International Hackathon on Ocean Worlds Exploration Technologies

International Hackathon on Ocean Worlds Exploration Technologies

June 20–22, 2026 | Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B — Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Ocean Worlds Exploration Technologies brings global innovators together to tackle real scientific and engineering challenges associated with exploring extraterrestrial ocean worlds such as Europa, Enceladus, Titan, and Ganymede. These mysterious bodies hold the highest potential for discovering extraterrestrial life due to their subsurface oceans, complex chemistry, and dynamic geological processes.

This hackathon encourages participants to create breakthrough solutions in robotics, cryogenic drilling, autonomous navigation, submersible technologies, communication systems, instrument design, energy systems, and surface-to-ocean interface technologies. Participants will engage with real mission constraints faced by NASA, ESA, ISRO, JAXA, and future deep-space ocean exploration programs.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Cryobot Design for Ice Penetration

Problem: Drilling through kilometers of ice on Europa or Enceladus requires advanced thermal, mechanical, and energy-efficient systems.
Expected Solution: Propose a cryobot concept capable of melting or cutting through thick ice while preventing refreezing and maintaining power efficiency.

Track 2: Submersible Robot for Subsurface Ocean Exploration

Problem: Oceans beneath icy crusts require autonomous submersibles capable of navigating dark, high-pressure environments.
Expected Solution: Develop a robotic submersible with navigation, mapping, and environmental sensing capabilities suitable for alien oceans.

Track 3: Communication Relay Through Ice Crust

Problem: Communication from a submersible to the surface lander must pass through a thick ice shell with severe signal attenuation.
Expected Solution: Suggest a multi-layer communication system involving tethers, acoustic communication, melt-water channels, or wireless alternatives.

Track 4: Sample Collection from Hydrothermal Vents

Problem: Possible hydrothermal vents may support microbial life, but accessing and sampling them is challenging.
Expected Solution: Design a sampling mechanism for rugged undersea terrains that collects and preserves biological or chemical samples.

Track 5: Autonomous Navigation in Unknown Ocean Terrain

Problem: Subsurface oceans have no GPS, no sunlight, and unpredictable conditions.
Expected Solution: Propose AI/ML algorithms or sensor systems for onboard navigation, hazard avoidance, and mapping in pitch-dark waters.

Track 6: Energy Systems for Long-Duration Subsurface Missions

Problem: Powering ice-penetrating and underwater exploration systems far from the Sun is extremely challenging.
Expected Solution: Suggest nuclear, thermal, chemical, or hybrid energy systems optimized for multi-year survival and efficiency.

Track 7: Planetary Protection: Avoiding Biological Contamination

Problem: Earth microbes must not contaminate alien oceans, and vice-versa.
Expected Solution: Develop sterilization protocols, containment systems, or material concepts to ensure strict planetary protection compliance.

Track 8: Surface Lander Design for Ocean Worlds

Problem: Landers must withstand low temperatures, radiation, and unstable surfaces such as icy plains or methane lakes.
Expected Solution: Design a robust lander capable of safe touchdown, power management, and interfacing with subsurface systems.

Track 9: Environmental Sensors for Detecting Signs of Life

Problem: Detecting biosignatures requires highly sensitive instruments under extreme pressure and low temperatures.
Expected Solution: Propose instruments or sensor arrays capable of detecting chemical, thermal, or biological signatures in alien oceans.

Track 10: Individual Innovation Track

Problem: Open challenge for any unique student-driven idea advancing technologies for ocean worlds exploration.
Expected Solution: Any innovative design or concept demonstrating originality, technical rigor, and mission relevance.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 – June 20, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Keynote

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Problem Statement Briefing & Team Formation

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Hackathon Work Session – Phase 1

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Mentor Interaction Round

Day 2 – June 21, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Hackathon Work Session – Phase 2

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Prototyping / Concept Development

• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Technical Review & Mentor Feedback

Day 3 – June 22, 2026

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

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Presentations & Demo Pitch

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Jury Evaluation

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Award Ceremony & Closing Session

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to students, innovators, and early-career researchers worldwide.

• Team Size: 2–4 members.

Participation Rules

• All submissions must be original and developed during the hackathon.

• Participants must follow ethical practices and respect intellectual property.

• Professional, respectful behavior is expected at all times.

• Teams must adhere to deadlines, presentation formats, and submission guidelines.

• Plagiarism or misconduct leads to immediate disqualification.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity

2. Practical Application / Social Impact

3. Technical Implementation

4. Scalability & Feasibility

5. Presentation Quality

6] Prizes & Recognition

Top 10 Winners

• Awarded USD 1000 worth vouchers under the
  “Idea to Startup Scheme” of SUKISH GROUP

Top 3 Teams

Ideas will be shared with leading organizations for seed funding opportunities, including:

• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

• ESA Directorate of Science

• ISRO Space Science Program Office

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

• The Ocean Worlds Life Surveyor (OWLS) Program Collaboration Partners

Additional Recognition

• Certificates of Participation for all teams

• Special Innovation Awards during WOA International Awards 2026 Series

• Opportunity to present at a relevant WOA International Conference

• Selected ideas will be published in WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Teams (4 Members)

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

International Teams (4 Members)

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

Registration Deadline: June 13, 2026
(One week before the event)

8] Contact Information

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