International Hackathon on Space Weather Forecasting & Radiation Shielding

International Hackathon on Space Weather Forecasting & Radiation Shielding

Dates: July 18–20, 2026
Mode: Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B, Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

Space weather affects satellites, astronauts, communication systems, navigation networks, and electrical grids on Earth. With increasing human and robotic missions beyond Low Earth Orbit, predicting solar storms and developing effective radiation shielding technologies has become a global priority.

The International Hackathon on Space Weather Forecasting & Radiation Shielding brings together innovators, engineers, scientists, and students worldwide to tackle real-world challenges related to solar activity forecasting, magnetosphere modelling, radiation mitigation, and protection strategies for spacecraft and deep-space habitats.

Participants will design algorithms, models, materials, and engineering solutions that enhance astronaut safety, spacecraft reliability, and mission success in harsh space radiation environments.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks (10 Total)

Track 1: Solar Flare & Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) Prediction Models

Problem: Current models often lack high prediction accuracy for CME timing and intensity.
Expected Solution: AI/ML-based forecasting algorithms using solar imagery, magnetogram data, or particle flux analysis.

Track 2: Space Weather Impact Prediction for Satellite Electronics

Problem: High-energy particles degrade spacecraft electronics and cause single-event upsets.
Expected Solution: Tools to predict satellite vulnerability, fault probability, and shielding requirements.

Track 3: Radiation Shielding Materials for Deep-Space Missions

Problem: Traditional shielding materials are heavy and expensive.
Expected Solution: Novel lightweight materials (polymers, composites, hydrogen-rich materials, regolith-based solutions).

Track 4: Predicting Geomagnetic Storm Intensity & Ground Effects

Problem: Severe geomagnetic storms disrupt power grids and communication systems on Earth.
Expected Solution: Simulation models that forecast geomagnetic indices (Dst, Kp, AE).

Track 5: Radiation Exposure Modelling for Astronauts

Problem: Astronauts experience elevated doses during deep-space travel.
Expected Solution: Models, health risk estimations, and safe operational time predictions under different solar conditions.

Track 6: Real-Time Space Weather Monitoring Dashboard

Problem: Space missions need immediate updates during solar events.
Expected Solution: A real-time visualization system integrating satellite inputs (ACE, DSCOVR, Solar Orbiter).

Track 7: Radiation Mitigation Strategies for Lunar & Martian Habitats

Problem: Planetary surfaces lack strong magnetic fields and atmospheric shielding.
Expected Solution: Concepts using regolith, water walls, magnetic shielding, or underground structures.

Track 8: AI-Powered Anomaly Detection for Spacecraft Radiation Events

Problem: Sudden radiation spikes can jeopardize mission safety.
Expected Solution: Autonomous on-board detection systems capable of triggering safe-mode protocols.

Track 9: Shielding Solutions for CubeSats & Small Satellites

Problem: CubeSats have strict mass limitations and limited room for shielding.
Expected Solution: Lightweight material solutions, compact shielding geometries, or external protection concepts.

Track 10: Student Open Innovation Track – Creative Radiation/Space Weather Concept

Problem: Open-ended innovation challenge.
Expected Solution: Any original, technically feasible idea related to forecasting space weather or radiation protection.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

📅 Day 1 – July 18, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Inauguration & Keynote on Space Weather Research

• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Expert Talk – Space Radiation & Human Spaceflight

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

• 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Team Formation & Initial Idea Submission

📅 Day 2 – July 19, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Model/Prototype Development & Simulations

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mentor Review & Feedback

• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Refinement & Final Submission Preparation

📅 Day 3 – July 20, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Final Prototype/Presentation

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

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Results & Closing Ceremony

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to students, researchers, and professionals worldwide.

• Team size: 2–4 members.

Code of Conduct

• All submissions must be original.

• Plagiarism leads to immediate disqualification.

• Participants must remain respectful and professional.

• Teams must adhere to timelines and submission standards.

• Jury 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 10 Winners

Receive USD 1000 Worth Voucher – “Idea to Startup Scheme” (SUKISH GROUP)

🌟 Top 3 Teams

Ideas will be shared with leading organizations for potential seed funding, such as:

1. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center – Space Weather Division

2. ESA Space Weather Office

3. ISRO Space Radiation Research Centre

4. NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

5. JAXA Space Environment Group

Additional Benefits

• Certificates for all participants

• Special Innovation Awards at WOA International Awards 2026

• Opportunity to showcase at a related WOA International Conference

• Selected project abstracts published 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:

📌 July 11, 2026

8] Contact Information

📧 contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 www.wingsofaero.in/events