What's Happening?
NASA has introduced the Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology (ORBIT) challenge, aimed at university and college students. This multi-phase competition encourages students to develop innovative solutions that benefit both life
on Earth and space exploration. With a total prize pool of $380,000, the challenge invites teams to utilize NASA intellectual property or create their own concepts. Participants will conduct research, design prototypes, and present their ideas to a panel of judges. The ORBIT challenge features two tracks: the Earth track, focusing on commercial applications of NASA patents, and the Space track, which aligns with NASA's Artemis program goals.
Why It's Important?
The ORBIT challenge is significant as it fosters innovation and cultivates a new generation of talent in fields critical to NASA's mission. By engaging students in real-world problem-solving, the challenge not only advances NASA's objectives but also contributes to technological advancements that can benefit society at large. The competition provides students with valuable experience in systems design and entrepreneurship, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas such as disaster response, healthcare, and space exploration. Additionally, the challenge strengthens NASA's talent pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of skilled individuals ready to tackle future challenges in space and on Earth.
What's Next?
Registration for the ORBIT challenge is open until February 9, 2026, through the NASA STEM Gateway. As the competition progresses, participating teams will refine their concepts and prepare for the final showcase, where they will present their solutions to a panel of experts. The outcomes of the challenge could lead to new partnerships between NASA and academic institutions, as well as the commercialization of innovative technologies. The success of the ORBIT challenge may also inspire similar initiatives, further promoting STEM education and innovation across the United States.
