NASA Launches 2026-2027 Student Challenge Focused on Future Aviation Fuels

• NASA's 2026-2027 'Dream with Us' design challenge invites middle school students to explore integrating liquefied natural gas (LNG) into airport infrastructure.
• The competition runs from September 25, 2026, through January 22, 2027, and explicitly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence in all project work.
• Teams of 2-4 students must develop both a technical layout and a creative advertising campaign for an airport capable of handling both LNG and traditional fuels.

Competition Requirements

• Technical Submission: A presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) featuring a labeled airport layout and an explanation of the necessary infrastructure and safety changes for multi-fuel operations.
• Creative Submission: A promotional piece—such as a video, infographic, or website—designed to market the benefits of the modernized airport to stakeholders like airlines or city leadership.
• Accessibility: All graphics and documents must include descriptive alt tags to comply with Section 508 standards.

Eligibility and Logistics

• Participation is open to students in grades 6-8 across the United States, including children of U.S. military personnel stationed abroad.
• Entries are limited to one per team; registration must be completed by an individual over age 13 or an adult sponsor.
• Submissions must be original student work, include signed parent or guardian permission forms, and adhere to specific file format limits (PDFs under 10 MB).
• Judging will be conducted by industry experts based on impact, practicality, originality, and clarity of communication.