Innovation Gateway, presented by BHP
Make a contribution to research, increase your scientific understanding and immerse yourself in science, technology, engineering and math with our Innovation Gateway community science initiative.
What is community science?
Community science refers to data collection and interpretation by not only scientists and experts but also the general public. Community scientists can help researchers on a project without formal training.
Space Center Houston challenges
Carbon Capture Challenge 2022
Space Center Houston is excited to team up with Chevron to create a unique opportunity for Houston-area classrooms to join the team of engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals solving space exploration’s greatest challenges.
The STEM Innovations in Schools program, presented by Chevron, has launched the “Carbon Capture Challenge 2022.” Space Center Houston is spearheading this challenge with expert panelists from Chevron, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Greentown Labs.
Virtual Campout Challenges
Register for our monthly Virtual Campouts to compete in challenges with fellow community scientists.
Research
Balance study
In a microgravity environment of space, changes to the human body can affect muscles, bones and balance. To test how gravitational environments may affect balance and stability, astronauts go through a variety of tests before and after space travel. Through observing the impact on the human body in space, scientists are finding solutions that can help people on Earth. Space Center Houston and Baylor College of Medicine are investigating how balance changes with age.
International Space Station DNA experiment
Students of Space Center Houston’s Space Center University designed an experiment for astronauts to perform on the International Space Station, scheduled to launch on the SpaceX resupply mission in November. The experiment will determine if a specific, targeted enzyme can successfully sever a circular DNA strand into a linear one in the weightlessness of spaceflight.
Past challenges
Space Robotics Challenge - Phase two
Presented by BHP
The second phase of the Space Robotics Challenge will focus on advancing the autonomous capabilities of dexterous mobile robots to accomplish long-term in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) tasks, with 100% autonomy.
Design and Build A Rocket
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, you will design and build a rocket.
Design and Build Distortion Goggles
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, you will design and create your own distortion goggles.
Design & Build a Terrarium
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, you will design and build your very own terrarium.
Design & Build a Water Filtration System
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, you will design design and build a water filtration system.
Design and Test a Rover
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, you will design, build, and test a functional rover. This rover needs to be able to move under its own power.
Design and Test a Solar Oven
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, design a solar oven and use your design to warm a previously cooked or unperishable food item. Challenge winners can select from two general admission tickets to Space Center Houston or a virtual chat with a NASA astronaut.
Design an End Effector for a Robotic Arm
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, design an end effector, which is something that can grab or manipulate objects, for the end of a robotic arm. This challenge has three levels and two prize options!
Design astronaut meals for the Space Station
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
In this challenge, design astronaut meals for the International Space Station. This challenge has two levels! Make a meal addressing the ISS food system in level 1. Develop a complete food system for one astronaut on the Space Station for one week in level 2.
Design a spacecraft and mission
Presented by BHP with support from Repsol
Design your own spacecraft and mission. Submissions should include diagrams of your spacecraft and mission. These can be drawings, schematics, renderings, etc. The mission should chart where the flight path and any potential landing sites.
Design a long duration space environment
We exist in an exciting moment for space exploration as the first crewed mission to Mars draws closer. With this excitement comes a need to create stimulating environments that can increase and/or maintain fine motor control for astronauts. What’s your solution?
CO2 monitor for long duration spaceflight
High concentrations of carbon dioxide can lead to a variety of problems in long duration spaceflight. This presents a difficult issue for spaceflight as the station or vehicles are a relatively closed system, relying on filters, or scrubbers to remove carbon dioxide (CO2). Show us your design for a personal CO2 monitor for use in long-duration spaceflight.
Space Robotics Challenge - Phase one
NASA’s R5 Valkyrie robot is leading the way in the advancement of humanoid robots with cutting-edge, human-like dexterity in order to provide support with mission operations. Programmers from around the world competed to help NASA develop Valkyrie’s abilities in phase one of the Space Robotics Challenge.
Space Exploration Robot
Space exploration has moved from lifting satellites into orbit and placing men on the moon to sending probes to the edges of our solar system and the eventuality of manned missions to Mars. The only reason these advances have been possible is because of the incredible new technologies dreamed up by dedicated scientists, technicians and engineers.
NASA & Community Challenges
NASA Invites Public to Help Asteroid Mission Choose Sample Site
Community scientists assemble! NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission to the asteroid Bennu needs extra pairs of eyes to help choose its sample collection site on the asteroid – and to look for anything else that might be scientifically interesting.Explore
NASA Solve
Your gateway to several open NASA challenges!Explore
NASA Space Apps Challenge
Participate in NASA’s largest international Hackathon. Registration will open soon.Explore
