NASA's Space Apps Challenge Legacy in Nepal
The History of NASA Space Apps Challenge in Nepal
Commitment of Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO)
NASA’s Space Apps Challenge will be organized across nine diverse and vibrant locations of Nepal:
- Dhangadhi
- Surkhet
- Butwal
- Pokhara
- Kathmandu
- Lalitpur
- Bhaktapur
- Janakpur
- Itahari
This Grand Event will happen 7-8 October in Nepal at the above mentioned locations.
The introduction of the NASA Space Apps Challenge in these regions is the result of consistent advocacy and lobbying by various astronomy and initiatives organizations that have strongly lobbied for hosting this event in these areas of Nepal. The event will be a blend of traditional, in-person format and hybrid mode, making it accessible to a wide spectrum of participants. This way, the enthusiasts who cannot physically attend the event can still participate in a virtual capacity.
Great Opportunity For Nepali Young Brains
The Space Apps Challenge has a transformative potential of shaping scientific knowledge, promoting space innovation, and fostering an environment for talent to thrive in Nepal and the broader world. This event not only offers the chance to showcase the proficiency of the participants but also serves as an accelerator for improving the tech infrastructure and inspiring young minds towards space and cutting-edge technology.
Opportunities are vast, ranging from exploring cutting-edge science and technology, gaining international exposure, forming global networks, to harnessing career-boosting knowledge and experiences.
However, to make the most of this opportunity and achieve success, certain strategies can be side by side followed.
Strategies To Approach The NASA Space Apps Challenge
Acknowledge the Challenge:
The first step is to comprehend the complexity and scale of the problem assigned during the event. The Space Apps Challenge questions revolve around NASA’s missions and research, and therefore, can be incredibly intricate. Often, it requires a deep understanding of satellite data, technology, and space science. The event is officially termed as Hackathon so its clear that it is more inclined towards software and application challenges however not only limited to them.
Form a Diverse Team:
The Space Apps Challenge is a team event. Therefore, forming a team with diverse skills and backgrounds can offer a holistic perspective and deliver creative solutions. A team should ideally consist of coders, designers, data analysts, and strategists. This challenging event is more than just a creating Space App hence its includes different availing rewards such as team work, collaboration, intro to mutual young minds with diverse operations and many more.
Study Past Solutions:
Understanding the winning entries in previous years can provide insight into what NASA expects in terms of creativity, originality, and innovation. You can find lots of challenges and past year resources to practice on the official site of NASA Space Apps Challenge. The inspirations from winners of past years are always inevitable which can be easily found in different social media sites and communication platforms.
Be Open to Learning:
This event is a unique learning platform. Being open-minded, curious, patient, and receptive to learning can ensure a greater experience and high chances of success. Specified neither for software developers nor for qualified illustrator, its only specified for learners and creating thinkers. The NASA’s Space App Program is totally designed for the great learners and performers which is easily approachable if you go with team of active and dynamic learners.
Stay Organized:
Maintain a structured work plan with clearly defined roles for each team member. Organizing tasks and timely execution can be pivotal in avoiding last-minute panic scenarios. Organizing team is the post-initial work which should be done ASAP after forming team. This is one of the crucial initiation to perform great in the challenge. With proper and diverse assigned learning in the team, your team is a step ahead of any nerdy team with a single focus.
Prototype Development:
Usually, the best approach is to have a working model or prototype of the solution. It’s necessary to demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed solution, which can give you an edge over others. As I mentioned above in the blog, there are lots of challenges in Official site of the event which is a surety in your prototype development for the main event. Most of the challenges are prelaunch to make the motive of event more accessible hence, they often match with the challenges in the main event.
Presentation Skills:
Lastly, presentation skills are as crucial as solving the problem. The team needs to convincingly communicate the purpose, functionality, and benefits of their solution in a compelling and clear manner. This is the final evaluation of your project and often crucial part of your developed project. So, it requires a lot of attention to make it done. This also might be your step to qualify for the next level in challenge therefore, interpreting with the done works to present it better is always must.
Upliftment Of Nepali Youths With Space App Challenges
The arrival of the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Nepal is a ray of hope for dreamers, thinkers, and adventurers in space science. This platform is not just an opportunity to compete but a transformative experience that can open gates for pushing technological boundaries and fostering innovation. So, find yourselves, and let’s embark on this exciting journey of exploration, curiosity, and learning. The NASA Space Apps Challenge Nepal 2023 is much more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the relentless human spirit to innovate for a better tomorrow.
Inspiring Future Generations: Beyond the immediate impact on participants, the Space Apps Challenge has the power to inspire future generations of Nepali scientists, engineers, and innovators. When young minds witness their peers tackling complex space challenges, it ignites a spark of curiosity and ambition. This event can serve as a catalyst for educational institutions, encouraging them to include space-related subjects in their curriculum and a culture of scientific inquiry among students.
Addressing Global Challenges: The Space Apps Challenge is not limited to the field of space exploration; it also addresses real-world problems facing our planet. Participants have the opportunity to work on challenges related to climate change, disaster response, healthcare, and more. By engaging with these challenges, Nepali youth can contribute to solutions that have a positive impact not only in Nepal but also globally, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Promoting Inclusivity: The hybrid format of the event, which combines in-person and virtual participation, promotes inclusivity by ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations can take part. This approach shows collaboration among participants from different parts of Nepal and even from neighboring countries, enriching the experience and bringing together a wide range of perspectives and ideas.