A national challenge to build technical skills for careers in space and beyond

Space is a frontier for infinite exploration. As the boundaries of our missions in space continue to expand, so do the opportunities for today’s students to explore a wide range of related careers in space — or their own communities.

The U.S. Department of Education invites high schools to bring space missions to students by designing and building CubeSat prototypes — in the classroom or at home. Designing and building a CubeSat prototype in this multiphase challenge will offer students a firsthand opportunity to learn valuable technical skills — such as engineering, computer science, research, logistics, project management, and marketing — that can be applied to careers in aerospace and many other industries.

Up to five finalists will receive an equal share of the $25,000 cash prize pool, as well as additional in-kind prizes donated by the following organizations: 

• Arduino
• Blue Origin
• Chevron
• EnduroSat
• LEGO Education
• Magnitude.io
• MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative
• XinaBox 

The Department understands that due to current conditions, schools will need flexibility to safely collaborate when designing and building prototypes during the challenge. The Department looks forward to the creative solutions in the mission proposals it receives as challenge entries.