On Oct. 1-2, 2022, over 31,500+ registered participants from 162 countries and territories came together to learn, innovate, and collaborate in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. Powered by the global Space Apps community, it was the biggest NASA Space Apps Challenge in history! At Space Apps “there's always space for one more,” and we are proud to see our global community members – regardless of their backgrounds and experiences – embrace this value to create, explore, learn, and build together.
The Dushanbe, Tajikistan event involved 230 participants, with 130 participating in person and 100 virtually! Local Lead Nilufar Murodova’s goal was to connect local innovators with NASA’s open data and improve participants' understanding of science through the real-world challenges that Space Apps offers.
The Pretoria, South Africa event provided participants with the option to participate either in person or via a virtual hackathon experience led by Space Apps first-timer and Local Lead René-Peter Masoen. The in-person event was held near several research and innovation hubs, providing tools and technology resources that participants used to analyze data and produce innovative solutions.
Huntsville, Alabama, is home to the Marshall Space Flight Center and is also known as “Rocket City.” This event was held in the startup incubator, Innovate Huntsville, by Urban Engine, a STEM nonprofit organization focused on accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship. There were 30 participants along with 13 volunteers, mentors, and judges. Local Lead Lacey Reinoehl told participants that “this is just the beginning!” and encouraged them to pursue their interests in solving challenges on Earth and in space.
Each year participants in Rosario, Argentina, are eager to experience the hackathon and are now in their seventh year of hosting a NASA Space Apps Challenge event! Local Lead Hermes Lavallén says, “[Space Apps] is a great opportunity for collaborative work between the organizing team, mentors, volunteers, judges, and the local innovation community.”
Joining the NASA Space Apps Challenge virtually is very valuable to increase collaboration and participation and to form a community. In Sarawak, Malaysia, Local Lead Teo Yuang Teck says, “While in-person activities are fun, we are not forgetting those who are joining us virtually. We want to continue to provide opportunities for everyone to have fun.”
The Antalya, Turkey event becomes an international event each year. This year the event focused on community and humanity, and included 180 participants from 9 different countries. Local Lead Selman Canli shares that each NASA Space Apps Challenge event is a time when science, space, and community can come together.
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