NASA Launches ORBIT Student Competition for Space and Earth Technologies

• The NASA ORBIT challenge offers university and community college students opportunities to work with NASA intellectual property.
• Participating teams can compete for a share of up to $500,000 in prize money, mentorship, and an in-person showcase.
• Finalist teams receive access to an exclusive career-accelerator program focused on STEM and entrepreneurship.

Program Tracks

• ORBIT Earth: Focuses on developing commercial applications for existing NASA patents to solve terrestrial problems.
• ORBIT Space: Focuses on designing next-generation technology intended for space exploration.
• Integration Bonus: An optional track allowing teams to combine elements from both Earth and Space categories.

Important Dates

• Competition Opens: September 14, 2026
• Registration Deadline: November 16, 2026