York joins global NASA event

Posted on 19 April 2016

The University of York’s Department of Computer Science will take part in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, a global coding event organised by NASA and its partners.

On 23 - 24 April the Space Apps Challenge will see over 9000 participants from more than 160 worldwide locations tackle over 25 different challenges.

Using publicly available data, participants form teams to develop solutions to six types of challenges - Technology, Aeronautics, the Space Station, Solar System, Earth and Journey to Mars.

Open to both students and professionals, no technical experience is needed and participants can take part in York or via virtual participation. Teams will present their solution to an audience and a panel of professionals and academics, with the jury nominating a local winner to compete in a global competition. If successful, the global award includes an opportunity to attend a NASA launch.

Frank Soboczenski, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Lead Organiser of the Challenge, said: “This year we will host NASA's Space Apps Challenge for the fourth time in York - a tradition we are both proud and very excited to be a part of.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for participants to make a difference to technology in space and on earth by working together on a local as well as international basis. This embodies the spirit of the NASA’s Space Apps Challenge: innovation through collaboration. Participants showcase and improve their skills, get involved with public data and win great prizes. We are very grateful to our collaborating industrial partners for their support that makes this event possible.”

York’s Department of Computer Science will host the event in collaboration with NASA, and local companies Maplesoft, Rapita Systems and Star Compliance.

The event runs from 9:30am on Saturday 23 April to 6.30pm on Sunday 24 April in the Department of Computer Science. Participation is free and open to everyone. To join the event visit: https://2016.spaceappschallenge.org/locations/york-england/

Further information:

For further information about the International Space Apps Challenge, visit: https://2016.spaceappschallenge.org/locations/york-england/
Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpaceAppsYork and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SpaceAppsYork
For more information about the University of York’s Department of Computer Science, visit: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/