NASA Opens Applications for Second ORBIT Student Challenge
Student teams compete to develop Earth and space technologies with $500K in prizes.
1ORBIT Challenge Returns
NASA's ORBIT program launches its second season, offering university students a platform to develop innovative solutions for Earth and space technologies. The challenge builds on the success of its inaugural year, focusing on career development and practical innovation. Teams can register until November 16, 2026, via the NASA STEM Gateway. This year's competition features expanded prize funding of up to $500,000, incentivizing bold ideas and feasibility-driven proposals.
2Two Tracks for Innovation
Participants choose between the ORBIT Earth track, which requires developing commercial or nonprofit applications from NASA patents, and the ORBIT Space track, focused on next-generation space exploration tech. Earth track projects must address critical terrestrial issues like noise pollution or medical technology. Space track projects support NASA's Artemis program and sustainable human presence on the Moon and Mars. Teams can also compete for an Integration Bonus by combining both tracks' goals.
3Competition Structure
Student teams conduct targeted research, conceptualize early models, and perform feasibility analyses to refine their proposals. Top-performing teams advance to an in-person Pitch Showcase, presenting to expert judges who evaluate based on presentations and Q&A sessions. The competition emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving, bridging academia and aerospace careers. Winners gain direct access to NASA mentors and industry-ready skills.
4New Specialty Awards
This season introduces two new recognitions: the Faculty Advisors’ Choice Award, honoring professionalism and cross-team communication, and the Next Steps Award for teams with the strongest post-competition project roadmaps. These awards complement core prizes, highlighting diverse aspects of student excellence. The challenge aims to build a talent pipeline for NASA's missions while fostering skills in research, pitching, and technical development.
5Earth Track Focus
Teams in the ORBIT Earth track select a NASA-owned patent and develop novel applications with clear public benefits. Examples include reimagining drones to reduce noise pollution or designing improved medical technology. Projects must demonstrate viable pathways to commercialization or nonprofit impact, addressing pressing terrestrial challenges. This track emphasizes practical innovation with measurable societal benefits.
6Space Track Objectives
The ORBIT Space track targets technologies for NASA's Artemis program and future deep-space exploration. Teams develop concepts for power, communications, navigation, living solutions, and astronaut health. Projects must align with NASA's goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and Mars. The track encourages cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of current space technology.
7Integration Bonus Opportunity
Teams that successfully unite the goals of both Earth and Space tracks can qualify for a special Integration Bonus. This recognition rewards projects that demonstrate dual applicability, solving terrestrial problems while advancing space exploration. The bonus underscores NASA's interest in interdisciplinary innovation that bridges Earth and space technology development.
8Career Pipeline Impact
ORBIT provides students with immersive experience in NASA's core missions, fostering skills that bridge academia and aerospace careers. Participants gain direct access to agency mentors and industry-ready competencies. The challenge cultivates a talent pipeline for NASA and the broader aerospace sector, emphasizing practical problem-solving, teamwork, and technical innovation. Past participants have leveraged the experience for career advancement in STEM fields.
Original article: NASA — NASA Opens Applications for Second ORBIT Student Challenge