NASA ORBIT 2027

Existing users: Log into your NASA STEM Gateway account first.
New users (if you have not already created an account): Click "Login" → "Not a member?" to create an account.
Once logged in, users can return to the opportunity page and click the "Apply" button to proceed normally.
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The Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology (ORBIT) challenge is a multi-phase innovation competition designed to empower university and college students to develop next-generation solutions that benefit life on Earth and Space.

Choose one of two tracks:
ORBIT Earth, which challenges teams to create novel commercial applications of NASA-owned patents.
ORBIT Space, which invites mission-enhancing concepts that address NASA’s strategic technology gaps.

Across four phases, teams receive NASA mentorship, engage in technical and entrepreneurial training, and gain hands-on experience in systems design, research, concept development, and commercialization. Finalists present their concepts at an in-person showcase and compete for track awards, specialty awards, and an optional Integration Bonus for projects that bridge Earth and space applications.

Up to $500,000 in prizes are available, awarded to Lead Institutions. The challenge strengthens the STEM workforce, expands pathways into NASA’s innovation ecosystem, and accelerates technologies that benefit both NASA missions and life on Earth.

For complete competition details, eligibility requirements, and official rules, visit: https://nasaorbit.org/
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Eligible Lead Institutions and Teams
Teams must be part of a Lead Institution. The Lead Institution must be identified as a MSI, HBCU, or TCU. Lead Institutions must be an entity incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. Lead Institutions may submit multiple teams and associated entries to the competition.

Team Composition
Teams must consist of six (6) or fewer student members, not including the faculty advisor. At least 60% of the team members must be from the same Lead Institution as the faculty advisor. The remaining team members may be from any other U.S. college or university (MSI/HBCU/TCU or not), provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Teams may include any combination of: Full-time or part-time students. Undergraduate or graduate students.

Team Registration
** Only the student Team Lead should complete and submit the main NASA ORBIT application proposal.**
When you reach the application section prompting you for team members, enter the exact names and email addresses for each person.
Click the “Send Invite(s)” button before you move on to the next page.
Your teammates will receive an email notification. They must log into their respective STEM Gateway accounts and accept the team invitation prior to the final application deadline.

Individual Eligibility
All team members must:
Be 18 years of age or older.
Be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals meeting the criteria below.
Be enrolled full-time or part-time (undergraduate or graduate) at a U.S.-based institution.

Faculty Advisor Requirements
Each team must have at least one faculty advisor. A faculty advisor may support multiple teams.
The faculty advisor must:
Be a full- or part-time employee of the Lead Institution.
Be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals meeting the criteria below.
Acceptable faculty advisors include: Current or previous professors. Deans or department chairs. Other faculty members or administrators employed full- or part-time by the Lead Institution.

Foreign Citizen Participation
Foreign citizens may participate only if they meet one of the following:
Are employees of an otherwise eligible U.S. entity who reside in the U.S.
Are full-time students at an otherwise eligible U.S. university or college who reside in the U.S.
Are owners of less than 50% of the interests in an otherwise eligible U.S. entity who reside in the U.S.

Important Note:
Eligible foreign citizens may participate fully in the competition. However, due to NASA security regulations, foreign citizens may not be approved to attend onsite culminating events at NASA centers (including tours). If approved to attend, they must provide current passport information prior to the event.

**Eligible Applicants:** Student
**Academic Level:** Undergraduate Freshman, Undergraduate Sophomore, Undergraduate Junior, Undergraduate Senior, Graduate Master's, Graduate Doctoral
**Activity Type:** In-person / Virtual
**Citizenship:** US Citizen and LPR
**Type:** Challenges