Frequently
ASKED
QUESTIONS
General Information
NASA Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon where participants compete to solve challenges using NASA’s publicly available data, with the chance for the winning team to be selected for global recognition.
Sarawak Space Challenge is a local hub connecting participants from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri to the global NASA Space Apps Challenge by sharing updates, resources, and support throughout Sarawak.
This is a state-level event. However, the winning team may be selected to directly compete at the global level.
No, the nominated team from the state level will directly compete at the global level.
Participants can choose from various challenges and use their skills to address them, whether through video, board games, or other mediums.
To view this year 2025 Challenges
No, participation is free.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge is organised globally by NASA. In Sarawak, it is brought to you by the Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) as a local collaborator, with Realfun and SOL Digital serving as the local delivery partners.
Sarawak Space Challenge serves as a local hub, connecting participants from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri to the global NASA Space Apps Challenge by sharing updates, resources, and support throughout Sarawak.
Yes, it is approved by JPNS.
Since 2021, making this the fifth year.
Register at sarawakspacechallenge.com and join our Discord server.
Yes, the global winner from SMK Bintulu visited NASA headquarters in the US in 2023.
The trip for Sarawak finalists to the closing ceremony is subsidized. For global winners, we will request funding from relevant agencies, but it is not guaranteed.
Participation and Categories
Secondary school students (13 years old and above) and above can join. Secondary school students will be in the Junior Category, while university students and working adults, including teachers, will be in the Senior Category.
Yes, but they must join an adult group or the senior category. Note that PAJSK points are not awarded for primary students.
Yes, if currently located in Sarawak. Otherwise, they can join NASA Space Apps Challenge from other locations.
Yes, as long as they are within Sarawak.
Yes, but they will be considered in the senior category if any member is 18 or above.
We recommend five members per group, but participants can join as solo or in any group size.
No worries, many participants start without proficient STEM knowledge. We offer a mentor program for teachers to become proficient in guiding students, with an official NASA Mentor Certificate Awarded. To get involved, join our Telegram group here: https://bit.ly/sas-mentor-telegram.
Not necessarily. Solutions can be in various forms, including physical products like party packs or board games.
Yes, NASA Space Apps Challenge is for everyone, including those with no coding experience.
No, but for the junior category, teachers must accompany their teams.
Challenge statements will be released in mid-August on spaceappschallenge.org. This year’s theme is related to the Learn, Launch, Lead.
They will receive a confirmation email from Google with submitted information.
Similar to other communication channels like WhatsApp. Download and explore. All announcements and additional information will be communicated through our Discord server.
Event Details
To be announced
Yes, but they must book a slot in advance. Travel expenses and accommodation are self-paid.
Yes, they can participate virtually.
Cash prizes and a chance to visit NASA headquarters.
Before 5th October
Winners will be announced in October, with the exact date to be confirmed.
Hackathon Details
October 4th and 5th. Projects must be submitted by 9 PM on October 5th.
Officially on October 3rd at 9 PM. Participants can start research and planning beforehand.
Teams should start work on their projects from 9 PM on October 3rd. Prior to that, they can research and plan.
48 hours.
No, it’s their choice. What’s important is completing and submitting the project by the deadline.
Depends on the challenge. Some may need a development environment, others may need just a computer.
Anything is allowed, including Scratch or Arduino, depending on the chosen challenge.
Understand the challenges, research, and plan solutions. Join roadshows and workshops.
Submit your projects through the website. For physical creations, take pictures or videos and provide detailed descriptions to allow others to recreate the work from any part of the world.
You may visit past challenges here: 2022 challenges.
Yes, feedback from judges will be shared.
Impact: How much impact (quality and quantity) can this project have? Does it solve a big problem or a little problem? Will it inspire or help many, or a few?
Creativity: How creative/innovative is the approach? Is the project novel and something that hasn’t been attempted before, or is it an incremental improvement on something that already exists?
Validity: Is the solution scientifically valid? Will it do what it sets out to do? Can it work in the real world?
Relevance: Is this project responsive to the challenge for which it was submitted? Is it a complete solution or does it have a long way to go? Is it technically feasible? How usable or user-friendly is the solution?
Presentation: How well did the team communicate their project? Were they effective in telling the story of the project: the challenge, the solution, and why it is important?
While many Space Apps teams excel at developing solutions with great potential, remember to pay equal attention to presentation. Your solution needs to be effectively communicated to convince others to implement it. Devote time and resources to developing your pitch and building a compelling story around your project. Consider including team members with expertise in storytelling, design, and documentation.
All submissions must be in English.
Reach out to past participants like Melvin or local leads such as Lunnie, Teacher Teo, Sharon, and Elis through Discord.
Roadshow and Workshops
We would love to. Please contact Teacher Teo at 0169810613 to arrange a visit.
We introduce the NASA Space Apps Challenge, expose students to the latest NASA missions, and engage them in physical activities, like making a Sundial.
Yes, it is approved at the state level. We will submit reports for the issuance of a letter of recognition.
Research challenges and join our workshops. This year challenges yet to release. To learn more past year challenges: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/nasa-space-apps-2024/challenges/
Check announcements on the Discord server.
Some via YouTube, others via Zoom. Check the Discord group for updates.
Yes, and they can still earn merchandise if they reach the required points.
Merchandise
Join activities such as online workshops and quizzes, and submit projects to earn points. Merchandise is awarded based on points earned. For more details, check out our Win Merch page.
No, they are earned through participation in activities.
Additional Information
Email hello@sarawakspacechallenge.com or join the Discord server.
Updated as of 18 Sept 2024
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