What is The NASA Space Apps Challenge?
What is The NASA Space Apps Challenge?
August 22, 2025
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The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, technologists, and innovators around the world. Tampa Hackerspace is proud to be hosting the Tampa, FL local Space Apps Challenge for the 10th year!
What is Space Apps?
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is a weekend-long hackathon that takes place both online, and in local events hosted around the world. Each year, teams engage with NASA’s free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space. Space Apps give participants the opportunity to bring projects to life fora. wide range of applications. We’re looking forward to seeing what innovative, creative and inspiring ideas participants bring to the community.
This year’s theme is Learn, Launch, Lead.
What is a hackathon? Do I need to know how to code?
Space Apps is the largest annual global hackathon. But what is a hackathon? Traditionally, hackathons are technology development marathons that draw on the talents and initiative of bright-minded volunteers such as software developers, engineers, technologists, designers, scientists, or anyone with a passion and desire to make an impact on the world.
Here’s the good news. You don’t need to know how to code!
There are a multitude of different challenges each year, ranging from building apps that visualize satellite date to creating educational tools to inspire future explorers. A couple years ago, the winning group’s project didn’t involve any code! They won with a custom designed board game, made right here at Tampa Hackerspace.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to participate. Teams are made up of coders, makers, artists, storytellers, engineers, students and everyday problem solvers. If you can brainstorm, collaborate, and bring ideas to life—you belong at Space Apps!
How it works.
Each year, NASA releases a set of challenges that draw from their open data. Participants form teams either locally or virtually, and spend 48 hours working on a solution. At the end of the weekend, teams present their projects to the judges. Standout projects move onto global judging with the chance to be recognized by NASA scientists, and even astronauts!
At the Tampa, FL local event hosted by Tampa Hackerspace, there will be food, snacks, and a diverse community of experienced makers to inspire and assist Space Apps competitors. Competitors also have the opportunity to win some out of this world prizes. Did we mention this event is FREE!
Why this matters.
This is so much more than just a competition. The NASA Space Apps Challenge is about collaboration and community.
- Work with actual NASA data: Participants ue real datasets from NASA and its partners.
- Collaborate with a diverse team: Make life-long friendships, mentor others, and learn from some of the brightest and most unique minds in the Tampa Bay Area!
- Make a real-world impact: The different challenges of the NASA Space Apps Challenge address real issues like climate change and STEM education in the classroom. Many projects over the years have inspired new research, apps and educational tools with impact well beyond the end of the hackathon.
Tampa Hackerspace is all about applying creativity to real-world problems. Events like Space Apps align perfectly with our mission:
Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
The Tampa Hackerspace Mission
Whether you’re into coding, woodworking, electronics or design, your skills can make a difference. That’s what Space Apps is all about. This is a chance to join a worldwide community of innovators, explore cutting-edge science, and prove that problem solving thrives in diverse hands.
Well, what are you waiting for?
How to get involved.
Registration is officially open! View the challenges and register online using the buttons below.
We would also like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting the Tampa Space Apps event. This would not be nearly as stellar without the astronomical generosity of our volunteers, donors, and sponsors.
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code,codeathon,coding,events,hackathon,hackerspace events,NASA,space,space apps
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More Space Apps Questions?
Get in touch with Tracey, our Space Apps “Ground Control” to ask questions or inquire about supporting the Tampa event.