International Hackathon on Advanced Sensors for Spacecraft & Planetary Probes

International Hackathon on Advanced Sensors for Spacecraft & Planetary Probes

September 19–21, 2026 | Online Mode

Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Advanced Sensors for Spacecraft & Planetary Probes is dedicated to accelerating innovation in next-generation sensing technologies that support space exploration, planetary science, and deep-space missions. Modern spacecraft rely on highly advanced sensors for navigation, environmental monitoring, hazard detection, surface characterization, sample collection, thermal management, and life-support systems.

This hackathon invites students, researchers, engineers, and visionaries to design sensor systems capable of operating in extreme environments—from the frigid regions of Europa to the scorching volcanic plains of Venus. Participants will tackle real-world engineering challenges related to miniaturization, robustness, low-power operation, multi-function integration, and autonomous sensing in remote planetary environments.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

1. High-Temperature Sensors for Venus-Like Conditions

Problem: Extreme temperatures (>450°C) degrade most sensor materials and electronics.
Expected Solution: Propose sensor designs using high-temperature materials, thermal shielding, or novel cooling concepts.

2. Subsurface Ice Detection Sensors for Mars & Icy Moons

Problem: Existing radar instruments struggle with noise, penetration limits, or energy constraints.
Expected Solution: Develop improved radar, neutron, or microwave-based sensing architectures to detect subsurface water/ice.

3. Dust-Resistant Navigation Sensors for Lunar & Martian Landers

Problem: Dust accumulation disrupts optical and IMU-based navigation systems.
Expected Solution: Create self-cleaning designs, dust-tolerant optics, or hybrid navigation sensors.

4. Radiation-Hardened Sensor Arrays for Deep-Space Missions

Problem: High radiation degrades sensor performance and leads to data corruption.
Expected Solution: Propose radiation-hardened designs, shielding, or error-correction sensing architectures.

5. Miniaturized Multi-Sensor Payloads for CubeSats & Nano Probes

Problem: CubeSats require powerful yet compact, low-power sensors.
Expected Solution: Develop integrated sensor suites for attitude control, resource detection, or environmental monitoring.

6. Atmospheric Entry Sensing Systems for Heatshield Monitoring

Problem: Entry vehicles need real-time sensing of heating, pressure, and ablation.
Expected Solution: Design high-speed, robust sensors for measuring TPS temperature, structural stress, or ablation rates.

7. Chemical & Biological Detection Sensors for Habitability Assessment

Problem: Identifying organics or biomarkers requires sensitive, contamination-free instruments.
Expected Solution: Propose novel spectrometers, biosensors, or chemical analysis tools for astrobiology missions.

8. Autonomous Hazard Mapping Sensors for Rovers

Problem: Rovers need real-time hazard detection to avoid cliffs, obstacles, and unstable terrain.
Expected Solution: Suggest advanced LiDAR, stereo-vision, radar, or fusion-based hazard mapping systems.

9. Low-Gravity Seismic & Geophysical Sensors for Small Bodies

Problem: Seismic sensing on asteroids or comets is challenging due to weak gravity and low coupling.
Expected Solution: Develop anchoring mechanisms or new types of geophysical sensors optimized for small bodies.

10. Individual Innovation Track – Open Sensor Concept

Participants may propose any innovative sensor idea supporting spacecraft, landers, rovers, orbiters, or planetary science. Creative, futuristic concepts are welcome.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 – September 19, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Opening Ceremony & Theme Orientation

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Problem Statement Technical Briefing

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Team Formation + Concept Initiation + Mentoring Round 1

Day 2 – September 20, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Mid-Review + Technical Mentorship

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Development Session + Mentor Feedback

Day 3 – September 21, 2026

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

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Presentations & Jury Assessment

• 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Award Ceremony & Conclusion

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to global students, researchers, professionals, innovators, and startup teams.

• Team Size: 2–4 members.

Participation Rules

• Only original work created during the hackathon is allowed.

• Participants must follow all submission timelines and presentation instructions.

• Plagiarism or unauthorized copying leads to immediate disqualification.

• Maintain professional, respectful engagement at all times.

Code of Conduct

• Uphold equality, respect, and academic integrity.

• Avoid harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.

• Protect team data, ideas, and intellectual property.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity – 20%

2. Practical Application / Social Impact – 20%

3. Technical Implementation – 20%

4. Scalability & Feasibility – 20%

5. Presentation Quality – 20%

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Top 10 Winners

• USD 1000 Voucher – Idea to Startup Scheme by SUKISH GROUP

🏆 Top 3 Winners – Seed Funding Opportunity

Winning solutions will be forwarded to top space organizations such as:

• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

• ESA Planetary Science Division

• ISRO Space Science & Instrumentation Wing

• Honeywell Aerospace – Space Sensor Division

• Lockheed Martin Deep Space Instrumentation Group

Additional Recognitions

• Certificates of Participation for all teams

• Special Innovation Awards under WOA International Awards 2026 Series

• Showcase opportunity at related WOA International Conference

• Selected ideas will be published as abstracts in WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (4 Members): Rs. 499

Registration: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (4 Members): USD 50

Registration: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline: September 12, 2026

(One week before the hackathon)

8] Contact Information

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