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NASA STEM Gateway is the official platform used across NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) to manage applications, participant records, and eligibility verification for student programs.

All NASA ORBIT Challenge STUDENT participants are required to create a STEM Gateway account and apply to the NASA ORBIT Challenge opportunity. Faculty Advisors should not create an account or complete an application on STEM Gateway, but will be later connected to the team on the Institute of Competition Sciences Learning Management System.

Teams should use the following steps to complete the NASA ORBIT application within STEM Gateway:

Teams should thoroughly read all eligibility requirements and FAQs before beginning.
Only the student Team Lead should complete and submit the main NASA ORBIT application proposal.

As the Team Lead, create or log in to your NASA STEM Gateway account then search for the 2026-27 NASA ORBIT Challenge opportunity. Click the “Apply” button.
When you reach the application section prompting you for team members, enter the exact names and associated email addresses for each person.
Click the “Send Invite(s)” button before you move on to the next page.
Your teammates will receive an email notification. They must log into their respective STEM Gateway accounts and accept the team invitation prior to the final application deadline.
Teams only need to complete the required fields in STEM Gateway. Project proposals, transcripts, faculty advisor letters, and other materials do not need to be submitted during the application process. These documents will be submitted to the ICS Learning Management System as part of Phase 1.

Completing this step confirms your team’s participation in the challenge, ensures compliance with federal program requirements, and enables NASA to track engagement and provide official communications throughout the challenge. STEM Gateway also serves as the system of record for participant eligibility, institutional affiliation, and demographic information.