International Hackathon on Space Robotics & On-Orbit Servicing Missions

International Hackathon on Space Robotics & On-Orbit Servicing Missions

June 6–8, 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 Space Robotics & On-Orbit Servicing Missions brings together innovators, engineers, students, and researchers to develop emerging robotic technologies for repairing, maintaining, assembling, and refueling spacecraft in orbit.

The future of space exploration relies heavily on autonomous robotic systems capable of operating in extreme environments where human intervention is nearly impossible. On-orbit servicing (OOS) missions—such as satellite life-extension, debris removal, and autonomous assembly—represent the next frontier of sustainable and cost-efficient space operations.

This hackathon challenges participants to create breakthrough robotic solutions for orbital manipulation, autonomous navigation, multi-robot coordination, dexterous arms, and advanced vision systems. Over three days, teams will collaborate to build concepts that can revolutionize space sustainability and future space infrastructure.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Autonomous Satellite Capture & Docking Robots

Problem: Many satellites in orbit lack docking interfaces, making servicing difficult and risky.
Expected Solution: Robotic capture mechanisms, soft-docking systems, or autonomous grappling solutions with precise control.

Track 2: Robotic Space Debris Removal Systems

Problem: Space debris poses increasing risks, and current removal methods are expensive and limited in capability.
Expected Solution: Multi-functional debris capture robots, tethered systems, or autonomous debris-targeting algorithms.

Track 3: Dexterous Manipulator Arms for On-Orbit Repairs

Problem: Performing fine repairs in microgravity requires highly precise and flexible robotic arms.
Expected Solution: Multi-DOF manipulators, fault-tolerant designs, or microgravity-stable tools for repair operations.

Track 4: Autonomous Inspection Drones for Spacecraft Health Monitoring

Problem: Manual inspections are risky, and traditional sensors are limited.
Expected Solution: Miniature orbital drones with imaging, AI-based anomaly detection, and safe proximity flight operations.

Track 5: AI-Based Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) for Orbital Robotics

Problem: High-speed maneuvering around spacecraft requires advanced autonomous decision systems.
Expected Solution: AI-driven GNC frameworks, relative navigation algorithms, or collision-avoidance models.

Track 6: Robotic Assembly Systems for Large Space Structures

Problem: Building solar arrays, telescopes, and habitats in orbit requires precise robotic coordination.
Expected Solution: Modular robotic assembly systems, multi-robot cooperation algorithms, or autonomous construction workflows.

Track 7: Autonomous Refueling & Life-Extension Systems for Satellites

Problem: Many operational satellites cannot be refueled, reducing mission lifespan.
Expected Solution: Autonomous refueling mechanisms, fluid transfer technologies, or docking solutions for non-cooperative satellites.

Track 8: Human–Robot Collaboration for Future Space Missions

Problem: Astronauts require assistance in EVA tasks that are hazardous and time-consuming.
Expected Solution: EVA-cooperative robot concepts, wearable robotic aids, or teleoperation systems suited for microgravity.

Track 9: Fault-Tolerant Robotics for Extreme Space Environments

Problem: Robots must survive radiation, thermal extremes, and micrometeoroid impacts.
Expected Solution: Ruggedized robotic architectures, error recovery methods, or self-healing robotic systems.

Track 10: Individual Student Innovation Track (Open Category)

Problem: Open innovation challenge allowing participants to propose any original idea related to space robotics or on-orbit servicing.
Expected Solution: Novel robotic concepts, mission architectures, software tools, or operational frameworks.

3] Three-Day Event Schedule

📅 Day 1 – June 6, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Opening Ceremony & Keynote on Space Robotics

• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Problem Statement Briefing

• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Team Formation & Hackathon Kickoff

• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Mentoring Session I

📅 Day 2 – June 7, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Technical Workshop – On-Orbit Servicing Technologies

• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Development & Prototyping

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mentoring Session II

• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Mid-Hackathon Progress Review

📅 Day 3 – June 8, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Prototype Finalization

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

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Awards Ceremony & Closing

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to students, researchers, engineers, and enthusiasts worldwide.

• Team Size: 2–4 members.

Code of Conduct

• Original work only; plagiarism is prohibited.

• Respectful communication and professional ethics required.

• Submissions must meet deadlines.

• Follow instructions of mentors and organizers.

• Judges’ decisions are final.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity

2. Practical Application / Social Impact

3. Technical Implementation

4. Scalability & Feasibility

5. Presentation Quality

6] Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Top Rewards

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

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Shared with leading organizations for seed funding consideration, including:

  • NASA Satellite Servicing Projects Division

  • ESA Robotics & Automation Section

  • Astroscale (Space Debris & OOS)

  • Northrop Grumman Space Logistics

  • JAXA On-Orbit Servicing Program

Additional Perks

✔ Certificates for all participants
✔ Eligibility for WOA International Awards 2026 – Innovation Category
✔ Showcase opportunities at future WOA International Conferences
✔ Selected ideas published in WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (4 Members)

• Fee: ₹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

May 30, 2026 (One week before event start)

8] Contact Information

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