About

Saudi Space Apps Challenge is a two-day hackathon where teams of technologists, scientists, designers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, developers and students across the globe collaborate and engage with publicly available data to design innovative solutions for global challenges.

The event embraces collaborative problem solving with a goal of producing relevant open-source solutions to advance space exploration missions and improve life on earth.

Challenges

Ideas

FAQ

• What is the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2021?

  On October 2-3, NASA is inviting coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists to come together in a global, virtual hackathon. During a period of 48 hours, participants from around the world will come together to create virtual teams and solve challenges using NASA’s open-source data. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of our global community’s health and safety, this year’s hackathon will be an all-virtual event. In other words, all local events will take place online. Through the website, participants will be able to meet teammates and create their teams; talk with other participants and space agency experts in our online chat rooms; and submit their projects. In this unprecedented time, the Space Apps community exists as a reminder that we have the tools and talents to tackle the challenges that face our planet, as well as the ability to unite across boundaries and borders of all kinds.

• What is the purpose of Space Apps?

  Space Apps, which started in 2012, has now become the largest global hackathon. While NASA provides awards to the top projects (see more below), Space Apps is all about collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives: To inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking To foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration To raise awareness of NASA data around the world To encourage growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, engineers, artists, etc. To find out more about the purpose of Space Apps, please see this page.

• What is the theme of Space Apps for 2021?

  This year’s event theme is “The Power of Ten.” This theme was chosen by NASA for several reasons. One, it celebrates the fact that this year’s event is the tenth annual event. Since 2012, Space Apps has grown leaps and bounds -- thanks to you! Two, it reminds us that the next ten years have much in store, both for NASA and for Space Apps. Three, the theme captures some of the ways that we are celebrating the tenth annual event this year, which includes our inclusion of additional space agency partners and additional Global Awards -- among other things! Read more about our theme and related activities here.

• Who should participate in Space Apps?

  Space Apps is for everyone! This includes those who have never “hacked’ before! All passionate problem solvers are encouraged to join - students, experts, engineers, makers, artists, and storytellers. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use your artistic skills, your business acumen, and your historical imaginations! In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be part of Space Apps. In fact, the most diverse teams are often the most successful. The challenges summaries are now available here! Full challenge statements and resources will be posted by mid-September.
  Eligibility: The Hackathon is open to all individuals who are: above the age of 12 years of age.

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

  Before the hackathon begins, we will be releasing additional resources and guides to help you navigate your hackathon journey. These include the following: Space Apps Virtual Bootcamp Chat Guide Team Formation Guide Project Submission Guide Judging and Awards Guide Once those are released, please take time to look them over. During the hackathon, members of the Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team will be available in our chat rooms to answer your questions and point you to the correct resources. If you still have questions, please contact [email protected], and we'll get back to you!