NASA Launches 2015 Space Apps Challenge to Spark Innovation

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Mar 11, 2015, 05:31 ET

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA and other space agencies around the world are preparing for the fourth annual International Space Apps Challenge, which will be held April 10-12 at more than 135 locations worldwide, including New York, host of the event's Global Mainstage.

During this three-day code-a-thon, participants are asked to develop mobile applications, software, hardware, data visualization and platform solutions that could contribute to space exploration missions and help improve life on Earth.

"These challenges provide opportunities for US and global citizen scientists, engineers, and students to interact and contribute to space exploration through code development, data analytics innovation, open source software and hardware," said Deborah Diaz, agency chief technology officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

This year's challenge will include the first ever Data Bootcamp, with a focus on Women in Data. The bootcamp is open to the public and will give participants the opportunity to improve their skills with computer coding and data. The April 10 bootcamp will stream live online from the Global Mainstage. Astronaut Cady Coleman and NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan will be on hand at the New York event to work with STEM students and also will be available for media interviews.

More than 200 data sources, including data sets, services and tools will be available for this challenge. This event brings together techy-savvy citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and students to help solve problems and questions relevant to space exploration and broader subjects that impact life on Earth.

This year, 35 challenges represent NASA mission priorities in four areas: Earth studies, space exploration, human health research and robotics. Many of the challenges are in the Earth theme, supporting NASA's missions to monitors Earth's vital signs from land, air and space.

A full list of challenges can be viewed at:

http://spaceappschallenge.org

Follow the challenge on Twitter using the hashtag #spaceapps.

For information about NASA's programs and missions, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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SOURCE NASA