International Hackathon on Crew Psychology & Long-Duration Mission Support Tools

International Hackathon on Crew Psychology & Long-Duration Mission Support Tools

September 26–28, 2026 | Online Mode

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

1] About the Hackathon

As humanity prepares for multi-year missions to Mars, lunar habitats, and deep-space expeditions, the psychological and behavioral health of astronauts becomes one of the most critical mission determinants. Prolonged isolation, confinement, limited communication with Earth, monotony, and extreme operational stress can deeply impact crew morale, decision-making, social dynamics, and mission performance.

The International Hackathon on Crew Psychology & Long-Duration Mission Support Tools brings together students, behavioral scientists, aerospace professionals, and innovators to develop new tools, technologies, and frameworks that enhance crew well-being, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience. Participants will develop practical solutions in mental health monitoring, stress mitigation, habitability tools, cognitive assistance, and immersive support systems tailored for long-duration space missions.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

1. Real-Time Psychological Monitoring Systems

Problem: Crewmembers’ mental states fluctuate during long missions, yet continuous assessment is challenging.
Expected Solution: AI-based monitoring tools, wearable devices, or integrated psychological assessment dashboards.

2. Isolation & Confinement Stress Reduction Tools

Problem: Extended isolation leads to loneliness, depression, and behavioral changes.
Expected Solution: Interactive platforms, virtual companionship systems, or digital therapy models.

3. Crew Conflict Prediction & Resolution Systems

Problem: Group tensions can escalate in confined spaces with limited mediation options.
Expected Solution: Behavioral modeling systems, early-warning diagnostics, or conflict-resolution AI assistants.

4. Sleep Regulation & Circadian Rhythm Management

Problem: Long missions disrupt circadian cycles due to artificial lighting and non-Earth day durations.
Expected Solution: Smart lighting systems, sleep-cycle trackers, or circadian rhythm management technologies.

5. Cognitive Performance Monitoring & Enhancement Tools

Problem: Stress, fatigue, and isolation reduce cognitive function.
Expected Solution: Cognitive-task monitoring systems, neurofeedback tools, or cognitive enhancement frameworks.

6. Virtual/Augmented Reality Systems for Stress Relief & Recreation

Problem: Crewmembers require emotional stimulation, relaxation, and creativity support.
Expected Solution: Immersive VR/AR experiences tailored to psychological well-being and leisure.

7. Social Cohesion & Team Dynamics Enhancement Platforms

Problem: Crew interactions need to remain positive, cooperative, and resilient under stress.
Expected Solution: Team activity platforms, gamified bonding tools, or AI-based interaction analytics.

8. Communication Support Systems for Delayed Earth Contact

Problem: Missions to Mars and beyond face long communication delays, increasing anxiety and frustration.
Expected Solution: Predictive messaging tools, AI companions, or asynchronous communication optimization systems.

9. Habitability Optimization Tools for Confined Environments

Problem: Small living areas impact mood, productivity, and comfort.
Expected Solution: Smart habitat reconfiguration systems, adaptive lighting, noise control, or environmental personalization tools.

10. Individual Innovation Track – Open Concept

Participants may propose any innovative solution supporting astronaut psychological resilience, social well-being, or mission habitability.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 – September 26, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Inaugural Ceremony & Theme Introduction

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Expert Talks on Space Psychology Challenges

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Team Formation + Hackathon Kickoff + Mentor Interaction

Day 2 – September 27, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Mid-Review with Psychology & Space Mission Experts

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Prototyping, Concept Development & Mentoring Sessions

Day 3 – September 28, 2026

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

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

• 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Awards Announcement & Closing Ceremony

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to all students, researchers, psychologists, engineers, programmers, and space enthusiasts worldwide.

• Team Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 4 members.

Participation Rules

• All work must be original and created only during the hackathon.

• Strict adherence to deadlines, presentation guidelines, and submission formats.

• Disqualification for plagiarism or unethical conduct.

• Participants must maintain respect, integrity, and professionalism.

Code of Conduct

• Zero tolerance for harassment or discriminatory behavior.

• Collaborative, inclusive participation expected from all team members.

• Protection of participants’ ideas and intellectual property.

5] Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation & Creativity – 20%

• Practical Application / Social Impact – 20%

• Technical Implementation – 20%

• Scalability & Feasibility – 20%

• Presentation Quality – 20%

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Top 10 Teams

• USD 1000 Voucher from SUKISH GROUP under the Idea to Startup Scheme

🏆 Top 3 Teams – Seed Funding Recommendation

Projects will be forwarded to leading industry and research organizations such as:

• NASA Human Research Program (HRP)

• ESA Space Medicine & Psychology Division

• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) – Crew Operations

• Axiom Space – Human Factors & Habitability Division

• Blue Origin – Human Spaceflight Program

Additional Recognition

• Certificates of Participation for all participants

• Special category: Innovation Awards – WOA International Awards 2026 Series

• Opportunity to showcase solutions at a related WOA International Conference

• Selected submissions will be abstracted in WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (4 Members): Rs. 499

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

International Team (4 Members): USD 50

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

Registration Deadline: September 19, 2026

(One week before the hackathon)

8] Contact Information

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