To help foster the growth of space science, NASA, along with more than 150 partner organizations around the globe hosted the 2013 International Space Apps Challenge last week. The annual event encourages the development of technology apps, from citizens around the world, designed to solve challenges relevant to improving life on Earth and in space.
This is the second International Space Apps Challenge for NASA and its partners. For this event they put forth 50 challenges encouraging individuals to develop software, hardware, data visualization, and mobile/web applications that will contribute to space exploration missions and help improve life on Earth.
Complete information on the event, the apps and participation can be found online at http://spaceappschallenge.org. Among some of the challenges which topped the list at this year’s event were:
— Spot the Station: Extend the functionality of the Spot the Station website (spotthestation.nasa.gov) that allows you to share your sightings of the International Space Station with others.
— Hitch a Ride to Mars: Design a CubeSat (a small research satellite) for an upcoming Mars mission.
— 3-D Printing Challenge: Create an open source model of space hardware that can be generated by a 3-D printer.
— Curiosity at Home: Foster a connection between citizens and the Mars rover through software, visualizations, or an app.
— Seven Minutes of Science: Develop a concept to make use of 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of ejectable mass during the entry and landing phase of a Mars mission to accomplish scientific or technical objectives.
— Catch a Meteor: Create an app that would allow observers of a meteor shower to trace the location, color and size of the meteor.
— Smart Cities, Smart Climate: Explore the impacts of atmospheric changes on the health, infrastructure and society in urban areas.
— Why We Explore Space: Share the “why” of space exploration through the creation of compelling narratives and visualizations.