CHALLENGE
The Space Prize Foundation is a global non-profit advancing youth participation in the space economy. Through the Space Prize Challenge, we bring students together with expert mentors and industry leaders for hands-on space and STEM challenges. Now, we are bringing the Challenge to Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has sent the Hope probe to Mars and an Emirati astronaut on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. The next generation of space leaders is already learning about space innovation and STEM, and the Challenge gives them a place to put that learning to work.
Over three days at NYU Abu Dhabi, students will work in mission teams, guided by mentors, to design and test rockets, use AI to send data to mission control, and take on the sustainability challenges that will shape the UAE’s future. Finalists then go on to an online video challenge and international expert judging, with winners announced at a virtual award ceremony.
More details, including how Abu Dhabi schools can take part, will be announced soon.
Eric Schmidt on the Space Prize
Three days at NYU Abu Dhabi
Space Prize Challenge at NYU Abu Dhabi
Over three days, 180 high school students team up with NYU Abu Dhabi scientists and mentors to take on a real challenge facing future Mars missions. They code, simulate, build and launch. It ends with each team pitching its own space solution to a panel of expert judges.
Think like an innovator
Welcome from NYU Abu Dhabi, and a keynote from an NYUAD astrophysicist on where we fit in the universe. Teams form, get their mission brief and learn design thinking to frame a problem on Mars. They start coding straight away, including vibe coding, where they build with AI as a creative partner. They also learn the ground rules for using AI responsibly.
Day 1 · January 22nd, 2027
Code, simulate, launch
An inspiring talk from a real astronaut. Teams turn into flight engineers. They code sensors to collect real data, run simulations, and use predictive AI to forecast velocity, altitude and flight performance before each launch. Then they design, build and launch rockets of different sizes outdoors. Teams compare their predictions with the real flight data and refine their designs, the same way real aerospace teams do.
Day 2 · January 23rd, 2027
Solve for Mars
An NYUAD space scientist explains the real science of landing on and living on Mars. Teams build and test their Mars solution. They use generative AI to sharpen their designs, create their mission identity and polish their pitch. The top teams pitch live to the judges and awards are given the same afternoon.
Day 3 · January 24th, 2027
Timeline
*Images used are from the previous Space Camp in Jeddah
Applications are open for Students until January 15th, 2027
Over three days, 180 high school students team up with NYU Abu Dhabi scientists and mentors to take on a real challenge facing future Mars missions. They code, simulate, build and launch. It ends with each team pitching its own space solution to a panel of expert judges.
Every video is reviewed by an international panel of experts from across the space industry, who write personal feedback for each finalist.
The winners are announced and awarded their prizes at an Award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Exact date to be announced.
