NASA Launches 2027 Student Aviation Challenge for Infrastructure Inspection

• NASA's 2027 'Gateways to Blue Skies' competition challenges college students to develop innovative airborne platforms for inspecting land-based infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, and electric grids by 2035.
• The competition aims to improve safety, reduce inspection costs, and eliminate the need for hazardous human labor or disruptive facility shutdowns.
• Winning teams receive a $9,000 prize and internship opportunities with NASA Aeronautics.

Competition Details

• The challenge is open to multidisciplinary teams of two to six college students.
• Participants must submit a proposal and a two-minute video in the first phase.
• Up to eight finalists will advance to Phase 2 to present their work to experts at a 2027 forum.
• The competition is sponsored by NASA’s University Innovation Project and managed by the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation.

Key Dates and Requirements

• Notice of Intent: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 (non-binding).
• Submission Deadline: Feb. 22, 2027.
• Final Forum: May 2027.
• Interested teams must review official guidelines on the competition website for eligibility.