Applications for the 2022 Caltech Space Challenge have closed! We will contact all applicants in January.

Participation in this competition does not require an entry fee. Housing, all meals, and a travel reimbursement (full or partial, depending on the funding available) will be provided for all participants.

Reasons to apply

  • Participate in one of the top space challenges in the world

  • Work with colleagues who are equally excited about science, engineering and other disciplines to tackle some of the toughest problems in space exploration today

  • Learn in a unique multidisciplinary environment consisting of students, faculty members and some of the sharpest minds in industry

  • Connect directly with some of the leading companies in the space industry and have your resume provided directly to them for hiring consideration

APPLICATION INSTRUCTION

Fill out the online application form to apply. The following items will be required:

  • CV/Resume

  • LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Request a letter of recommendation from an advisor, supervisor or professor. 
Start to ask early! 
You will have to type her/his/their email address in the online form.

  • LETTER OF MOTIVATION

We will ask you to explain the following in short paragraphs: 

  1. Why are you interested in the Caltech Space Challenge?

  2. How will participation benefit you?

  3. What technical skills would you bring to your team?

  4. Describe your previous leadership and group project experiences.

  5. Given your background, what aspect of mission design are you most interested in?

  6. For art and design applicants, please include some space related artwork

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students during the 2021-2022 academic year from any nationality are eligible to apply. This includes students who finish their undergraduate degree before the end of the academic year and start a graduate program in fall 2022 (in this case please provide evidence of application to graduate school).

Since a mission design involves a highly multidisciplinary work force, students from any discipline may apply. Disciplines include (but are not limited to):

  • Aerospace/Aeronautics/Space Systems

  • Geology and Planetary Sciences

  • Physics/Applied Physics

  • Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

  • Biology

  • Applied Math

  • Business/Project Management

  • Computer Science/Software/Animations

  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering

  • Graphic Design/Graphic Arts

  • Material Science

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Space Policy