Space Hackathons 2025: Bodø, Oslo and Andøya

In 2025, a national series of space-focused hackathons was organised in Bodø, Oslo and Andøya, bringing together students, developers, and innovators from diverse disciplines. Through intensive, hands-on collaboration, participants explored how space technologies and satellite data can be transformed into practical solutions addressing real-world challenges both on Earth and in orbit.

Bodø - Student hackathon for a cleaner & more sustainable space

17 - 19. February 2025 | Nord University

The Bodø hackathon addressed the global challenge of space debris, focusing on the risks it poses to satellites, human spaceflight, and critical orbital infrastructure. Over three days, 37 students from Norway and abroad collaborated to develop innovative technological, regulatory, and strategic solutions aimed at ensuring a safer and more sustainable orbital environment.

Participants represented a broad range of backgrounds, including engineering, environmental sciences, programming, entrepreneurship, and regulatory studies. The hackathon was initiated by Norwegian Space Cluster in collaboration with partners such as Nord University, Tekna, Andøya Space, KSAT, NORSTEC, ESA Phi-Lab Norway, and others, with the goal of strengthening links between students and the space industry in Northern Norway.

The winning team, Team IMPACT, consisted of students from Norway and Finland. Their solution proposed a satellite equipped with a multi-layer Whipple shield, designed to safely capture small debris fragments in high-density orbital regions. As debris accumulates, the satellite gradually descends and ultimately burns up in Earth’s atmosphere without leaving residual waste. The team was awarded a cash prize of 10 000 NOK and the opportunity for a summer internship at KSAT.

Oslo - NASA Space Apps Challenge

04 - 05. October 2025 | Tekna, Oslo

In October, Oslo served as an official host city for the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest annual global hackathon. Organised by Tekna and Norwegian Space Cluster, the 48-hour event brought together students, developers, scientists, designers, and innovators from across Norway to address real-world challenges on Earth and in space using NASA’s open and freely available data.

Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants could choose from 18 global challenges developed by NASA experts under the 2025 theme “Learn, Launch, Lead.” Projects ranged from software and data visualisation to hardware concepts and scientific storytelling, supported by mentors from academia and industry. Selected teams from the Oslo event had the opportunity to advance to NASA’s global judging round, highlighting how local innovation can contribute to a worldwide space initiative.

Andøya - Space Solutions for the Arctic

14 - 16. October 2025 | Andøya Space Center

Hosted at Andøya Space, this hackathon focused on developing digital solutions based on satellite data to address real-world challenges in the Arctic. Around 30 participants, including students, researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs, collaborated over three days to design software applications supporting areas such as climate and infrastructure monitoring, logistics, emergency response, and sustainable regional development.

In the weeks leading up to the event, participants attended online lectures hosted by Andøya Space and Norinnova, gaining insight into satellite technology, innovation processes, and opportunities within Norway’s growing space sector. During the hackathon, teams worked closely with mentors, visited the Andøya Spaceport, and presented their solutions to a jury representing Andøya Space, Norwegian Space Cluster/KPB, KSAT, and Norinnova.

In total, seven teams presented their final concepts, with Arrow & Space Wolves announced as the winning team. All projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, relevance for Arctic use cases and teamwork, demonstrating how space technology can create practical impact for communities and industries in the High North.