NASA Opens Applications for Second Season of ORBIT Student Challenge

NASA has reopened applications for its second season of the ORBIT Student Challenge, a competition aimed at fostering innovation among university and college students in Earth technology development and deep-space exploration. Registration for the 2026-2027 challenge is available through November 16, 2026, via NASA's STEM Gateway.

With up to $500,000 in prize funding, ORBIT invites student teams to submit bold ideas and develop their most promising solutions. Students must conduct research, create early models, and perform feasibility analyses to refine their proposals. Successful teams will advance to an in-person Pitch Showcase, where they'll present their ideas to a panel of expert judges and vie for awards based on their presentations and interactive Q&A sessions.

ORBIT offers two tracks for teams to choose from: ORBIT Earth and ORBIT Space. In the Earth track, teams must create innovative applications based on a NASA-owned patent that address critical terrestrial problems, ranging from noise pollution-reducing drones to advanced medical technology. Meanwhile, the Space track focuses on next-generation space exploration technology to support NASA's Artemis program and future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Students will develop concepts for power, communications, navigation, living solutions, astronaut health, and more.

A special Integration Bonus is awarded to projects that combine the goals of both Earth and Space tracks, while two new specialty recognitions - the Faculty Advisors’ Choice Award and the Next Steps Award - honor teams with exceptional professionalism and strong roadmaps for continued project development after the competition.

Beyond the core prizes, ORBIT aims to build a pipeline of interdisciplinary talent by providing students with practical experience in NASA's missions, direct access to agency mentors, and industry-ready skills that bridge academia and aerospace careers. For further information on competition details, eligibility requirements, and official rules, visit the ORBIT website at https://nasaorbit.org/.