International Hackathon on Space Mining Economics & Industrial Strategy

International Hackathon on Space Mining Economics & Industrial Strategy

Dates: November 14–16, 2026
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Mode: Online
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

As humanity moves toward a multi-planetary future, space mining and extraterrestrial resource extraction are becoming cornerstones of long-term economic growth and industrial expansion. The International Hackathon on Space Mining Economics & Industrial Strategy empowers students, researchers, and innovators to conceptualize sustainable economic models, policy frameworks, industrial pathways, and technological solutions for resource utilization across the Moon, asteroids, and Mars.

This hackathon focuses on the intersection of:

• Space resource economics

• Mining technology & robotics

• Space industrialization

• Supply chain design

• Legal & policy frameworks

• Investment roadmaps

• Market modeling & commercialization

Participants will create strategic, analytical, or technical solutions that address real-world challenges for future extraterrestrial industries.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Economic Feasibility Model for Lunar or Asteroid Mining

Problem: Determining profitability of mining operations remains uncertain.
Expected Solution: Cost models, ROI analysis, resource valuation tools, launch logistics modeling, or economic simulation frameworks.

Track 2: Supply Chain Architecture for Space Resource Transport & Processing

Problem: Moving mined resources from space to manufacturing hubs is complex.
Expected Solution: Propose end-to-end supply chain models, orbital transfer hubs, in-space processing pathways, or logistics flowcharts.

Track 3: Policy & Governance Framework for Space Resource Ownership

Problem: Ambiguity remains in international laws regarding property rights in space.
Expected Solution: Develop policy frameworks, legal interpretations, governance structures, or treaty recommendations.

Track 4: Market Forecasting for Emerging Space Resource Industries

Problem: Stakeholders lack reliable market projections for space-derived materials.
Expected Solution: Create forecasting models, demand analysis, industry competitiveness assessments, or future market maps.

Track 5: Industrial Strategy for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

Problem: Using local materials for construction or fuel is critical but underdeveloped.
Expected Solution: ISRU process workflows, regolith-based manufacturing strategies, resource maps, or industrial integration models.

Track 6: Risk Assessment Models for Space Mining Ventures

Problem: Uncertainties in investment, technology, and mission success hinder adoption.
Expected Solution: Create risk-mitigation matrices, investment risk scoring systems, mission reliability modeling, or safety frameworks.

Track 7: Cost-Optimized Mining Mission Architecture

Problem: Mining missions are extremely costly and technologically complex.
Expected Solution: Mission profiles, vehicle architecture concepts, robotics-based mining strategies, or power system optimization.

Track 8: Economic Impact of Space Mining on Global Markets

Problem: Influx of extraterrestrial materials could disrupt terrestrial industries.
Expected Solution: Price-impact models, global market simulations, commodity trade analysis, or resource competitiveness studies.

Track 9: Business Models for Private & Government Collaboration in Space Mining

Problem: Collaboration pathways between agencies and startups are unclear.
Expected Solution: PPP models, investment frameworks, revenue-sharing structures, or multi-stakeholder collaboration plans.

Track 10: Open Innovation – Participant’s Own Idea

Participants may propose any innovative, feasible, and economically impactful idea related to space mining, ISRU, or space industrial strategy.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 – November 14, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Theme Launch

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Expert Session: “The Future Economics of Space Resource Utilization”

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Team Formation, Problem Finalization & Strategy Planning

• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Initial Mentorship Round

Day 2 – November 15, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Research, Analysis & Concept Development

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mid-Review & Mentor Feedback

• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Refinement of Models & Presentation Preparation

Day 3 – November 16, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Final Submission

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Jury Evaluation & Presentations

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Closing Ceremony & Winners Announcement

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

• Team Size: 2–4 members

• Open to students, research scholars, entrepreneurs, space professionals, and enthusiasts worldwide

• All submissions must be original and developed during the hackathon

• Maintain professionalism and academic integrity

• No use of copyrighted, confidential, or classified data

• Violations lead to immediate disqualification

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity

2. Practical Application & Global Impact

3. Technical or Analytical Depth

4. Scalability & Implementation Feasibility

5. Presentation Quality & Clarity

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Awards & Support

• Top 10 Teams:
  Receive USD 1000 Voucher under the Idea to Startup Scheme – SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Shared with leading organizations for potential Seed Funding, including:

  1. NASA – Space Resources & ISRU Program

  2. ESA – Space Resources Initiative

  3. Blue Origin – Blue Moon & Space Industrialization

  4. Asteroid Mining Corporation (AMC)

  5. ISRO – Lunar Exploration & Resource Utilization

🎖 Additional Benefits

• Certificates of Participation

• Special Innovation Awards under WOA International Awards 2026 Series

• Showcase opportunities at relevant WOA International Conferences

• Selected ideas will be featured in the WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (4 Members):

Fee: Rs. 499
Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (4 Members):

Fee: USD 50
Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline: November 7, 2026

8] Contact Information

📧 Email: contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events