International Hackathon on Interstellar Propulsion & Future Spaceflight Concepts

International Hackathon on Interstellar Propulsion & Future Spaceflight Concepts

Date: October 10–12, 2026
Mode: Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Interstellar Propulsion & Future Spaceflight Concepts is a global innovation platform dedicated to pushing the boundaries of humanity’s next-generation space exploration capabilities. This event challenges participants to conceptualize, analyze, and design futuristic propulsion systems capable of supporting interstellar travel, ultra-long-distance missions, and breakthrough spaceflight technologies.

Participants will explore real-world scientific constraints, physics-based propulsion models, breakthrough engine concepts, and speculative but scientifically grounded ideas that could shape the future of deep-space exploration. The hackathon encourages visionary thinking backed by engineering logic, computational analysis, and creative scientific approaches.

This is the perfect stage for dreamers, engineers, astrophysicists, propulsion researchers, and innovators who want to redefine humanity’s path to the stars.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Feasibility Study for Fusion-Based Spacecraft Propulsion

Problem: Fusion engines promise very high specific impulse but face extreme challenges in confinement, ignition, and fuel availability.
Expected Solution: A system-level conceptual design with fusion confinement method, performance estimates, and feasibility roadmap.

Track 2: Laser-Powered Light Sail for Interstellar Missions

Problem: Traditional propulsion cannot achieve relativistic speeds for interstellar travel.
Expected Solution: Light sail geometry, materials study, beam-power requirements, acceleration model, and mission profile simulation.

Track 3: Antimatter Propulsion Safety & Containment Architecture

Problem: Antimatter annihilation offers high energy density but storage and containment remain major obstacles.
Expected Solution: Storage tank concepts, magnetic containment designs, risk mitigation strategies, and mission-level implications.

Track 4: Beamed Propulsion Network for Deep-Space Travel

Problem: Deep-space missions require continuous power delivery without heavy onboard power sources.
Expected Solution: Distributed beaming infrastructure, relay stations, power transmission analysis, and spacecraft receiver systems.

Track 5: Interstellar Navigation & Relativistic Guidance System

Problem: At near-relativistic speeds, classical navigation systems fail due to time dilation and sensor limitations.
Expected Solution: A guidance/navigation architecture using pulsars, AI systems, or deep-space references accounting for relativistic effects.

Track 6: Nuclear Pulse Propulsion System Optimization (Project Orion-Type)

Problem: Nuclear pulse propulsion could enable massive thrust but poses structural, environmental, and shock management challenges.
Expected Solution: Shock absorber design, structural load modeling, thrust estimation, and safety analysis.

Track 7: Exotic Propulsion Concepts—Alcubierre Warp Field Constraints

Problem: Warp drives require exotic energy densities and spacetime manipulation beyond current physics.
Expected Solution: Theoretical analysis of energy requirements, spacetime geometry modeling, and physically plausible alternatives.

Track 8: Cryogenic Storage & Fuel System Design for Multi-Decade Missions

Problem: Long-duration interstellar missions need stable fuel storage over decades or centuries.
Expected Solution: Cryogenic systems, thermal management, material behavior study, and energy preservation architecture.

Track 9: AI-Driven Optimization for Interstellar Mission Architecture

Problem: Complex mission profiles require adaptive routing, resource planning, and autonomous failure management.
Expected Solution: AI/ML-based mission optimization models for propulsion usage, trajectory planning, and system reliability.

Track 10: Individual Student Innovation Track

Participants may propose any original idea related to interstellar propulsion, futuristic spacecraft design, relativistic travel, next-gen propulsion physics, or breakthrough spaceflight systems.
The solution must be scientifically grounded and technically justified.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

📅 Day 1 – October 10, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Introduction to Interstellar Propulsion

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Problem Statements Release + Team Confirmations

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Expert Session: “Beyond Rocket Engines – Future Propulsion Technologies”

📅 Day 2 – October 11, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Mentorship Sessions with Domain Experts

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Concept Development + Mid-Review (Optional)

📅 Day 3 – October 12, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Final Submission Window

• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Jury Evaluation & Live Presentations

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

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to international participants (students, researchers, professionals).

• Team Size: 2–4 Members.

Rules & Code of Conduct

• All ideas must be original and scientifically supported.

• Plagiarism, AI-generated content without scientific validation, or copied ideas will lead to disqualification.

• Maintain respectful communication throughout the event.

• All deadlines are strict; late submissions will not be evaluated.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity – Novelty of ideas and breakthrough potential.

2. Practical Application / Social Impact – Relevance for future spaceflight advancements.

3. Technical Implementation – Scientific accuracy, modeling, and feasibility.

4. Scalability & Feasibility – Potential for future development or research expansion.

5. Presentation Quality – Clarity, structure, and depth of explanation.

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Prizes

• Top 10 Winners:
  USD 1000 Worth Voucher – “Idea to Startup Scheme” by SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Teams:
  Their ideas will be shared for potential seed funding support with:

  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

  • Breakthrough Initiatives (Breakthrough Starshot)

  • ESA Advanced Concepts Team

  • Blue Origin – Advanced Development Programs

  • SpaceX Propulsion R&D Team

Additional Recognition

• Certificates of Participation for all registered participants.

• Featured Innovation Awards under WOA International Awards 2026.

• Opportunity to present at a related WOA International Conference.

• Selected innovative ideas will be abstracted in the WOA International Journal.

7] Registration Section

For Indian Teams (4 Members):

💲 Rs. 499
🔗 Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

For International Teams (4 Members):

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

Registration Deadline:

October 3, 2026 (One week before event start)

8] Contact Information

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