The NASA ORBIT Challenge invites university and community college students nationwide to work with real NASA intellectual property and mission challenges.
Choose your path: develop commercial applications of NASA patents that solve problems here on Earth (ORBIT Earth), or design next-generation technologies for space exploration (ORBIT Space). The most ambitious teams can pursue both through the optional Integration Bonus.
Compete for up to $380,000 in prizes, receive mentorship from NASA experts, and present your work at an in-person showcase. Finalists gain access to an exclusive accelerator program designed to launch careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Awards:- $380,000 in total prizes
Deadline:- 09-02-2026





