On the afternoon of August 8 at the American Center (US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City), the NASA International Space Apps Challenge officially launched in Vietnam.

Ms. Dinh Tran Phuong Uyen - head of the program's organizing committee in Ho Chi Minh City - said this is the first time Vietnam has joined the network of countries participating in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge - NASA's largest global hackathon.

With the theme “The Sun Touches Everything,” teams will be provided with open data from NASA to develop innovative solutions to the challenges posed. The theme of the 2024 competition is closely linked to the Big Year, which studies the Solar System and the effects of solar activity on Earth.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the NASA International Space Apps Challenge will take place during the Space Apps Ho Chi Minh City Hackathon on October 5 and 6.

During these two days, participants will have access to and use open data from NASA and partners to solve real-world challenges on Earth and in space.

After the competition, more than 100 nominated projects from different cities will be evaluated and selected by NASA space agency experts, and have the opportunity to be invited to NASA headquarters in the US for the global awards ceremony.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a global phenomenon, first held in 2012, attracting about 2,000 participants at 25 events in 17 countries.

Since then, the competition has grown rapidly and now has over 280,000 entries, 2,400 local events and participation from over 185 countries and territories. The event is now co-hosted by 13 of the world’s leading space agencies, creating a vibrant community of creativity and innovation.