SpaceHack: Space Data Challenge is a unique hackathon designed by high school students, for high school students passionate about technology, space exploration, and real-world problem-solving. This event brings together aspiring innovators to tackle cutting-edge challenges related to deep-space navigation, AI-driven mission control, and interplanetary communication systems.

Participants will work as individuals or teams to design, build, and present software solutions addressing various aspects of future space missions. Whether you're an experienced coder or a beginner eager to learn, Cosmic Odyssey provides an inclusive environment where creativity and technical expertise collide.

What makes this hackathon special:

  • Student-Led Innovation: Organized by students who understand what excites and challenges their peers.

  • Space-Themed Tracks: From AI-powered navigation to spacecraft communication protocols, each challenge simulates real NASA-inspired missions.

  • Exclusive Learning Opportunities: Workshops and mentorship sessions led by aerospace and tech professionals.

  • Meaningful Impact: Build projects that could inspire future space tech innovations.

Requirements

What to Build:

Participants must build a project that addresses one of the following tracks:

  1. Orbital Navigation & Flight Path Optimization:

    • Software for spacecraft trajectory visualization and path corrections.
  2. Mission Command & Control Systems:

    • Dashboards or models that monitor mission-critical data, predict mission success, or assist with mission planning.
  3. Interplanetary Communications & Signal Routing:

    • Systems that optimize deep-space data transfer and satellite communication.
  4. Space Exploration Visualizer:

    • Interactive 3D simulations, educational tools, or mission visualizers for public engagement.

Technical Stack:

  • Recommended technologies include Python, JavaScript, WebGL, TensorFlow, Unity, or any space data API (e.g., NASA APIs, OpenSpace).
  • Participants can use open-source libraries, existing datasets, or create custom models.
What to Submit:
  1. Project Overview:

    • Title: Clear and creative project name.
    • Tagline: Short description summarizing the project’s impact.
    • Track Selection: Indicate which track your project belongs to.
  2. Description:

    • Inspiration: What inspired your project?
    • How It Works: Describe the technical approach, key features, and how it addresses the challenge.
    • Challenges: Mention significant technical or conceptual challenges faced and how you overcame them.
  3. Demo Video (2-5 minutes):

    • A walkthrough of the project, explaining features and showcasing functionality.
    • Include live demos, screen recordings, or animations.
  4. Code Repository:

    • Link to a public GitHub repository containing the project source code. Ensure the code is well-documented.
  5. Supporting Materials:

    • Presentation slides or additional visuals (if applicable).
    • Any relevant data sources, models, or datasets used.
  6. Team Info:

    • If working as teams, list the team members and their roles in the project.
  7. Devpost Submission:

    • Submit your project on Devpost by the deadline. Ensure all required fields are completed, and the project is published as “Visible to Judges.”

 

 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$500 in prizes
1st Place: $200 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate
1 winner

2nd Place: $100 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate
1 winner

3rd Place: $50 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate
1 winner

Mission Architect Award: Best technical implementation: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1 winner

Data Voyager Award: Best data-driven project: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1 winner

Cosmic Communicator Award: Best storytelling/presentation: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Christian Tanner
President - SpaceHacks, High School Senior

Lazar C

Lazar C
President - SpaceHacks, High School Senior

Shweta Jain

Shweta Jain
Vice President - SpaceHack Hackathon, High School Junior

Andreina Johna

Andreina Johna
Vice President - SpaceHack Hackathon, High School Junior

Ottomar Maera

Ottomar Maera
Social Media Director - SpaceHack Hackathon, High School Junior

Yinuo Ming

Yinuo Ming
Treasurer - SpaceHack Hackathon, High School Junior

Judging Criteria

  • Technical Implementation (30%)
    How well the project functions technically. Code quality, functionality, and proper use of tools, APIs, and frameworks. Efficiency, scalability, and correctness of the solution.
  • Creativity & Innovation (25%)
    Originality and uniqueness of the idea. Creative problem-solving and use of cutting-edge technologies.
  • Relevance to the Theme (25%)
    How well the project aligns with the hackathon tracks and mission goals. Impact potential on real-world space exploration challenges.
  • Presentation & Demo (20%)
    Clarity, organization, and professionalism of the project presentation. Quality of the demo video, including how effectively the solution is explained

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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