2024 Theme: Advancing Aviation for Natural Disasters
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of many natural disasters, NASA Aeronautics asks collegiate teams to conceptualize aviation-related system(s) that can be onboarded to improve aerial disaster management efforts immediately and into the next ~10 years.
Based on a review of proposal and video submissions, up to 8 finalist teams will be selected to receive an $8,000 stipend to develop a final technical paper, an infographic, and to present at the 2024 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition Forum at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA, May 30-31, 2024.
But wait…there’s more! As the competition prize,
NASA is offering 6 internship opportunities within its Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate!
Submissions from ANY and ALL academic levels (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate) and majors are highly encouraged and anticipated from any accredited U.S.-based college or university, including Minority-Serving Institutions.
Submit a non-binding Notice of Intent (NOI) to let us know you’re interested in participating in this year’s Blue Skies Competition – and get regular communication updates from the Blue Skies Team!
Aviation-related technologies and systems have the potential to aid in disaster relief, assist in firefighting missions, and provide supplies to hard-to-reach areas during an emergency event. Many emergency response professionals believe there is no one proposed concept that will be applicable for all different natural disasters or can be applied to all phases of management, opening this competition to a wide range of possibilities.
As climate change increasingly influences the frequency and severity of natural disasters on a global scale, opportunities to contribute at the intersection of technological advancement, aviation, and natural disasters grow in both number and importance. NASA Aeronautics is dedicated to expanding its efforts to assist commercial, industry, and government partners in advancing aviation-related systems that could help prepare for natural disasters, lessen their impacts, and speed up recovery efforts. Join the effort!
