Join Us for SpaceHack & NASA Space Apps Brookhaven 2025 

Inspiring the next generation of innovators, explorers, and problem-solvers — powered by creativity, technology, and the legacy of Nikola Tesla. 

What’s Happening 

Join us this Fall for SpaceHack – Designing Tomorrow, Today, a free hands-on STEAM program for high school and undergraduate students that teaches real world skills for the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest hackathon.

SpaceHack – Designing Tomorrow, Today

SpaceHack is a four-session prep program designed to set students (grades 9+) up for success at the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Over four Saturdays in September, students will work alongside scientists, engineers, and experts to build real-world problem-solving skills in technology, data analysis, and coding — then put them to the test during the global hackathon weekend in October.

Each workshop fosters creativity, collaboration, and technical know-how, including coding fundamentals and using open data to address global challenges. While students are encouraged to attend all four sessions, it’s not mandatory — participants will still gain valuable experience even if they can’t make every date.

SpaceHack Workshops (4 Saturdays): 

• September 6, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

• September 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

• September 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

• September 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

By the end of the program, participants will be ready to join thousands around the world for a weekend of innovation — and make a meaningful difference.

 

Saturday, September 6 – Session One: RADIO

See the Universe with Radio Light
Explore radio, remote control, and wireless communication — key technologies for space exploration. From the shores of Sound Beach to the far side of the Moon and the dunes of Mars, radio plays a vital role in exploring and understanding the universe. Learn the basic principles of the technology, engineering, and science behind radio from HAM radio operators, and hear about the history and physics of radio and wireless communication.
Location: Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784
Sign up for Session One

Saturday, September 13 – Session Two: OPENSPACE

Explore the Universe Using Astronavigation
Discover NASA’s OpenSpace — free, open-source software used in planetariums and museums worldwide. Visualize the cosmos in real time, explore our solar system, and learn how to navigate the known universe from your laptop. Laptop Requirements: i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, Nvidia 1060 GTX GPU (or comparable), and 4 GB VRAM. Students with compatible laptops may bring them to install OpenSpace during class.
Sign up for Session Two

Saturday, September 20 – Session Three: DATA

Understanding a Universe of Data
NASA’s Space Apps Challenge relies on open datasets to solve real-world problems. Learn how to access, transform, and visualize NASA’s freely available data — and see how it can be used to improve life on Earth and in space. Laptop recommended (Windows or MacOS). Chromebooks, tablets, and iPads are not supported. A limited number of laptops will be available for students who need one.
Sign up for Session Three

Saturday, September 27 – Session Four: CODING

Building Your Own Universe with Code
Dive into a hands-on coding workshop to learn the fundamentals of computing, programming languages, and problem-solving through software. Write code, create games, and gain real-world experience in creative software development. Laptop recommended (Windows 11 or MacOS 13+). Chromebooks, tablets, and iPads are not supported. A limited number of laptops will be available for students who need one.
Sign up for Session Four

NASA Space Apps Challenge – Brookhaven Location: 

• Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5, 2025 

Why It Matters 

This program isn’t just about coding or tech — it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and real-world impact. By connecting students with Nikola Tesla’s pioneering legacy and the spirit of space exploration, SpaceHack empowers them to: 

• Work side-by-side with scientists and industry experts 

• Tackle real challenges facing humanity on Earth and space 

• Gain skills that will serve them for life 

Nikola Tesla’s breakthroughs in radio technology, wireless communication, robotics, and remote control helped lay the foundation for today’s space science. From Tesla’s teleautomaton sailing the shores of Sound Beach to the Curiosity rover driving on Mars, SpaceHack builds on that legacy — encouraging students to imagine, design, and innovate for a better future. 

 

About the NASA Space Apps Challenge 

Organized by volunteers at Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe (TSCW), Space Apps Brookhaven is a host site for the Annual NASA Space Apps Challenge. The Space Apps event is free and open to the public, and all SpaceHack participants are invited to attend the event in person, but anyone is also welcome to join us virtually and take part in the world’s largest global hackathon.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge unites coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, and makers worldwide to create solutions for pressing challenges on Earth and beyond. Using free, open data from NASA and partner space agencies, participants turn ideas into tools, visualizations, and apps with real-world impact.

Learn More About NASA Space Apps Challenge 2025!

 

Thank you to our event partner

Thank you to our event sponsor