StellarNet is a virtual, student-led hackathon designed to challenge high school innovators to tackle tomorrow’s space exploration challenges — today.

Whether you’re coding a mission control AI, designing a spacecraft simulator, or building a Mars surface interface in Unity or Unreal Engine, this event is your launchpad.

Participants will work individually or in teams to develop creative, space-themed software solutions. You’ll have the chance to learn, build, and showcase your work — all from the comfort of your home.

 

No shipping. No travel. Just creativity, code, and cosmos.

Requirements

Tracks (Choose Your Mission)

  1. Space Navigation Simulations

    • Build a spacecraft or satellite navigation interface using Unity/Unreal Engine.

    • Simulate orbital maneuvers, docking, or asteroid avoidance in 3D.

  2. Immersive Mission Control

    • Create a virtual mission control system or dashboard to monitor and guide space missions.

    • Use spatial UI/UX, telemetry display panels, or command interfaces.

  3. Interplanetary Comms & Interfaces

    • Simulate communication delays and protocols between Earth and off-world colonies.

    • Bonus: Visualize signal paths or network traffic in 3D.

  4. Surface Operations on Other Worlds

    • Design rover control systems, terrain navigation, or EVA mission planning tools.

    • Build explorable Mars or Moon environments using Unreal or Unity physics.

  5. Wildcard: The Open Cosmos

    • Any other space software idea — from asteroid mining to space station design, anything is fair game.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
Best Overall Hackathon
1 winner

Digital Certificate of Excellence (Gold)

Best in Track (1 Winner per Track)
5 winners

Tracks: Navigation Simulations • Mission Control • Communications • Surface Operations • Wildcard

Digital Certificate of Distinction

Best Unity/Unreal Engine Project
1 winner

Digital Certificate for Simulation Excellence

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Sam Suraj

Sam Suraj
President, CS Club

Jordan Alvarez

Jordan Alvarez
Vice President, CS Club

Sophia Chen

Sophia Chen
Secretary, CS Club

Ethan Williams

Ethan Williams
Treasurer, CS Club

Judging Criteria

  • Technical Implementation (10 pts)
    How well does the project function? Are the systems stable, responsive, and well-structured? For Unity/Unreal: Is the 3D logic or physics engine effectively used? Does the code reflect thoughtful architecture and modular design?
  • Creativity & Innovation (10 pts)
    Is the idea unique or presented in a novel way? Does it offer a new solution to a known space challenge? Are there creative features, visuals, or interfaces?
  • Relevance to Space Themes (10 pts)
    How well does the project connect to the challenges of space exploration? Does it simulate or address real-world systems like navigation, mission control, or comms? Is the scenario or simulation rooted in plausible space technology or missions?
  • Presentation & Communication (10 pts)
    Is the project clearly explained in the submission materials? Does the demo video highlight key features effectively? Is the GitHub repository organized with proper documentation or README?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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