NASA ORBIT Challenge 2027

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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, or design next-generation technologies for space exploration.

The most ambitious teams can pursue both through the optional Integration Bonus.

Award:Up to $500,000 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.

Challenge Open Date:September 14, 2026

Registration Close Date:November 16, 2026