 7pm ET, 4pm PT
Dec. 08, 2026 – Registration Deadline
Jan. 25, 2027 – Submission Deadline
Feb. 26, 2027 – Winners Announced
We need judges! If you are interested in judging, go to the middle or high school sections to learn more and sign up.
2026-2027 Dream with Us Challenge
As more and more aircraft are a part of the US’ National Airspace System (NAS), NASA and partners at the FAA, at universities, and in the aviation industry are searching for ways to increase safety, make flight more affordable, find new fuels for aircraft, and reduce the amount of time passengers and cargo spend in the air. This year’s Dream with Us Challenge focuses on new aircraft fuels and how even the addition of one new fuel will change both the aircraft they are used in and the airports where aircraft take off and land.
Watch Dream with Us 2026-2027 on YouTubeDream with Us Design Challenge
View more information on current and past Dream with Us Design Challenges.
2026-2027 Open (High School)
2026-2027 Open (Middle School)
2025-2026 Closed (High School)
2025-2026 Closed (Middle School)
2024 – Closed
2023 – Closed
2022 – Closed
Winners
View the winners from previous Dream with Us Design Challenges.
Videos
Previous Challenge Videos
Dream with Us
Articles for Reference
Explore more articles about the Dream with Us Challenge to gain deeper insight and context about the initiative.
