NASA has opened applications for the TechRise Student Challenge 2025, giving U.S. middle and high school students a chance to design real science and technology experiments for space-related missions. This nationwide competition helps students gain practical skills in engineering, computing, and electronics while working on experiments that will launch on NASA-sponsored flights.
About the Challenge
The NASA TechRise Student Challenge invites teams of students from sixth to 12th grade in U.S. public, private, or charter schools, including U.S. territories, to develop innovative experiment ideas for one of two flight vehicles:
- Suborbital Spacecraft – Provides approximately 3 minutes of microgravity.
- High-Altitude Balloon – Offers 4–8 hours of flight at 70,000–95,000 feet with exposure to Earth’s atmosphere and high-altitude conditions.
A total of 60 winning teams will be selected to turn their proposals into real experiments.
Benefits for Winning Teams
Winning teams receive:
- $1,500 to build their experiment.
- A starter kit including a flight box for the experiment.
- An assigned flight spot on a NASA-sponsored suborbital spacecraft or high-altitude balloon.
- Technical support from Future Engineers advisors during the build phase.
No prior experience is required; this program is designed to teach students how to bring their ideas to life.
How to Participate
- Form a Team: Each team should have at least four students and one teacher or school staff member as the team lead.
- Review Resources: Check the official proposal templates, educator guides, and rules.
- Select a Flight Vehicle: Choose between the suborbital spacecraft or the high-altitude balloon.
- Brainstorm & Design: Develop your experiment idea using NASA’s provided worksheets and slide decks.
- Submit Your Proposal: Teachers must submit proposals via the Future Engineers dashboard by November 3, 2025.
Also Apply For: National Peace Corps Association Editorial Fellowship 2025
Timeline
- Deadline for Proposals: November 3, 2025
- Winners Announced: January 20, 2026
- Build Period: January 20, 2026 – May 16, 2026
- Experiments Launch: Summer 2026
This challenge is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to shape future scientists, engineers, and space innovators.
For full details and to apply, visit NASA’s official TechRise page on Future Engineers.
