Space Apps Ottawa - Participants
Hackathons are events where people come together to collaboratively build and launch technology based solutions aimed at solving a particular problem. Participants usually work in small groups over a couple of days. The goal is to come up with a prototype or proposal at the end of the hackathon to present in front of a panel of judges. Hackathons are a great way to develop solutions that solve problems, rather than just talk about them.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of our global community’s health and safety, NASA and the Space Apps Global Organizing Team have made the difficult decision to make the 2020 hackathon an all-virtual event. Each local virtual event will be hosted by one of our Space Apps Local Leads -- event leaders who will help connect registrants from their local communities to each other and to NASA.
Participant registration is now open at https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/. There you’ll be able to find a local virtual event near you. Or you may register for the Universal Event, open to those without a local virtual event. You must register to receive officially participate in the hackathon.
Tools and Technology
We encourage setting up a repository on Github , Dropbox or Google drive at the start and remember to commit often.
The Canadian locations have an official collaboration tool which is discord (this is where the mentors will be) but you can also use Slack or Whatsapp for group communication. We recommend downloading the Discord desktop app instead of using a browser.
Here are some useful links for downloading, installing and using Discord:
Team Formation
Tips for team formation:
- Mix and work with new people
- Talk through your expectations ahead of time
- Divide responsibilities and chose a team leader
- We recommend teams should be not more than 6 members to be eligible for prizes
Prepare yourself with the Virtual Bootcamp
Watch videos posted on the Space Apps YouTube channel to fulfill your curiosity and learn valuable insights for your Space Apps expedition!
What's Happening This Year
The following content is an excerpt from NASA global organizing team.
Categories
This year's theme is "Take Action," a reminder that you can be a part of the solution to our world's challenges. Browse the categories below to start your hackathon journey! Full challenge statements coming soon.
Review the challenges and resource links posted on 2020 Space Apps Challenge . Choose a challenge to work on with your team over Space Apps weekend!
Based on that success of the first all-virtual hackathon -- the Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge, which took place May 30-31, 2020 -- we know that a virtual Space Apps event can foster the learning, innovation, and collaboration of an in-person hackathon. The 15,000+ participants who joined the hackathon from 150 countries produced outstanding projects. We have confidence that Space Apps 2020 will enjoy the same success.
Ottawa is one of over 200 cities participating in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge globally.
We also have lots of support from the Canadian Space Agency and other government departments and companies. So we like to think of this event as the NASA International Space Apps Challenge with a Canadian flavour!
In other words, all local events will be moved online. In this unprecedented time, the Space Apps community exists as a reminder that we have the tools and talents to tackle the challenges that face our planet, as well as the ability to unite across boundaries and borders of all kinds. Our theme for this year’s event -- “Take Action” -- is a critical reminder that you can make a difference, even from the comfort and safety of home.
Space Apps, which started in 2012, has now become the largest global hackathon. While
NASA provides awards to the top projects (see more below), Space Apps is all about
collaboration! Our mission is focused on the following objectives:
- To inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
- To foster interest in Earth and space science and exploration
- To raise awareness of NASA data around the world
- To encourage growth and diversity of the next generation of scientists,
technologists, designers, engineers, artists, etc.
Space Apps is for everyone! This includes those who have never “hacked’ before! All passionate problem solvers are encouraged to join - students, experts, engineers, makers, artists, and storytellers. While some of our challenges are technical, others ask you to use your artistic skills, your business acumen, and your historical imaginations!
In other words, you do not need to be a coder or data expert to be part of Space Apps. In fact, the most diverse teams are often the most successful.
The answer is yes!
Teams are free to create whatever solutions they want to the challenge they pick. Some solutions are technical and some aren't.
We are certain you will contribute to any team with your ideas, enthusiasm and skills. We welcome people with all kinds of experience and knowledge. This is a great (and fun) place to learn teamwork, problem solving, learn and practice new skills, and learn more about the space industry.
It's completely free to participate. Our generous sponsors help us cover the costs and ensure the event remains free of charge.
Absolutely! If you're interested in helping out at the event, email us here.
While we would love to open up the event and presentations to more than just the participants, we have a limited capacity in the room due to fire safety regulations. Unfortunately you will only be able to attend if you've registered already.
Start by taking a good look through the challenges and select a few that interest you. At the start of the event, all registrants will receive login information to an online collaboration place, where prospective team members can share information together. We recommend a team is at least 3 people, ideally 4-6. If there is a lot of demand for a particular challenge you can all work together but form sub-teams.
Networking is important here. To put a great team together, you’ll have to walk around and talk to people. Everybody has something they can offer.
We have mentors and volunteers onsite all weekend - they can provide as much or as little help as you need.
We have additional assistance from the Canadian Space Agency who can provide expert help on their challenges and data.
We also have a Slack network that allows us to communicate with our fellow Canadian cities.
And last but definitely not least - we encourage teams to help each other out over the weekend - so if you get stuck there is somebody to help you get "unstuck"!
All attendees agree to a media release that allows us to post your images / videos for purposes of publicizing the event. In addition, the Canadian Space Agency requires a waiver for the same purposes. A short period after the event, we plan on posting information our attendees, teams, and winners. This may be available on our website as well as on our social media feeds.
What Happened Last Year
NASA International Space Apps Hackathon 2019 was an intense 48-hour global weekend hackathon for developers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, astronomers and enthusiasts. We were hosted by the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program at Carleton University.
Visit Official Space Apps Ottawa Hackathon Website
Download Space Apps Participant FAQ
Nasa Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge
Listen in to last year participants.
Listen in to NASA previous events.