Prizes
Phase 1
Phase 1 is a checkpoint phase with no prize purse, giving teams the chance to focus on building strong concepts and preparing for deeper development.
Phase 2
At the end of Phase 2, up to ten teams per track (ORBIT Earth and ORBIT Space) will be selected as Finalists. Each Finalist team receives $15,000.
Phase 3
During the in-person Showcase, teams present their work to a panel of judges, fellow participants, faculty advisors, and special guests to compete for a share of the $500,000 total prize purse.
Track Placement Awards
Up to $140,000 total / $70,000 per pathway
1st Place: $30,000
2nd Place: $25,000
3rd Place: $15,000
Specialty Prizes
In addition to track placements, teams can compete for specialty prizes that recognize student leadership, post-challenge momentum, audience favorite concepts, and cross-domain innovation.
People’s Choice Award
$5,000 per pathway | 2 awards total
The People’s Choice Award is selected by popular vote during the in-person Phase 3 Showcase event. Attendees at the event, including fellow teams, mentors, and invited guests, will each cast one vote for the team whose concept most resonated with them. Votes may reflect a variety of factors such as creativity, clarity, presentation style, technical strength, or inspiration.
Faculty Advisors’ Choice Award
$5,000 per pathway | 2 awards total
The Faculty Advisors’ Choice Award recognizes student-centered excellence, evaluated by participating faculty advisors visiting teams outside their own track and institution. This award highlights teams that best demonstrate strong student ownership, clear communication, professionalism, and openness to feedback and new perspectives.
Next Steps Award
$10,000 per pathway | 2 awards total
The Next Steps Award recognizes the finalist team in each pathway with the strongest realistic plan for advancing its project after NASA ORBIT. Teams submit a brief plan detailing one meaningful milestone to accomplish within 12 months and a clear timeline for reaching it.
Integration Bonus: $10,000
$10,000 per pathway | 2 awards total
The Integration Bonus recognizes teams in each pathway that successfully bridge Earth and space applications. This award highlights concepts that demonstrate thoughtful cross-domain utility and show how technology developed for one track can solve critical challenges in the other.
Accelerator
The NASA ORBIT Accelerator is a series of learning and professional development activities designed to help students strengthen their technology and business ideas and explore future career opportunities. Beginning in Phase 2 and continuing through Phase 3, virtual activities will be open to all Phase 2 participants, with in-person activities offered to Phase 3 finalists at the Pitch Showcase. Topics may include technical and business development, project management, pitching, funding, and career development. All Phase 2 participants will also be provided information about potential NASA internships and credentialing opportunities.
NASA ORBIT mentorship provides Phase 3 finalist teams with personalized guidance as they refine their ideas and identify potential next steps ideas or careers. Each finalist team will be paired with a mentor for up to two virtual meetings.