NASA invited collegiate teams to submit concepts for airborne platforms that could inspect land-based infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels, as part of the 2027 Gateways to Blue Skies competition.

Key Details

• Teams of two to six college students submit a proposal and two-minute video in Phase 1, judged by NASA and industry experts.
• Up to eight finalist teams receive a $9,000 prize and advance to Phase 2, presenting updated work at a forum in May 2027.
• Winners are offered the opportunity to intern with NASA Aeronautics in the academic year following the forum.
• Notice of Intent is due Monday, Oct. 12; proposal and video submissions are due Feb. 22, 2027.
• Sponsored by NASA's University Innovation Project, run by the Aeronautics Division within NASA's Research and Technology Mission Directorate, and administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on NASA's behalf, with NASA's Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation managing the challenge contract.

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